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A large, Perpendicular Gothic church,
serving the
Parish of Thirsk in the Diocese of York
The Benefice of Thirsk
Rector: Revd. Canon Richard Rowling |
St Mary's Church Thirsk: Ark Clubs
Ark Clubs and All Age Worship : 
| The leaders, some mums and children from the Ark Club and the Little Ark Club make 'All Age Worship' service, held on the first Sunday in the month,very special. The children take a full part in everything from opening prayers, telling and illustrating stories ( the photograph shows Noah's Ark,) teaching us new hymns -with actions-responsorial prayer,taking the elements to the altar and collecting free will offerings. After the penitential prayers the children go with their leaders into the crypt for time on their own before returning for blessings.
For one of the All Age Worship Services the children dressed up specially for Noah's Ark. The wonderful papier mache heads of giraffes, zebras and lion (with which they won first prize at Thirsk Festival some years ago)were put to good use on the little stage around the Ark. We always look forward to what they will do next! | Easter Garden 2013 : 
| The children and their helpers worked hard and happily on Good Friday afternoon to create this year's Easter Garden. On Easter Saturday morning when the flower arrangers were setting up the Easter flowers exhibition several of them said they thought it is the best the children have made particularly because it is on two levels.
It was decided to keep the plants in their pots this year in order to keep them fresh as they can be so much more easily watered throughout the week of the exhibition -thanks to the Welcomers.
The exhibition will be dismantled once visitors have left on Saturday 6th April. Having the plants in pots means not only will they have been kept at their best but can easily be recycled into permanent growing spots in the children's gardens.
The Easter Flowers and Children's Easter Garden Exhibition is open throughout the week. See Home Page 'Ministry of Welcome'for daily opening times as these vary slightly according to other church events. | Ark Club Meetings and Activities : The Ark Club (children’s group for ages 4 years upwards) meets on the 2nd,3rd and 4th Sunday each month in term time during the 10.15 service. We have lots of fun with arts and crafts, games, stories and songs and we have our own computer and printing facilities.
If you are wondering why St. Mary's Sunday School is called the Ark Club ? Well it is because some years ago St. Mary's entered a float depicting Noah's Ark into the Thirsk Festival competition and won first prize.The children decided they much preferred to be known as the 'Ark Club' - and so it was. | A Very Special Nativity Play : Little Ark Club :
Little Ark Club
meets in church Tuesday mornings during school term time. Parents/grandparents/carers with young children meet up with other families for fun and friendship. Parents who are willing and able set up the toys and activities and take turns to lead the weekly singing sessions. Lesley McKenzie supports the group and is the Child Protection Officer.
Sessions are quite informal and attended by about 12 families on average with anywhere between 12 and 18 babies and toddlers.Whilst parents are required to take responsibility for their own children, there is shared interest and care.We constantly welcome newcomers to the group – people new to Thirsk, and new additions to families.
Come and join us. For information contact jane.jackson21@btinternet.com
The children have a range of toys to share and a dressing up box, which the older children particularly enjoy. Children are encouraged to sit down for a few minutes at snack time to minimise mess and straying cups. Adults enjoy a coffee or tea and a chat. The cost of refreshments is covered by the suggested donation of £1 per family. There is a routine search for hidden Tiger and Monkey, followed by singing accompanied on percussion instruments in the Lady Chapel. On birthdays children are sung to and receive a small gift.
Visitors frequently comment on the pleasure of seeing so many young children in church at once, playing happily and making good use of the building. | Little Ark Club's News : January 2013
Thanks to Lionel Twiss, last term was rounded off with a visit from Father Christmas. We all had fun and the children were suitably amazed at his ‘surprise’ appearance. Three-year-old Daniel approached him and peered at him,first one side and then the other. Had he noticed the very obvious elastic holding the beard in place? Was he about to ask an awkward question? No, simply a whispered ‘Did you come down the chimney?’
Despite the weather and the various bugs that have been going around there has been a good turn out each week this term.
BIG THANKS to all those who volunteered for coffee making. A very effective rota is now up and running. It’s a great help and much appreciated.
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