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A large, Perpendicular Gothic church,
serving the
Parish of Thirsk in the Diocese of York
The Benefice of Thirsk
Rector: Rev Richard Rowling |
St Mary's Church Thirsk: News Page
Revd. Graham Bowkett-Curate : 
Revd. Graham Bowkett set on selling raffle tickets -just one of his many duties when a Curate! |
| Revd. Graham Bowkett-Priest : Our curate,Rev. Graham Bowkett was Priested on Trinity Sunday morning in York Minster. His first Holy Communion service as priest in the evening was warmly received by a large gathering of friends, relatives and congregation.
| Yet More Essential Training of our Curate : Our annual barbecue held in John Bell's wonderful garden on Saturday 10th July was another first for Revd. Graham Bowkett. He underwent his 'chef' training with Richard Taylor as his Supervisor and scarcely complained despite the smoke in his eyes and too close an encounter whilst cooking the vegetable kebabs.
| *************************No one Told Me This Was Part of the Job! : PCC Meeting in the Crypt 19th July : 
| The treasurer is on holiday so he provided a written report which, following his recent prediction of a significant shortfall, gave rise to a great deal of discussion about how we address the problems of falling income at a time when everyone is feeling the pinch.
It was agreed that we hold a Gift day on Saturday 18th September. Other fund-raising events will be publicised once they are finalised.
There were reports from Social Committee, Ark Clubs and Deanery Synod. Matters such as church lighting and a new timetable for the 'Away Day'were discussed.
PCC learned that thanks to the skill and ingenuity of the Rector's brother-in-law we now have a mechanism to raise the catafalque into position for a funeral.It was reported that the Verger is well pleased.
All PCC meetings are held in the Crypt. The photograph shows the Rector, Secretary and Curate. | Let There Be Light : After a seeming eternity of discussion, inspections, legalities and quotations PCC accepted a £17,500 quote for installation of augmentary lighting in the Nave. It will considerably reduce reserves so it is hoped we may secure some grants - all donations gratefully received!
Work started on 2nd August and took about three weeks to complete . The contracters promised and caused minimal disruption. After all the years of hoping and praying that the lighting would be improved it is hard to believe that it is now a reality.We look forward to celebrating the new lighting with all manner of events. | Let There Be Light- And There Is Light –Bright Light !
: The installation of the lighting in the Nave was completed on Friday 20th August-- pause for praise and alleluias ! On Monday 23rd two or three of the light bulbs, which were damaged in transit, were replaced and all the scaffolding, boxes and bits were removed from the back of the church where they were stacked in readiness. Now there is modern lighting in the mediaeval nave - as no mediaeval forms of lighting were deemed acceptable – and it is the fulfilment of the long-held wishes of worshippers and those who use the church for concerts, recitals and all manner of events. St. Mary’s will now be able to serve Thirsk Parish as a wonderful, well lit, venue.
| Gospel Shock Choir : Fund -raising for Burkino Fasa 
| The concert in St. Mary's church on Saturday 3rd July raised over £500. The money raised will be matched by a three to one grant from the European Commission, to restore farmland destroyed by heavy rains and devastating floods in this sub-Saharan country which has suffered drought for 30 years. Churches Together North York Moors, our umbrella organisation will receive our contributions towards a £5,000 target, which will be matched by £15,000 from the EU.
The programme was most enjoyable and everyone who attended agreed that the choir is excellent. Many thanks to all the members and to Alan Morton our organist for making fund-raising so pleasurable. | CHRISTIAN AID NEWS : £7439 was raised in Thirsk and the surrounding district in connection with May’s Christian Aid Week. This was £167 more than last year, but £919 less than 2008. Encouraging is that £3,108.78 of that was gift-aided, providing approximately 28p extra to every £1 given.
People in Thirsk itself gave £1,001.65, £348.79 of which was gift aided. Grateful thanks to all who have helped to bring much needed support to poor, struggling people in about 50 countries.
The concert in St. Mary’s last month for the project in Burkino Faso raised an impressive £552. This is a scheme in partnership with the EU who will provide £3 for every £1 raised by Christian Aid so the end result will be a further £2,000 plus of work to benefit the farmers and fishermen in the northern part of the country beset by a double whammy of drought and, when it comes, destructive torrential rain.
Paul Rathbone (Thirsk Christian Aid Group,
part of Thirsk & District Churches Together)
| ‘Make a Joyful Noise/Gladsome Sound’ : Maureen Lewis’s idea of forming a scratch choir has become a reality. A surprising assortment of singers have joined together to learn and practise hymns old and new. If you would like to join the ‘choir’ the next rehearsal is 2.30pm Tuesday 6th September in church.
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