From the Associate Vicar's Desk

Welcome to "From the Associate Vicar's Desk" for Friday 16th July

Changes to covid measures in church
Last week I said I hoped I'd be able to tell you in this message what changes we will make in church following 19th July; I'm afraid that as I write we still haven't had the Church of England guidance so we're still waiting to confirm. We do have an internal plan waiting to be checked against the guidance, when it comes, and I'd like to assure you we are planning to do this slowly and gently and with an eye on local infection rates. We will definitely ensure you know what to expect before coming to church on 25th July!

Journey back to church together

This weekend we are reflecting on all that has happened over the last year and a half or so, as we prepare for the next step. And we'll be remembering that, through our sorrows and our joys, God is faithful.

To join our gentle, quiet pilgrimage around the church on Saturday, please book here, call the Parish Office, or just come to church between 10.30 and 2.30 (you may have to wait for a free slot).
To join our all-age service at 10.00am, with time for tears and laughter and a very special surprise to remind us of God's faithfulness, please book here.
If you're still feeling nervous about coming to church, or are isolating, or can't come for any other reason, we can still worship together, please do join us online on Sunday!

Difference and diversity - living and learning well together

Over the summer we will be running a 5-week course about how we live and learn together in the face of difference and diversity. There will be time for prayer, Bible reading, reflecting on our experiences and listening to each other. Three separate groups will be led by our clergy team and you can "mix and match" to fit around other commitments.

Sundays 11.30am in church, from 18th July

Fridays 2.30pm on zoom, from 23rd July

Wednesdays 7.30pm on zoom, from 28th July

Sermon on Sunday Evening 26th July 2026

By matthew.buckmaster • July 27, 2026

Preached by Canon Dr Stephen Spencer

Sermon on Sunday 19th July 2026

By matthew.buckmaster • July 22, 2026

Preached by Canon Dr Stephen Spencer

Staff Update: Joe Cryan, Director of Music

By joe.cryan • July 17, 2026

Last Sunday marked the end of another choir term—and what a term it has been! We've welcomed new choristers, learnt plenty of exciting music, sung for some wonderful liturgies, and eaten what can only be described as a significant amount of biscuits. The day began with a very special visit from Sing Start! , who joined us for the Eucharist. Together we sang Litany of the Holy Spirit and Joanna Forbes L'Estrange's St Helen's Mass. A huge thank you to Helena from Children's Church for organising ice creams afterwards—a thoroughly appreciated post-service treat! We're also delighted that a large number of Sing Start! children will be joining our regular treble lines from September. This is tremendously exciting, not only for the choir's future growth but also for the long-term strength and sustainability of our music-making at SMR. In the evening, we gathered for a special service celebrating the composer Charles Wood, marking 100 years since his death. It was a fitting tribute to one of the great figures of Anglican church music—but the occasion was also notable for another reason. Several of our own choir members stepped into new musical roles and showcased talents beyond their usual singing duties. Our Head Chorister conducted the introit, one of the back-row singers composed the psalm chant, and our Corner Chorister wrote the organ voluntary. It's wonderful to see so much creativity and musicianship flourishing within the choir. The final service of the year was followed by the all-important choir party: pizza and a screening of Sister Act. Judging by the enthusiastic reaction afterwards, there is now considerable demand for I Will Follow Him to appear in a future service. We make no promises—but do keep an eye on next year's music lists... The choir is now taking a well-earned summer break, but music certainly won't stop at SMR. Sunday morning Masses will continue with a cantor leading the music, and we're looking forward to welcoming several excellent visiting choirs over the coming weeks, including St Andrew's Backwell, St Mary's Ross-on-Wye, and the Handful Chamber Choir. Our regular choir returns on Sunday 13 September, refreshed, recharged, and ready for another exciting year of music. Have a wonderful summer, and thank you to all our choristers, families, volunteers, and supporters for another fantastic year.