From the Associate Vicar's Desk

Making the journey together

Welcome to "From the Associate Vicar's Desk" for Friday 9th July

Easing of restrictions

I'm sure that the Prime Minister's announcement earlier this week has raised a lot of questions and stirred a lot of emotions, which will be different for each of us. The Church of England guidance is not likely to be published until later next week.

I very much hope to be able to let you know this time next week what and when our next steps will be in terms of relaxing some of our safety measures at church. However, this is a journey we will make gradually, and make together. We want everyone to feel safe at church, so we will not be reverting "back to how it was" straight away, but will most likely make some adjustments later this month or early August, and then further adjustments at the start of September.

Journey back to church, together - Saturday 17th July 10.30-2.30

Our church pilgrimage, to welcome you back into our church building in a safe, reflective and prayerful way. Timed slots, very small groups, guided prayer activities, tea and cake. This event is suitable for all ages. Please do come along to this important resting place on our journey through this pandemic. Book here.

St Mary Redcliffe Festival - Sunday 18th July 10.00am

This time of year, we usually celebrate the life of our church in a special end of term service. This year it will have a slightly different feel, following on from our pilgrimage on 17th, as we reflect together on all that has happened since we were last able to all meet freely and safely in church. An important opportunity to gather, to lament, to give thanks, to rejoice, together; and to welcome our children's church back to worship indoors at our main service for the first time this year. The booking form will be emailed on Monday as usual.

Prayer and study groups: "Pastoral Principles for 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. The Pastoral Principles identify six 'pervading evils': prejudice, silence, ignorance, fear, hypocrisy and power. These hinder our growth as Christians, hurt other people, and create barriers that stop our churches from growing into Christian communities of welcome and belonging.

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.