From the Vicar's Desk

Friday 24 April

Sunday Service

I hope you will join me in the basement for our Live Sunday Service at 10.00am. There's a new Order of Service which you can get by clicking here: please download that before Sunday. As we are now in Easter Season it does contain a few changes and, chief amongst them is that we are going to do some singing together! I have introduced three songs, two of which will be same every week and the words are included in the order of service; the third will be chosen each week and is available along with the music for the other two by clicking here (next week's should look tidier).

Live Streaming Problems

You may well be aware that I have had some internet connectivity issues and I am working hard to ensure that interruptions to the streaming are as unlikely as possible. There are a number of complications which I am working to overcome, one of which you can help with if you are watching on the website (rather than through Facebook or YouTube). We have realised that often, when a live stream 'drops out', viewers are sent to the most recently uploaded video. So on Sunday morning that can mean that you suddenly find yourself watching Morning Prayer instead. This should be a simple matter of switching a setting in our account with the software we use - but that hasn't worked. So we've raised the issue with the company who are looking into for us. Meanwhile, if the live stream disappears, please go back to the SMR Live page and load the page again - this should bring you back to the live event. And thank you for your patience.

Connecting with the Community - Food Banks

We have run the pop-up Redcliffe Emergency Foodbank for two weeks now and it's good to be able to make a real contribution to the lives of some of those most impacted by Covid-19 itself or by the effect it is beginning to have on the economy. We are always keen to receive donations (click here to see what we are looking for) either at FaithSpace or at Ebenezer Church in Horfield as we are partnering with North Bristol Food Bank. If you can't get out, could you consider making a donation to the North Bristol Food Bank which is supporting our food bank, or to Churches City Fund which is coordinating financial contributions to food relief across the city.

Connecting with the Community - Foster Care

The response to the plea for more foster carers has been astonishing: thank you if you have offered yourselves to this programme. This is being run with the City Council and in partnership with the churches across the city. Over 30 people have come forward in response to the plea for temporary foster carers, a dozen of which have come through appeals made by church leaders. If you feel drawn to help with this major piece of work with some of the city's most vulnerable young people, please click here to find out more.

Caring for the Congregation - ContacTree

The work of the ContacTree continues: thank you to all those who have offered to make phone calls or contact people in other ways. It's great to hear that so many people are well and being well supported by friends, neighbours, family and church.

Caring for the Congregation - Study Groups on line

Following the successful transition from real-world to virtual-world of the Lent Group, Aggy and Becky are starting an online bible study group, starting at 8pm on Monday 4th May. The topic is Wisdom and Ministry, and the first session will be focusing on Leadership and Collaboration. The study sessions will run every two weeks. Please click here if you'd like to know more about being part of this on-line learning group.

In future weeks we want to start up other on-line fellowship groups and I am keen to hear what you think would help you in your spiritual growth in this difficult time. My contact details are below.

The return of the plea for a treasurer

Despite the arrival of Covid-19 and the postponing of the annual meeting, David Harrowes (our current PCC treasurer) has a new role that he has agreed to take on for a national organisation at the beginning of May which means he really does need to hang up his spreadsheet very soon. The Wardens and I are very keen to find a new treasurer and would ask anyone who might be able to help to contact me (see below) very soon.

Contact me

If you would like to comment on anything in this newsletter, please email me: dan.tyndfall@stmaryredcliffe.co.uk

Look forward to being seen by you soon !!

Dan

Canon D F Tyndall

Vicar, St Mary Redcliffe

0117 231 0067

0776 929 6220

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Staff Update: Rebecca Horry, Commercial Manager

By rebecca.horry • March 13, 2026

As the new season begins, it feels full of potential as new life appears around us and the days grow longer. Spring brings a natural sense of renewal, and it feels like a particularly special time in the life of our church. I’m delighted that our building will be hosting several events that explore the story and meaning of Easter in different ways. One highlight will be hosting Riding Lights Theatre Company presenting Night Falls, a new Passion play by Paul Birch, offering a powerful retelling of the Easter story. We hope it will be meaningful for both members of our congregation and visitors who join us. We are also looking forward to a screening from the Exhibition on Screen series exploring Easter in Art, reflecting on how artists across the centuries have interpreted the Passion and Resurrection. Our church shop continues to welcome visitors and regulars alike. Alongside cards, books, and gifts, I’m pleased to share that we have recently brought a new book supplier on board, helping us widen our range of titles for both children and adults exploring faith and the heritage of the church. I’ve also been delighted to help recruit several new volunteers to help run church tours, and we hope this will allow us to expand our tour offer and share the story of the church with even more visitors. If you see them in the church please help welcome them to the team. Behind the scenes, we continue working to welcome concerts and other events into the church. Our beautiful space lends itself wonderfully to music, and these events not only bring people together but also help support the care and future of the building. Over the coming months, we look forward to hosting a range of concerts and cultural events, welcoming audiences from across the local area and beyond. If you know of choirs, ensembles, or promoters looking for a distinctive venue, please do point them in our direction. Thank you to everyone who supports these activities by volunteering, attending events, shopping in the shop, or spreading the word. Recca Horry , Commercial Manager 13.03.2026