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 



Read more here, sign up here


Funeral of Peter Creed

We learned a couple of weeks ago of the death of Peter Creed, who was a very longstanding and well-loved member of our congregation, although he hadn't been able to come to church for quite some time. His funeral will be at South Bristol Crematorium on Thursday 22nd July at 11.15. His family would love SMR friends to come, but as there are still limits on numbers, please contact Aggy Palairet if you'd like to come so she can check with Peter's family.


Send on / Contact me

Please forward this email on those who might be interested in SMR and contact me here 


With my best wishes


Kat


Rev'd Kat Campion-Spall

Associate Vicar, St Mary Redcliffe



Services this Sunday


8.30am : Morning Prayer 

: live streamed only

: live stream here : words here


10.00am : All Age Holy Communion 

: live streamed public worship

: live stream here : Order of Service here


5.30pm : Choral Evensong 

: live streamed public worship

: live stream here : Order of Service here


   

More blog posts
By matthew.buckmaster January 18, 2026
Preached by Rev Teddy Kalongo, Superintendent of Bristol's Methodist Churches
By matthew.buckmaster January 11, 2026
Preached by the Revd Simon Goodman
By matthew.buckmaster January 11, 2026
Preached by the Canon Dr Stephen Spencer
By matthew.buckmaster January 11, 2026
Preached by the Canon Dr Stephen Spencer
By sam.love November 19, 2025
At the beginning of October 2025, Rebecca Horry joined the St Mary Redcliffe team as our new Commercial Manager. Here, she reflects on her first month in post. A big thank you for the warm welcome I have received at St Mary Redcliffe as the new Commercial Manager. It has been a genuinely inspiring start, getting to know the team, understanding the rhythm of church life and beginning to explore the many opportunities that sit within our commercial activities. My role is all about strengthening revenue streams and developing our commercial strategy to generate sustainable income for St Mary Redcliffe. In this short time, I’ve had the chance to listen, learn and to see the heart behind the work we do. It’s clear to me that our commercial activity isn’t simply about generating income, it’s about creating connections, making to most of our unique offer and ensuring our church can continue to flourish for generations to come. One of the great privileges of my first month has been experiencing the incredible music that fills this place, from intimate recitals to large-scale events. There is something truly special about watching the building come alive with sound, seeing audiences uplifted and feeling the space transformed. Connection to music is one of the many gifts we have to offer and celebrate, alongside the amazing heritage story we have to share with our community. My aim moving forward is to bring together a commercial offer that is cohesive, purpose-driven, and sustainably profitable. I want us to build something that not only supports by providing much needed funding but reflects our values and feels genuine to the incredible work already happening here. That means shaping a strategy that is smart and responsible, but also bold enough to embrace new ideas and possibilities. Most of all, I want to help create a commercial offer that feels joined-up, future-focused, and grounded in who we are at St Mary Redcliffe. Much of the work starts with ensuring our foundations are strong, reviewing and ensuring our current offer is working as hard as it possible can for us. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to share their wisdom, offer encouragement, or simply check in with a friendly word. Your generosity has made this first month fly by and I’m excited for what lies ahead. - Rebecca Horry, Commercial Manager 19 November 2025
By matthew.buckmaster October 26, 2025
Preached by the Canon Guy Wilkinson