b'St Mary, SkirpenbeckRecent years have seen a resurgence in worship at St. Marys.All members of our diverse community are welcomed and encouraged to attend.We are blessed to have a number of young children as members of our village community, many of whom attend church regularly.Young people play an active role in services through playing instruments, reading lessons and leading prayers. The family feel to services is further facilitated by the provision of refreshments at the end of services.In a village where the church is the only public building, this represents a wonderful opportunity for members of the community to spend time together.St. Marys has strong links with the SkirpenbeckChildren are made very welcome at St Marys and take Village Group. This was established to supportpart enthusiastically in family services, such as this the church and encourage engagement inNativity Play.communal events. Events include Easter egg trails, cake and a cuppa events, quizzes, summer ftes and craft events. The PCC plays a significant role in organising and supporting them. Events are incredibly well supported by the community.We have been able to raise additional funds for the church and, perhaps most significantly, have been thrilled by the sense of community engendered through organisation of and attendance at these events.St. Marys is also used as a meeting place for groups including the Skirpenbeck Village Group and the local Parish Council.Ongoing links with a local heritage group have also been established.Willing volunteers support the churchwarden in the maintenance of the large church yard.The PCC is aware that the building itself requiresPeople from the significant attention.Recent steps includeSt Marys Skirpenbeck village come completion of the QI report, inspection andtogether for report of the bells, inspection of the organevents in the & House Contents sale from The Old Vicarage.church and and completion of an electric survey withLots to see and do!Live music, childrens games and meet the Vikings! churchyard, recommendations subsequently carried out. September 1st 1pm ~ 4pm in churchyard helping to raise Fundraising and grant applications are seen asfunds and integral to next steps to improve the fabric of thestrengthen the building. community.The congregation at St. Marys continues to grow.The PCC and Church Warden are keen for this to continue, and view the welcoming nature of our services and community events as central to this.St. Marys is a family, characterised by warmth, inclusivity and acceptancePage 16'