Introduction to St Marys

An Introduction to St Mary's by Rev David Berryman

If you are like me, the first impact of the inside of St Mary's is that it is a place of prayer. Although the present building is from the 19^th Century, there are one or two remains of the medieval church which had links with Kirkstall Abbey - now among the most significant remains of a Cistercian House in Europe - and Nostel Priory, since the church was on the route between the two. Maybe the prayers of the centuries passed into the walls of the new church, or, perhaps, the prayers of those holy men are still with us! It is not surprising that a prayer group which includes members of other churches is basically organised from St Mary's and the Prayer Tree of names and concerns is brought to the altar each Sunday. Our new Stations of the Cross contribute much to this place of prayer.

There are many other groups, including Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers. There is a strong and forward-looking Mothers' Union. I am delighted to serve as Diocesan Chaplain alongside others from St Mary's who hold or have held influential positions in the M.U. We have links with Water Aid and have a concern for fair trade and the environment. We run a weekly Charity Shop which also acts as a drop-in, there is a lunch once a week and a coffee morning. There are strong links with Faith and Light which is an arm of L'Arche communities. There is an evening Ladies' Fellowship with a varied programme of speakers. There is an ecumenical magazine.

We have links with the schools in the area that also regularly use the church. In addition, and even more importantly since the tragedy of the London Bombings and the association with Beeston, we have good inter-faith relations and perhaps have something of a first since a young Muslim woman, seeking asylum since persecution and imprisonment in her own country, has been in the sermon slot. I have links with the Mar Musa desert monastery in Syria, where prayer and hospitality break down many barriers.

If we were all present on a Sunday, there'd be people from about ten different countries in the congregation - though most look and sound as if they come from Yorkshire!

We have a choir with organist and choir leader, the former with a life-time of teaching experience and accompaniment and the latter a young graduate in music whose speciality is Jazz Flute who also plays the Saxophone. The choir is growing with the addition of six under 15's. There is also a music group with a variety of instruments from brass to Tabla. This is also growing and we are keen to get new members.

There is also a strong social side with monthly dances and other social events and a ramblers' group.

At the heart of our community is the Eucharist. The style of celebration during the week varies from informal and meditative to the more formal with both aspects being present at the Sunday Eucharist .Children are admitted to Communion after Baptism and preparation and some choose to be Confirmed first.

The aim of our worship - for me - is to open hearts to the heart of God in generosity and awe. If you have the chance, come and be part of the St Mary's family. I've talked us up a bit - but, then I'm prejudiced about this community! I hope you'll agree I'm not far out.

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