Over 70 schoolchildren from Thornton-in-Craven Primary School recently visited the church of St Mary’s in the village for an Experience Advent event, where members of the congregation shared the Advent adventure with them.We explored how God can surprise us and give us hope when we may seem overwhelmed; how in all the world's turmoil we celebrate the coming again of The Prince of Peace; in the dark periods of our lives Jesus brings light to show us the path ahead; and we share in Mary's Joy of Jesus' birth and how each of us, no matter how ordinary we may think we are we are all special in God's eyes.“We were blessed to hear children confidently sharing their personal experiences with us.”The children also made a Tree of Hope, which carried all their hopes for Christmas which will be prayed for in the coming weeks, and they created their own Advent wreath to put up in their classrooms to help them reflect further during Advent.
Come and steep yourself in the history of our building from Mediaeval times since when St Mary's Church has served the local community of Thornton-in-Craven. Our building boasts one of the finest stained glass windows designed by the renowned Charles Kempe in the country. The ancient series of church chants called The York Processional is based on a unique manuscript nearly 650 years old, and contains church music sung in processions during services, and was composed for our church. These chants were used each week in parish churches all over the north of England, for several centuries until the upheavals of the Reformation.The manuscript is now housed in the Bodleian Library at Oxford. Enjoy the peace and quiet of our churchyard, which holds an ancient Well and the unmarked graves of Cromwell soldiers killed locally in battle.Enjoy some of our refreshments alongside our Art exhibition where you can browse and purchase original artwork created by local artists.
Following our Sung Holy Communion Service on 14th November 2022 there will be a short Service of Remembrance at the War Memorial.All welcome to join us for one or both Services
A Book of Condolence are now open at St Mary's Church, Thornton. All are welcome to record a memory or message on the death of our late Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth.St Mary's Church is open between 10am and 4pm today to share its history as part of English Heritage Weekend.At 4pm there will be a said Service of Commemoration with prayers for the soul of Queen Elizabeth. All are welcome to attend whatever your denomination and no matter if wouldn't normally declare one.We come together as a Nation in mourning the death of our late Queen.God save the King!
