We have had a wonderful year, filled with both laughter and tears, a year full of celebration and social events; building on our fellowship and discipleship both in Church, St Mark's School, and the local Herston community. We have had an afternoon Pimm's & Hymns Garden Party, supporting the local Greengage Garden Project, a fundraising musical concert supporting Wear It Pink Breast Cancer Support, and our Harvest Festival and Harvest Lunch, supporting Swanage Food Bank. On each occasion we welcomed new people into our church and fellowship.

Sadly, we have also said a fond farewell to some dear friends and members of our Church family, sharing some tears, a smile, and a little laughter as we celebrated their life.

Advent is here, and we now set our hearts, prayers and worship to a time of preparation for God's wonderful gift to us, his Son, our Saviour, at Christmas.

Anne Roper, Churchwarden  -  December 2023