Welcome

...to St Mary's, Radcliffe-on-Trent, Nottingham - a church family, not just a building!

Our mission statement declares our aim to be

Working in love to glorify God and 
proclaim Jesus Christ as Saviour

We welcome you to an active Church at the centre of the life of our large village, located close to Nottingham. You will find information on our website about the church family, the people who run things, our groups and our activities.

Please browse the website and do please make contact if you would like to have more information.

December Viewpoint 

Christmas is about many things and has many images; Sellotape, time off work, bloated bellies, re-runs of famous films, etc. etc. I was trying to think about the essence of Christmas, the core of Christmas, the very centre of Christmas, and I realised that many people would disagree in ways that were not so acute some years ago. Anyway, for many, many people a large part of Christmas is about giving, getting, and being with people, who are often family. Some of us look forward to giving rather than getting, while others view it the opposite way round. Some of us look forward to being with certain people, whilst others don't at all! The people I especially feel for are the ones who are desperately lonely over the Christmas period. As I am writing this, I am praying for you right now.

So we have tried to understand what Christmas is to ourselves and others, but what is it to God?

To God, it is a time to remember when He, from a heart of pure love, sent His only Son to be with us and give us the best possible chance of being with Him forever. The difficult bit, the embarrassing bit, is that, to do that, God had to give His only Son to us human beings fully and with no strings attached. He knew that we, especially the powerful ones amongst us, would eventually kill Jesus. Such purity shines an uncomfortable light on us doesn't it? 

But, but, but, the love of God is still just as strong, and the giving of Jesus still stands, and so we can receive (get) the greatest and most undeserved gift of all: a committed friendship with God as one of His adopted family members and everything that goes along with it. 

So, what do we need to do? Let me tell you a helpful way.

1. Understand and pray a prayer to God (see below).

2. A relationship with God cannot be worked out alone, so decide a regular context for working this out (church service, home group, etc). 

This message is for you. It will transform your life, and the lives of others as well. That's the good news, the totally fantastic news of Christmas! 

Always with love and respect,

Rev. Graeme.

A prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, I am sorry for the things I have done wrong in my life (take a few moments to ask his forgiveness for anything particular that is on your conscience). Please forgive me. I now turn from everything which I know is wrong.

Thank you that you died on the cross for me so that I could be forgiven and set free to have a new life. Thank you that you offer me forgiveness and the gift of your Spirit. I now receive that gift.

Please come into my life by your Holy Spirit to be with me forever.

Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen