News & Events

Halloween Light Party & Pumpkin carving workshop

Posted on by MarkSanderson

Don’t miss Halloween at St Mary’s this weekend.

Families are invited to dress up and join us for some light themed Halloween crafts, activities, and treats. We are also having
a pumpkin carving contest- bring your pumpkin by 3pm on the day for judging and decorating!

  • Pumpkin carving competition
  • Decorating satsumas with sharpies
  • Spider web craft
  • Acetate light of the world colouring
  • Bobbing for donuts
  • Bean bag toss
  • Lanterns
  • Decorate your carry bag
  • Pumpkin funny faces
  • Scary Stories with Tiffany


ALSO: Pumpkin carving demo – St Mary’s 11am, Saturday 30th October – Join us over a cuppa for a pumpkin carving demo by Alex with hints and tips to inspire us all! Come along to watch and chat (or bring your own pumpkin and equipment to carve your own. Children must be supervised by parent/guardian) More info from Caroline 07564 365200

Walford Family Service – Sunday 24th October @ 10.30

Posted on by MarkSanderson

Our family service at Walford this Sunday will be continuing with our green theme – in the world and in the church! Do hope you can come!


We’ll be celebrating God’s wonderful world and our part in working with God to care for all people and creation. We’ll have in our prayers the Earthshot prize winners and contestants, and COP26 as well as people needing our prayers / support and those affected by COVID. 

I’ll have a Prayer Bag for our prayers – do bring any items you would like to add

We’ll also be caring for each other by being mindful of social distancing with the number of Covid cases rising again. We’ll spread out well – but perhaps we’re at the time when it would be a good idea to bring/wear masks? 


Photo by kien virak on Pexels.com

See you soon! Caroline

Remembering those you’ve lost

Posted on by MarkSanderson

Join us at St Mary’s on Sunday 31st October at 6pm for our annual All Souls Service when we remember those who have died recently. During the service the names of those we remember will be read out.

Do let us know if you are coming and would like us to read out the name of your loved one.

Light refreshments will be provided after the service when there will be an opportunity to talk to one of our ministers if you would like to.

Order of St Ethelbert

Posted on by rcl53

The Ross Benefice offers its congratulations to Derek Glover and Mark Sanderson who were awarded the Order of St Ethelbert by Bishop Richard in Hereford Cathedral on Sunday afternoon. The award is given for long and distinguished service to the church and community and both Derek and Mark are shining examples of such dedication.

Derek and Mark pictured with the Dean of Hereford, the Very Revd Sarah Brown, the Bishop of Hereford, Rt Revd Richard Jackson, the Lord Lieutenant, Mr Edward Harley OBE and other recipients of the award and below left with the Bishop and right with the Rector of Ross, the Revd Sean Semple.

Baby Loss Remembrance Service

Posted on by MarkSanderson

9th – 15th October is Baby Loss Awareness Week. As a part of raising awareness and supporting those bereaved, our spire will be lit pink and we will be having a short service of remembrance on 15 October 6:45-7pm which will culminate in lighting candles as part of the wave of light. This service will be appropriate for anyone who has lost a baby at any point and those who grieve the inability or lack of opportunity to have children. For more information, contact Tiffany.

Messy Church – Thursday @3.30

Posted on by MarkSanderson

God’s world is wonderful! Let’s celebrate it and care for it together! Messy crafts, music, story, activities, prayer, food, friends, fun!

Join us on the first Thursday of the month (7 Oct) as usual between 3.30 and 4.30. 

Our usual zany mix of craft, activities, thought starters, story, prayer, song, food and much more. With socially distanced crafts and activities. Simple refreshments provided but you can also bring your own snacks. 

New for this month St Mary’s Youth choir members will be getting Messy with us! Make a joyful sound together – and hear the great sound they’re learning to make!

Book your free places here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/october-messy-church-at-st-marys-tickets-182406561937?utm_source=eventbrite&utm_medium=email&utm_content=follow_notification&utm_campaign=following_published_event&utm_term=October+Messy+Church+at+St+Mary%27s&aff=ebemoffollowpublishemail

Behind the Speaker’s Chair

Posted on by MarkSanderson

Come to St Mary’s and enjoy an evening of political commentary from Quentin Letts (The Times) and Jason Beattie (Daily Mirror) on Friday 19th November, at the beginning of the Christmas Tree Festival. This promises to be a very popular event. Please book tickets early at https://bit.ly/LettsBeattie or https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/behind-the-speakers-chair-quentin-letts-jason-beattie-tickets-172681865107

Another new children’s choir for Ross!

Posted on by MarkSanderson

This afternoon we’re excited to be launching a second children’s choir. Quavers (for children from age 4) will be running at St Mary’s from 4 – 5 pm (arrive any time from 3.15) alongside our new Youth Choir (for children of 7 years and older). These are both very new choirs and we are welcoming new singers. Parents, please just bring your children along. There is no charge and no audition.

More information at https://rossparishes.uk/youth-choir

Walford Harvest Festival

Posted on by MarkSanderson

Walford Harvest Festival will be on Sunday 3rd October at 11.00 am followed by a Ploughman’s lunch; Charge  £10 per head to include a drink (pay on the day); CHILDREN FREE!  

If you could let us know if you intending to come along it would help us with the catering!

Contact Gay Chinn: gay@cobrey.co.uk 01989 763019 / 0771614188. We look forward to welcoming you.

IS THERE MORE TO LIFE THAN THIS?

Posted on by MarkSanderson

Try Alpha

Our next Alpha course will start on the 28th September 2021 in St Mary’s Church at 7pm. You may have heard how this Course has inspired many people, and now there is an opportunity for you to experience it yourself – or be part of the team that help host it.

Alpha will run for 8 weeks until the end of November. All are welcome, and if you would simply like to support Alpha perhaps you could help with catering, or welcoming, or washing up, or marketing or making a donation. All these are ways of inspiring faith in others. Please contact Lou in the Office if you would like to attend Alpha or be part of the support team.

What is Alpha?

Alpha is a series of interactive sessions that tackle some of life’s big questions and explore the basics of the Christian faith.

Who is Alpha for?

Alpha is for anyone who’s curious. The talks are designed to encourage conversation in a friendly, open and informal environment. No question is out of bounds and you are free to discuss as much or as little as you wish.

What to expect

The course runs for 8 weeks with each session beginning with food and including a short thought-provoking talk followed by a discussion where you can share what you think with a small group of people. Come for as many of the 8 weeks as you want – everyone’s welcome and there’s no pressure, follow-up or charge.

IS THERE MORE TO LIFE THAN THIS?

Posted on by MarkSanderson

Try Alpha

Our next Alpha course will start on the 28th September 2021 in St Mary’s Church at 7pm. You may have heard how this Course has inspired many people, and now there is an opportunity for you to experience it yourself – or be part of the team that help host it.

Alpha will run for 8 weeks until the end of November. All are welcome, and if you would simply like to support Alpha perhaps you could help with catering, or welcoming, or washing up, or marketing or making a donation. All these are ways of inspiring faith in others. Please contact Lou in the Office if you would like to attend Alpha or be part of the support team.

What is Alpha?

Alpha is a series of interactive sessions that tackle some of life’s big questions and explore the basics of the Christian faith.

Who is Alpha for?

Alpha is for anyone who’s curious. The talks are designed to encourage conversation in a friendly, open and informal environment. No question is out of bounds and you are free to discuss as much or as little as you wish.

What to expect

The course runs for 8 weeks with each session beginning with food and including a short thought-provoking talk followed by a discussion where you can share what you think with a small group of people. Come for as many of the 8 weeks as you want – everyone’s welcome and there’s no pressure, follow-up or charge.