St Mary's Timaru

07/09/2026

A heartfelt thank you to our parishioners who made such generous donations to the SPCA and Street Cats at our Blessing of the Pets service on Sunday.

It was wonderful to see the care and compassion shown not only for our own beloved pets, but also for animals in our wider community who are in need. Your generosity will help support the important work of these organisations and the care they provide for animals.

Thank you for helping make our Blessing of the Pets service such a special occasion and for your kindness and generosity.

*Photo credit Regan Walton

03/09/2026

We would love for you to join us at St Mary's Church this Sunday for our special Animal Blessing Service for St. Francis Day.

Our children's choir will be in attendance at the 10am service and all animals in attendance will receive a special blessing.

Blessing of the Animals Service
6th September 2026 – 8am & 10am Communion & 5pm Evensong
Communion Pg. 404 Readings: Proverbs 2:1-11 1 John 2: 7-17

SENTENCE
Once again Jesus spoke to the people. This time he said ‘ I am the light for the world! Follow me, and you won’t be walking in the dark. You will have the light that gives life. John 8:12

COLLECT
Gracious and merciful God,
you kindled in the heart of Francis
such a flame of love
that he became wholly yours;
increase in us a wholehearted trust in you
and a humble love of all your creatures,
that we may know the joy the gospel brings;
through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.
Amen.

25/08/2026

Calling all creatures great and small!

Hey humans! We’re coming to church… and you’re coming with us!

We’ve heard there’s a very special Blessing of the Animals Service happening at St Mary’s Church to celebrate St Francis of Assisi, and we’re invited!

Sunday 6th September
10am

The St Mary’s Children’s Choir will be performing, and all of us animals will receive a very special blessing and maybe a treat?

Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and all our other animal friends are welcome. We don’t mind if your human has to hold your lead… we’re just excited to be there!

And while you’re coming, please ask your human to bring along some pet food to help animals and families in our community who need a little extra support.

Pet food donations can be dropped at the church office Tuesday–Friday, 9am–1pm, or brought along on the day.

So grab your human, put on your best behaviour (or don’t!) and come along!

24/08/2026

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
30th August 8am & 10am Communion (pg. 476)
Readings: Romans 12:9-21 Matthew 16:21-28

Sentence of the Day
If you want to become a disciple of Jesus, deny yourself, take up your cross and follow him. Matthew 16:24–25

Collect of the Day
God of unchangeable power,
our strength at all times;
guard us from all dangers
and support us in all difficulties
that we may live victoriously now and forever;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Amen.

21/08/2026

Patronal Festival

We celebrated our Patronal Festival on Sunday with a wonderful soup and dessert luncheon in the church hall.

A huge thank you to Neil and Sue Dickson for providing the delicious dessert, and to Desley for making the wonderful soups, along with her team of helpers in the kitchen.

We really appreciate all the time and effort that went into making the luncheon such a lovely occasion for everyone.

18/08/2026

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
23rd August 2026 – 8am & 10am Communion
Communion Pg. 476 Readings: Romans 12:1-8 Matthew 16:23-20

Sentence of the Day
Martha said, Yes Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world. John 11:27

Collect of the Day
Almighty and everlasting God,
by your Spirit the whole body of the Church
is governed and sanctified;
hear the prayer we offer
for all your faithful people,
that in the ministry to which you have called us
we may serve you in holiness and truth;
through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

11/08/2026

Patronal Festival
16th August 8am & 10am Communion (pg. 476)
Readings: Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28

Sentence of the Day
Thus says the Lord, ‘Maintain justice, and do what is right, for soon my salvation will come, and my deliverance be revealed.’Isaiah 56:1

Collect of the Day
Come Holy Spirit with new fire;
when our prayers seem to fail,
when we hear no voice nor any answer,
rouse us and light our way.
This we ask through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.
Amen.

05/08/2026

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
9th August 2026 – 8am & 10am Communion
Communion Pg. 476 Readings: Romans 10:5-15 Matthew 14:22-33

Sentence of the Day
They cried out in fear, but Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Matthew 14:26–27

Collect of the Day
Jesus, Saviour in storm,
when the waters of the deep are broken up,
when the landmarks are washed away or drowned,
come to us across the water;
for the glory of your holy name.
Amen.

28/07/2026

Join us for a wonderful afternoon of music with the very talented Timaru Brass.

Join Timaru Brass for an entertaining concert packed with music for everyone to enjoy! From classic favourites with a twist, to gentle, lyrical pieces showcasing the rich colours and beautiful warmth of the brass band sound, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Bring your family and friends and experience the power and excitement of live brass band music.

28/07/2026

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
2nd August 8am & 10am Communion (pg. 476) & Evensong 5pm
Readings: Romans 9:1-5 Matthew 14:13-21

Sentence of the Day
The Lord is near to all who call on him in truth. He fulfils the desire of all that fear him, hears their cry, and saves them.Psalm 145:18–19

Collect of the Day
God of the hungry,
make us hunger and thirst for the right,
till our thirst for justice has been satisfied
and hunger has gone from the earth.
Hear this prayer for your love’s sake.
Amen.