Don't be shy! Come along and climb St Mary's 206 steps

As a parish we will be attempting to entice back a sense of summer this weekend as we celebrate and enjoy some aspects of our church life in Fratton.

One of the obvious features of St Mary’s is the tower which can be seen from all over the city as it dominates the skyline of the eastern side of the island.

Just as from all over the city you can see the tower, so from the tower you can see the whole city spread out beneath you.

Those who have climbed the 206 steps talk of the stunning views you can get of Portsmouth and the surrounding area.

This Sunday, as we mark the end of the summer term, we will be opening the tower from 2-4pm for those who wish to climb it and enjoy the views.

At the same time for those who want to keep their feet on solid ground (of which I count myself!) there will be a chance to enjoy another aspect of our life.

An important part of our worship is our music, and at St Mary’s we are fortunate to have a good choir and organ which enhances our worship week by week.

The choir, and particularly its young members, are supported by the St Mary’s Music Foundation.

This seeks to raise funds to provide free music lessons to our young people and to give them opportunities to discover their gifts and talents and raise their confidence and aspiration.

On Sunday from 1.30pm-4pm in the churchyard there will be a range of music provided by members of the church and others, celebrating and enjoying the gift of music in our lives.

Lastly, to sustain all who climb stairs, play music or simply listen there will be a strawberry tea available – hoping to capture that ‘sense of summer’.

Why not come and join us in capturing that summer spirit and join us in celebrating the gifts that God has given us in our lives?

n St Mary’s Church, Fratton Road, Fratton, Portsmouth PO1 5PA.

n Sunday services: 8am: Book of Common Prayer Communion; 10am: Sung Eucharist and Sunday School.

n Contacts: parish office (02392 814444 or [email protected])

Website: portseaparish.co.uk