Welcome
We are the Church of England parish of St Mary’s Shaw cum Donnington – just to the north and east of Newbury.
Our purpose and focus is Knowing Jesus, Sharing God’s Love, Caring for People.
You can read more about it here.
We meet every Sunday at 10am, as well as at other times during the week.
Everyone is welcome to join us.
Word for the Week
- Why … Because
How often do you ask ‘Why?’? Children are often frustratingly curious about the world, and sometimes they are not ready for the full answer. If asked “Why does the sun rise?” you could give a 4-year-old the answer ‘Because it’s morning’, but as a child gets older, the answer will need to include more details.
It’s not that the first answer was wrong – it was appropriate for the person asking the question, and as the person gains wisdom, so the answer needs to grow.
If you read John’s Gospel, his reason for writing is quite straightforward: “that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah … and have life in his name.” (Jn20:31). He has a clear objective in bringing salvation to the people who need it.
And there is greater depth for those who are ready to go deeper, but my salvation doesn’t depend on what I can understand.
I suppose it’s a bit like getting on an aeroplane. You don’t need to understand how it flies, you just have to trust the plane maker, the maintenance department and the pilot.
“He is faithful and just and will forgive us … and purify us” 1Jn1:9.
Raymond