Shaw Church

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

• How (not) to pray16 January 2026

  At some point, every child has to learn how to ask for things appropriately. We teach them to be polite and respectful in their requests. We’ve all heard someone ask their child “What’s the magic word?” (Answer: “PLEEEEEEEEASE!”) or tell them “‘I want’ doesn’t get!” We make it clear that there are ways of asking for things which guarantee that the answer is going to be “no”.

  Is it the same way with God? Well, yes and no. There certainly aren’t “magic words” which we can use to make sure God gives us what we ask for. God does not weigh up our prayers according to whether they observe the rules of British etiquette, nor even of English grammar. But there are things in our hearts which could lead God to say “no”. The answer to the question ”How not to pray” is not about the form of our prayers, but the frame of our hearts.

  
  

  Ed