Lizzie Longhurst 🏳️‍🌈 (she/her)

A picture of my hand holding a glass of whiskey with my Christmas tree twinkling in the background.

"And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth."

Merry Christmas!

#clergymaltclub

An image with a dark blue background (with gild sparkles) with white text which reads as follows: "Christmas Services at St Mary's Handsworth, Christmas Eve Said Eucharist at 11.30am, Midnight Mass at 11.30pm, Christmas Day BCP Holy Communion at 8am Parish Eucharist at 10am".

A reminder of what the services at St Mary's will look like over the next few days;
Christmas Eve:
Said Eucharist at 11.30am
Midnight Mass at 11.30pm
Christmas Day:
BCP Holy Communion at 8am
Parish Eucharist at 10am
Hope to see you there!

#AllWelcome #MidnightMass #Christmas #ChristmasDay #COfE

An image with a blue background with white text which reads as follows: "Advent & Christmas Services at St Mary's Handsworth, Sunday 14th December, Nine Lessons and Carols at 5pm, Friday 19th December Carols in the Park at 7pm, Christmas Eve Midnight Mass at 11.30pm, Christmas Day BCP Holy Communion at 8am Parish Eucharist at 10am".

All welcome to the Advent and Christmas Services at St Mary’s Church Handsworth.

#AllWelcome #Advent #Christmas #NineLessonsAndCarols #CarolsInThePark #MidnightMass #ChristmasDay #ChristmasEve #TisTheSeason #ChurchOfEngland #COfEBirmingham

The top third of the image has a dark bkue background and white text which reads: “St Mary’s, Handsworth, Carols in the Park, Friday 19th December at 7pm, Please bring a torch”. Underneath this is an image of the Salvation Army Band playing carols in Handsworth Park with St Mary’s church lit up in the darkness in the background. In the bottom right hand corner of the image is the purple Church of England logo.

All welcome to Carols in the Park on Friday the 19th December at 7pm.

Wrap up and join the combined efforts of St Mary’s and the Salvation Army Band for an outdoor service of Carols, with mince pies and hot chocolate available in St Mary’s church afterwards.

Please do bring a torch!

Image is a purple background with a transparent line drawing of St Mary’s Church (from the North side) on it. On top of this is white text which reads “St Mary's, Handsworth, Sunday 14th December 5.00pm, Nine Lessons & Carols, A service of traditional Christmas readings, and carols”. Underneath this is the Church of England logo.

All Welcome to the service of Nine Lessons and Carols on Sunday the 14th December, at 5.00pm.
#AllWelcome #NineLessonsAndCarols #Advent #ChurchOfEngland #COfEBirmingham #CathedralOfTheIndustrialRevolution #HandsworthStMary

Image with a blue background that has gold writing on it which reads as follows: “FREE ENTRY, St Sary’s Handsworth, Step into the magic of the season! Join us for a dazzling, Christmas Tree Festival, 5TH - 7TH DECEMBER 2024, Festive refreshments, carol concert, tombola, dance performance, St Mary’s School Choir and a stall full of Christmas gifts for friends and family. FRIDAY 2-7PM - SATURDAY 10-7PM & SUNDAY 12.15-4PM.” Underneath this is a golden swirl of dust, and four different Christmas trees.

The St Mary’s Christmas Tree Festival is back for 2025!
Step into the magic of the season and join St Marys for our dazzling Christmas Tree Festival, which this year, will be open from the 5th to the 7th of December.

#Christmas #ChristmasTreeFestival #HandsworthStMary #TisTheSeason #AllWelcome

Background image is of an Advent wreath in front of a black background. The wreath has four candles, three purple, one pink, and one central one which is white. One of the purple candles is lit. Over the top if this image is text which reads "St Mary’s Handsworth, Parish Eucharist, on the first Sunday of Advent, Sunday the 30th November at 11am." There is also text which reads; "Readings: Isaiah 2.1-5, Psalm 122, Romans 13:11-14 & Matthew 24.36-44"

All welcome to the Parish Eucharist at St Mary’s Handsworth for the first Sunday of Advent, this Sunday the 30th November at 11am.
#AllWelcome #ParishEucharist #AdventSunday #Advent #ChurchOfEngland #COfEBirmingham #CathedralOfTheIndustrialRevolution #HandsworthStMary

Image with a beige/sand coloured background, with black text that reads; “St Mary's Handsworth, Parish Eucharist, for the feast of Christ the King, Sunday 23rd November at 11am”. Underneath this is an mosaic of Jesus preaching to all. Underneath this image is text that reads: “Readings: Jeremiah 23.1-6, 13–14, Psalm 46, Colossians 1.11-20 & Luke 23.33-43”.

All welcome to the Parish Eucharist at St Mary’s Handsworth for the feast of Christ the King, this Sunday the 23rd November at 11am.

#AllWelcome #ParishEucharist #ChristTheKing #LastBeforeAdvent #ChurchOfEngland #COfEBirmingham #CathedralOfTheIndustrialRevolution #HandsworthStMary

Bishop Michael has written an open letter, with others in the local community which I echo:
www.cofebirmingham.com/news-stories...

“I’ll put it bluntly, Robert is wrong… it’s actually a very integrated place... Not the definition of a slum.”

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands 2017-24, responds to Robert Jenrick's comments on Handsworth.

#Newsnight

Handsworth is a diverse place and that is part of what makes it a great and interesting place to live and work, and for me to exercise my priestly ministry.

Do come and visit if you get the chance!
3/3

When walking down the street people are always willing to say hello. Jenrick is making comments which are hurtful, and which don't reflect the nature of the place.
2/

As the priest of one of the churches in Handsworth I have to say that I don't recognise the place that Robert Jenrick is talking about. Having lived here for just over a year, I've had nothing but a warm welcome from people of all backgrounds and all faiths.
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A square image which has a section of a stained/painted glass window depicting Jesus’ ascension into heaven, his nativity, and his calming of the storm, at the top which is overlayed with text which reads “St Mary’s Church, Handsworth”. Underneath this is white text on a blue background which reads “Come and explore one of Birmingham's most historic churches on St Mary's Patronal Open Day. Saturday 6th September 10am-4pm, St Mary’s Parish Church, Hamstead Road, Handsworth, B20 2RW. Refreshments will be available all day.”

Come and explore one of Birmingham's most historic churches on St Mary's Patronal Open Day, on Saturday 6th September 10am-4pm, St Mary’s Parish Church, Hamstead Road, Handsworth, B20 2RW.

#OpenDay #AllWelcome #HandsworthStMary #COfEBirmingham #ChurchOfEngland

A square image with a blue background that has a stained-glass image of Jesus teaching on the right-hand side of the square. To the left of this is wording which reads; “St Mary's Handsworth, Parish Eucharist, on the Eighth Sunday after Trinity, Sunday 10th August at 11am. Readings: Isaiah 1.1, 10-20, Psalm 50.1–8, 23–24, Hebrews 11.1-3, 8-16 & Luke 12.32–40”.

All welcome to the Parish Eucharist at St Mary’s Church, Handsworth, on the Eighth Sunday after Trinity, this Sunday, the 10th August at 11am.
#AllWelcome #EighthSundayAfterTrinity #ParishEucharist #ChurchOfEngland #HandsworthStMary #COfEBirmingham

47% of people think immigration is primarily illegal. There were 4% irregular arrivals in March

New YouGov polling. A monumental failure of our political class to educate, a monumental failure of our media to report fairly, for a generation

Recognition of the state of Palestine should not be used as a bargaining chip. It should have happened months ago.

We also need far greater action to stop the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, including fully ceasing arms sales and implementing sanctions against the Israeli cabinet.

Facts

a transgender flag with the word rights in the corner ALT: a transgender flag with the word rights in the corner

I can't be there this weekend in London. But prayer and proactive allyship continues for trans people in the UK and further afield.

A square image with an orangey/beige background that has an icon of Jesus sending out the 70 to preach the gospel on the right-hand side. To the left of this is wording that reads; “St Mary's Handsworth, Parish Eucharist, on the Third Sunday after Trinity, Sunday 6th July at 11am, Readings: 2 Kings 5.1-14, Psalm 30, Galatians 6. 7–16 & Luke 10.1-11, 16-20”.

All welcome to the Parish Eucharist at St Mary’s Church, Handsworth, on the Third Sunday after Trinity, this Sunday, the 6th July at 11am.
#AllWelcome #ThirdSundayAfterTrinity #ParishEucharist #ChurchOfEngland #HandsworthStMary #COfEBirmingham

A picture of four alpacas on the St Mary's School field

Sometimes parish ministry doesnt look quite likw you expect, but it was a joy to be invited by our local church school @stmarysb20 to share in the very exciting alpaca and ice cream day, which is what it says on the tin, alpacas and ice cream.

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An image which on the right hand side has a snippet of a photo of one of the stained glass windows at canterbury cathedral which depicts the descent of the Holy Spirit at the first Pentecost. To the left of this, on light beige background, is text which reads “St Mary's Handsworth, Parish Eucharist, on Pentecost Sunday, Sunday 8th June at 11am, Readings: Genesis 11.1–9, Psalm 104:26-37, Acts 2.1–21 & John 14.8–17, 25–27”.

All welcome to the Parish Eucharist at St Mary’s Church, Handsworth, on the feast of Pentecost, this Sunday, the 8th of June at 11am.
#AllWelcome #Pentecost #ParishEucharist #ChurchOfEngland #HandsworthStMary #COfEBirmingham

The image is a photograph of the VE commemoration day display, that includes, a union jack flag, VE day posters, a poppy dress, and other union jack themed decorations.

The image is a photograph of six people in the bell tower of St Mary’s Handsworth, who have just rung the bells to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE day.

The 8th of May was a busy day at St Mary’s, we welcomed St Theresa’s RC School’s year 4 class who explored the church and churchyard After this the church was open for all to see the VE display, & the day was topped off with ringing at 6.30pm to celebrate anniversary.

Image with a dark blue background, which has gold coloured twxt which reads: "St Mary's Handsworth VE day 80th anniversary open afternoon, on the 8th May 2025. All are welcome to view the VE day display and explore the church. Refreshments available from 12noon. Please do listen out for the VE day ringing from 6.30pm." To the left of the wording is a celebrating VEday banner.

All are welcome to the St Mary's Handsworth VE day 80th anniversary open afternoon, on the 8th May 2025.
All are welcome to view the VE day display and explore the church. Refreshments available from 12noon.
Please do listen out for the VE day ringing from 6.30pm.
#VEDay #HandsworthStMary #VE80

Image with a blue background which on the top half of the image has a faded picture of children singing in a choir. Underneath this is white text which reads “St Mary’s is looking to recruit a self-employed Interim Director of Music who is a skilled musician and has a strong ability to lead a church choir which is predominantly made up of primary school aged children, and whose primary purpose is to edify worship as part of the Sunday Parish Eucharist service. Informal enquiries may be made to the Rector; Revd Lizzie Longhurst on 07594731122 or rector@handsworthstmary.org”.

St Mary’s is looking to recruit a self-employed Interim Director of Music who is a skilled musician and has a strong ability to lead a church choir which is predominantly made up of primary school aged children.
For more information please visit: handsworthstmary.org/interim-dire...
#MusicVacancy

An image which on the left hand side has a pale green background with text that reads as follows: “St Mary's Handsworth, Parish Eucharist, on the fifth Sunday of Lent Sunday 6th April at 11am, Readings: Isaiah 43.16–21, Psalm 126, Philippians 3.4b–14 & John 12.1–8”. On the right hand side a small extract of a stained-glass window from Chartres Cathedral depicting Mary anointing Jesus’ feet with oil.

All welcome to the Parish Eucharist at St Mary’s Church, Handsworth, on the Fith Sunday of Lent, this Sunday, the 6th April at 11am.
#AllWelcome #Lent #FifthSundayOfLent #Pasiontide #ParishEucharist #ChurchOfEngland #HandsworthStMary #COfEBirmingham

An image with a purple background and white text which reads as follows: “Sunday 13th April – Palm Sunday, 8am - BCP Holy Communion, 11am - Parish Eucharist, Monday 14th April / Tuesday 15th April / Wednesday 16th April, 8.30am – Morning Prayer, 11.30am – Stations of the Cross, 12 noon – Said Eucharist, 7pm – Compline, Thursday 17th April – Maundy Thursday, 8.30am – Morning Prayer, 11am – Chrism Mass at Birmingham Cathedral, 12 noon – Stations of the Cross, 7pm – Foot washing, liturgy of the Last Super and Vigil, Friday 18th April – Good Friday, 8.30am – Morning Prayer, 11am – Walk of witness meeting at St Augustine’s Church, Handsworth, 2pm – Liturgy of the Last hour, Sunday 20th April – Easter Sunday, 8am - BCP Holy Communion, 11am - Parish Eucharist”. To left of this a photo of the central panel of the west window at St Mary’s depicting the crucifixion.

All welcome to the Holy Week services at St Mary’s!

#HolyWeek #AllWelcome #Lent #Pasiontide #Eucharist #MorningPrayer #EveningPrayer #StationsOfTheCross #MaundyThursday #GoodFriday #Easter #ChurchOfEngland #HandsworthStMary #COfEBirmingham

An image, which on the left had side has a off white / light green background with text that reads “St Mary's Handsworth, Parish Eucharist, on Mothering Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent Sunday 30th March at 11am. Readings: Exodus 2.1–10, Psalm 34.11–20, 2 Corinthians 1.3–7 & John 19:25-27.” TO the left of this, is a photo of the central panel of the stained glass window from St Mark’s church Bromley of the Angel Gabriel coming to the blessed Virgin Mary and announcing the birth of Christ.

All welcome to the Parish Eucharist at St Mary’s Church, Handsworth, on Mothering Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent, this Sunday, the 30th March at 11am.
#AllWelcome #Lent #MotherignSunday #FourthSundayOfLent #Laerte #ParishEucharist #ChurchOfEngland #HandsworthStMary #COfEBirmingham

Image with a dark grey back ground with white text that reads: "St Mary's, HandsworthAsh Wednesday Eucharists" underneath this, is a white cross, followed by more text which reads: " This Wednesday, 5th March at 11.30am at St Mary's Church &The Handsworth & Winson Green Group Ash Wednesday service at 7pm, hosted by St James (B21 0HN) Ashing will be offered at both services."

All welcome to the Ash Wednesday services this Wednesday, 5th March at 11.30am at St Mary's Church & the Handsworth & Winson Green Group Ash Wednesday service at 7pm, hosted by St Jame's Church (B21 0HN).

Ashing will be offered at both services.

#AllWelcome #AshWednesday #HandsworthAndWinsonGreen

Image with a orange/beige background which has text on the right half of the image which reads: “St Mary's Handsworth, Parish Eucharist, on the on the last Sunday before Lent, this Sunday, the 1st March at 11am. Readings: Exodus 34.29–35, Psalm 99, 2 Corinthians 3.12—4.2 & Luke 9.28-36, 37-43a.” To the left of this picture of a stained glass window dipicting the transfiguration from Durham Cathedral.

All welcome to the Parish Eucharist at St Mary’s Church, Handsworth, on the last Sunday before Lent, this Sunday, 1st March at 11am.
#AllWelcome #LastBeforeLent #ParishEucharist #ChurchOfEngland #DioceseOfBirmingham #HandsworthStMary #CathedralOfTheIndustrialRevolution