DINNER TO CELEBRATE ST. GEORGE

Yesterday evening, with our hall bedecked with flags of St. George, we sat down to a splendid St George’s Celebration Dinner cooked by Fr. Martin, Jan and the family who also acted as waiters/waitresses. We started with Cream of Tomato Soup, followed by Roast Beef, Yorkshire Pudding, superb roast potatoes, braised cabbage and carrots served with gravy. We then had trifle and finished the meal with Biscuits and a selection of English Cheeses, coffee or tea, and After Eight Mints.

The really wonderful beef was supplied by our local butcher Paul Hawkins of Dagenham Road. During the course of the evening we had readings from Shakespeare, Rudyard Kipling and William Blake whilst we enjoyed patriotic background music before, during and after dinner. In the great Anglican Tradition we had a raffle with all the prizes donated. We had the Loyal Toast and a Toast to Shakespeare.

One of our Churchwardens, Cathy, proposed a vote of thanks to Father Martin, Jan and the family for all their hard work in making a very happy and successful evening which also raised £165 for church funds.

Parish Update

At the Parish Mass this morning Father Martin related that the mini-bus going to the National Pilgrimage at the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham at the end of May is now full. Plans are now advanced for the St. George’s Day Dinner on Saturday 24th April and although many have booked there are still a few places available at a cost of £10 each (bring your own wine, drinks etc)

The Saturday Shop reopened yesterday after a break for Easter and made over £250.

As our Organist & Choirmaster is still recovering from his recent operation Father Mervyn played the organ for Mass again today. Some of our congregation who went to Spain for a short holiday after Easter are unable to get back home due to the volcanic dust preventing all flights.

MAY FAIR

EASTER AT ST. AUGUSTINES

On Holy Saturday the church was given a thorough spring clean before it was decorated for Easter and the Easter Garden prepared.

At 5.30 a.m. on Easter Day morning, Father Martin, the choir, servers and congregation gathered at St. Augustine’s Church to keep the Easter Vigil with the lighting of the New Fire, lighting the Paschal Candle, the singing of The Exsultet, with the readings of the Vigil including a celebration of the first Mass of Easter with the blessing of water in the font and the renewal of Baptismal Promises. After the service breakfast was served in the Church Hall.

At the 10.00 a.m. Solemn Mass the Easter Garden was blessed. Later that day we came together again for Evensong according to the Book of Common Prayer followed by Benediction. At all the services Father Mervyn played the organ. The services were well supported.

ALLELUIA! CHRIST IS RISEN – HE IS RISEN INDEED, ALLELUIA

                                   

May you have a very blessed and happy Easter

TODAY IS GOOD FRIDAY

‘In the cross, and him who hung upon it, all things meet; all things need it. It is their centre and interpretation. For he was lifted upon it, that he might draw all things to him.’ (Cardinal John Henry Newman)

MAUNDY THURSDAY

 

8.00 p.m. Solemn Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Washing of Feet  & Watch before the Altar of Repose until Midnight