3rd SUNDAY of LENT

Today Father Martin celebrated and preached at the Parish Mass whilst Father Mervyn played the organ as our Organist & Choirmaster is recovering from an operation. We send him our best wishes for a speedily recovery. Despite the change in the clocks we had an excellent congregation. Father Martin continued in the Lent Series of sermons based on the theme of “Why are we here”. Today he talked about “Communication” and related how difficult communication can be at times. During the week he had phoned the Census Office because he had received a form relating to the Church Hall. After a long and convoluted conversation when Father confirmed that no one lived there the Census Office would not accept that and are intending to dispatch an Inspector to check it. There has never been anyone living in the Hall nor is it likely that anyone would live there but that reassurance was not enough for the Census Office. Father reminded people that they most complete their forms and return them asap after tonight. The Choir sang an anthem based on Brother James Air.

Yesterday’s Saturday Shop took £192.

ANNUAL VESTRY AND PAROCHIAL MEETING

Sunday 10^th April 2011 at 11.30 a.m. to elect

TWO CHURCHWARDENS, 3 DEANERY SYNOD REPRESENTATIVES

and 2 PCC MEMBERS.

and to receive the Accounts & Reports.

2nd Sunday of Lent

Today Father Martin celebrated and preached, continuing the theme of “why are we here”. He pointed out that we are all instinctively curious. It was this curiosity that led to Adam and Eve’s downfall in the Garden of Eden. Nicodemus wanted to satisfy his curiosity and asked questions which may seem to straightforward now but were not then. It is right that we should seek knowledge about our faith, and by doing this we find our way to salvation. This Sunday Father Mervyn was at St. Barnabas, Woodford Green.

Yesterday’s Saturday Shop made an astonishing £316 when the final total was calculated i.e. more than reported yesterday!

ELECTORAL ROLL

The revision of the Electoral Roll is now underway. New entries MUST be received by next Sunday 27th March.

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL MEETING

Sunday 10th April at 11.30 a.m. in the Church Hall. The Meeting will elect two Churchwardens, 3 Deanery Synod Representatives and two PCC Members as well as receive the Accounts and Church Reports.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Tuesday 22nd March. Wednesday 30th March. Thursday 7th April. and Friday 15th April. ALL START AT 7.30 p.m.

SATURDAY SHOP 19th MARCH 2011

Today's Saturday Shop took an amazing £310.

Well done everyone!

And many thanks

LENT 1

Today Father Martin presided at the Solemn Mass and Father Mervyn concelebrated and preached. He based his sermon on the theme running through Lent “Why are we here” and pointed out that for many people Sunday meant washing the car, spending time in the garden or indulging in a “full English breakfast”. He used as a text Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)   “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Looking on the Internet he had found the ten most popular excuses for not going to church which he read out. At the beginning of his sermon Father Mervyn asked a question: is it possible to be a Christian and not go to church, to not be part of the worshipping community. He said it might be possible but it would be extremely difficult if not impossible for most people. That is why week by week we gather together to celebrate the Lord’s Supper on the Lord’s Day.

Yesterday’s Saturday Shop took £202

From THE PIONEER–our Church Magazine

May Fair 2011

Just when you thought I had forgotten.

There is a certain Royal Wedding that is confusing matters plus the lateness of Easter, but….

We are holding our Spectacular Annual May Fair on Saturday May 7th 2011 from 10.00 to 12.30.

We would normally have the May Fair on the Bank Holiday weekend but, to ensure that we don’t find ourselves absolutely worn out with Easter, and then all the fun of the street parties, we have moved it to a week later. Hence the date above.

However, to make sure that our loyal band of customers are fully aware of the May Fair date, we will be open on Saturday 30th April to spread the word. Phew! A long explanation to say something simple.

Right. Now have a look at the next section. I’ve done what I always do and listed the stalls with names against them. I always manage to make a mistake, so please don’t pounce on me and say I’ve not included you, or I’ve put you against the wrong stall, but gently correct me.

Let’s just make this a relaxed and fun run up to the day and an equally relaxed and fun day. We may even have games outside - weather permitting.

Geoff

May Fair Stalls List

1. Raffle Pam & Tom

2. Jewellery Wendy

3. Bric-a-Brac Geoff

4. Tools/Electricals Alan

5. New & Nearly New ??????????

6. Books/CD’s Mad

7. Cakes/Preserves Maureen

8. Plants Maureen /Vera

9. Toys Veronica

10. Toiletries Gwen

11. Frames & Furniture Tony

12. Kitchen ????????????

13. Games Scouts??????

9TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Today Father Martin presided and preached and Father Mervyn concelebrated. During the Parish Mass, Simeon was baptised, witnessed by a large congregation of family, friends and members of the normal congregation. During his Sermon Father Martin posed the question “Why are we here?” which is to be the theme of the Sermons during Lent. He answered his question by pointing out that today we were gathered together to celebrate Mass and to Baptise a member of our congregation: Simeon. After Mass we went to the hall for refreshments and an opportunity to meet the family.

Yesterday the Saturday Shop took £140.

So far this year the Saturday Shop has contributed £1,658, with an additional amount of £150 from our EBay trading towards our Annual Quota (Parish Share) of £30,998

Yesterday afternoon we had a lovely occasion when a large number of family and friends with members of our congregation gathered to pray for Michael and Izoma as they were joined together in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.

Appearing Soon – Extracts from our Parish Magazine “THE PIONEER”