FATHER ERNIE STROUD RIP

Yesterday Father Martin and  I , together with at least 25 priests, the Bishop of Richborough and the retired bishop of Chichester, The Rt. Revd. John Hind concelebrated the Funeral Mass of Father Ernie Stroud, whilst the ...Bishop of Chelmsford gave the address. Amongst the congregation were other priests, Anglican and Ordinariate and people from congregations where Fr. Ernie had served prior to becoming the Archdeacon of Chelmsford. Bishop Stephen told the packed church that it was through Father Ernie that he became a Christian and was subsequently ordained. It was an inspiring service and afterwards Father Mervyn was able to talk to some of his relatives from Bristol whom he had known since in Bristol Diocese.

May he rest in peace and rise in glory

14th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Today Father Martin officiated at St. Alban’s, Romford as some of the parish are on their annual Walsingham Pilgrimage. Father Mervyn celebrated the Solemn Parish Mass, and preached. Veronica, one of the Churchwardens, led our intercession. In his address Father Mervyn pointed out that parents have the responsibility of teaching children to be obedient; we say things like “go to bed”, “get up” “tidy you room”. “don’t interrupt people when they’re speaking” “clean you teeth”. We learn from our parents as children and put that into practice as we mature. The things parents, teacher and priests teach us form our conscience when we grow up. We learn how to listen to our conscience, not in some act of blind obedience but by listening to what is good, honest and the  kind thing to do. It enables us to grow into spiritual maturity and greatness.

Yesterday’s Saturday Shop took £147 and the Charity Stall £137

SS PETER & PAUL

Today we celebrated the Solemnity of SS Peter and Paul, the two pillars of the Church. Father Martin presided at the Solemn Parish Mass and Father Mervyn concelebrated, read the Gospel and preached. In his sermon Father Mervyn drew attention to the differences in character of the two men , who complemented each other in their Apostolic Ministry. Peter the impetuous, chosen by Jesus to lead the embryonic church Paul the great missionary and writer. It is at this time of year that ordinations to the Diaconate and Sacred Priesthood take place. Each person brings into ministry their different abilities and talents. Father Mervyn then reminded the congregation to listen to see if they were being called to serve as Ministers in God’s Holy Church and to bring into their ministry their own special, and different, talents.

At the end of Mass the Altar Party and Choir went to the hall for the dismissal and to sing Marjorie a “Happy 90th Birthday”  Marjorie cut her birthday cakes which we enjoyed with our usual after-Mass refreshments.

Yesterday’s Saturday Shop took a £152

TRINITY 1–12th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Today, Father Martin went to St Paul’s, Goodmayes to celebrate Corpus Christi, swopping with Father Mervyn who officiated at St. Augustine’s. Father Mervyn hasn’t been too well lately and it was decided that the celebration of Solemn Mass, Procession and Solemn Benediction must just bit a little too much for him. .

As St. Augustine’s had observed Corpus Christi on Thursday, today was the usual Parish Mass. Father Mervyn preached and led the Intercessions. Father Mervyn talked about the need to use the wonderful gift of the Eucharist as something we celebrate frequently. We were privileged to take into our hands the precious Body of Our Lord: a gist he had given to us just before his crucifixion.

Yesterday’s Saturday Shop took £242.

Items are needed for the Shop so why not have a late spring clean and give any surplus items you no longer need to the shop and we will turn them into cash for the church.

THE ROSARY

Tuesday 24th June 7.30 p.m. The Rosary. ALL WELCOME. If you don’t have a rosary one can be borrowed on the night.

THE GLORIOUS AND MOST HOLY TRINITY

Today Father Mervyn presided at the Solemn Mass in celebration of the Most Holy Trinity; Father Martin concelebrated, read the Gospel and preached. In his sermon Father referred to a previous sermon on the Trinity when ,as an illustration and an egg had been used. He said the the Trinity was a difficult concept which had kept theologians debating for many years until they had agreed on the words of the Nicene Creed which we would be saying shortly. In the end what we needed to believe was that God is love. After the sermon, Ann led us in ourintercessions.

Yesterday the Saturday Shop produced £150

Items are needed for the Shop so why not have a late spring clean and give any surplus items you no longer need to the shop and we will turn them into cash for the church 

WW1 – 100 years

On Monday 4th August the church will be open all day with a Requiem Mass at 11.00 a.m. We need volunteers to be in church during the opening hours so if you can help please talk to Father Martin.

 

PENTECOST 2014

As Father Martin was away for the weekend Father Mervyn presided and preached at the Solemn Mass and our Intercessions were led by Joan our retired Lay Reader. In his sermon Father Mervyn talked about how fear can paralyse us; the disciples locked themselves in the Upper Room because they were afraid. The Holy Spirit removed their fear and instead of be frightened by the authorities, they found the strength and inspiration to preach the Gospel far and wide even facing martyrdom for the sake of the Gospel. If we are open to receive the Holy Spirit into our lives he will rid us of our fears and qualms so that we too can proclaim the good news of the Gospel of Jesus.

Yesterday’s Saturday Shop took £163

FOR DIARIES

Monday 9th June Mass 7.30 p.m. according to the BCP

Thursday 12th June 9.30 a.m. Mass Please note change of time as there is a funeral at 11.00 a.m.

Monday 16th June 7.00 p.m. Mass followed by PCC

Have you seen our new Tradecraft Stall. Sales to date = £62.90

 

ASCENSION 1

Today we continued our celebration of the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Father Martin was officiating at St.Andrew’s, Romford. so Father Mervyn was the celebrant at St. Augustine’s. During his sermon he reminded people about Captain Kirk asking Scotty to beam him up in Star Trek. Is this what some thought had happened at the Ascension? If that was so, we had a wrong understanding of the event. We knew that Jesus was taken from their sight by a cloud but he was still with them although no longer visible to them – he is still with us but we can’t actually see him. He returned to his Father so that the gift of the Holy Spirit could come to be part of His church. We shall think more of this next week which is Pentecost.

Yesterday’s Saturday shop took £226

EASTER 6

Today we welcomed the Archdeacon of Barking, Dr. John Perumbalath to our Parish Mass and he concelebrated with Father Martin and preached the homily. Pamela led us in our Intercessions and Father Mervyn played the organ. In his homily Father John referred to the book “Is your God to Small” by J. B Philips. He said that God is a God of all people – he makes no distinction.. We make a mistake if we try to categorise Him – he can’t be contained. Nor can Jesus be confined to church premises because he is in our daily lives. Everything God wants to do He can but he would prefer to have our co-operation. However He is all powerful and will ultimately achieve His will. He is close to use at all times – take a breath and He is that close.

Father John joined us in the hall after Mass for refreshments so he could meet as many parishioners as possible.

The Flower Festival continues this afternoon concluding with Evensong and Benediction at 6.00 p.m.

EASTER 5

Today Father Martin presided at the Parish Mass – Father Mervyn was officiating at St. Paul’s, Goodmayes who are in their interregnum. In his sermon, based on Today’s Gospel Father Martin stressed that Jesus had gone to prepare a place for each of us. He reminded us that if we know Jesus we know God and it is through recognising Jesus we can recognise God himself. He reminded us that we need to see God in everyone of his creation.

Yesterday’s Saturday Shop took £140

We hope to see many people at our May Fayre and at our FLOWER FESTIVAL next week-end

EASTER 4

Today Father Martin presided at the Solemn Parish Mass and preached; Ann led us in our Intercessions. Father Mervyn was officiating at St. Albans, Ilford. In his sermon based on today’s Gospel of the Good Shepherd Father M artin drew our attention to the fact that the Bishop is the Shepherd of his flock in the Diocese. Yesterday our Churchwardens went to the Cathedral in Chelmsford to make their promises. Father Martin pointed out that Bishops delegated some of  their role as Shepherds to the parochial clergy who, in turn, delegated some of their role, to the Churchwardens. In fact, we all needed to exhibited the qualities of the Good Shepherd in our role with each other.

Yesterday’s Saturday shop took £156; we have also received a generous donation to the redecoration Fund which is very gratefully acknowledged.

3rd SUNDAY OF EASTER

Today Father Mervyn presided at the Solemn Parish Mass and Father Martin concelebrated, preached and led our Intercessions. As it is the Bank Holiday week-end we wondered if our congregation would be somewhat reduced as we knew several families were going to be away. In the event, the church was pretty full. In his sermon Father Martin reminded us that we recognise saints by various means and mentioned his particular regard for St. Jude, the patron saint of lost causes, as he frequently misplaced his keys and glasses. The travellers on the road to Emmaus eventually recognised Jesus by the breaking of bread. Every time we attend Mass we have the chance to do the same: recognise Jesus in the breaking of bread; and if we are willing, to let him enter our hearts.

Yesterday’s Saturday Shop took £226

SOME IMPORTANT DATES FOR DIARIES

ASCENSION DAY

29th May 7.30 p.m.

SOLEMN MASS

followed by Bring & Share Supper

Mission Weekend

MISSION FAIR

Saturday 24th MAY 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.

FLOWER FESTIVAL

Saturday 24th May 10.00 am – 5.00 pm

Sunday 25th May PARISH MASS 10.00 am.

Flower Festival open 2.00 pm. – 5.30 pm.

6.00 pm SOLEMN EVENSONG & BENEDICTION

Monday 26th May Flower Festival 11.00am –4.00 pm

 

LOW SUNDAY–2nd SUNDAY OF EASTER

Today Father Martin presided at the Parish Mass whilst Father Mervyn read the Gospel, preached, led our Intercessions and concelebrated. It was good to see quite a full church. In his sermon Father commented on the fact revealed by the Gospel that that after the Crucifixion the disciples were in the Upper Room with the door locked because they were afraid. Jesus came and stood among them and gave them their commission to go out to the world. All except Thomas were there and he doubted the veracity of what the disciples told him until a week later when Thomas was present and Jesus appeared again. The conclusion of St. John’s Gospel reminds us that: "These signs are recorded so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing this you may have life through his name."
During the Intercessions we prayed for our brothers and sisters in the Roman Catholic Church as today they pronounced Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II as Saints and we prayed that the day maybe hastened when we are united.

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THERE WAS NO SATURDAY SHOP LAST SATURDAY - IT REOPENS NEXT SATURDAY 3rd MAY HOWEVER THE SALE OF RAGS PRODUCED £270

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Tuesday 20th April Mass 7.00 p.m. followed by PCC at 7.45 p.m.

 

EASTER 2014

Our New Fire, Vigil, Renewal of Baptismal Promises took place at 5.30 a.m. and afterwards we all adjourned to the Parish Hall for a sumptuous breakfast of Cereals, fruit juices, eggs, sausages, toast, marmalade and coffee or tea. The sausages made by our local butcher Paul was fantastic. Father Martin presided and Father Mervyn played the organ

At 10.00 a.m. it was time for the Solemn Mass of the day which was concelebrated with Father Mervyn presiding and Father Martin preaching and leading the Renewal of Baptism Promises. Pamela led us in our prayer. Our choir was augmented for the anthem by Ann and Ruth. At the end of Mass all the children were presented with an Easter Egg whilst all the adults had a smaller individual egg. Father Mervyn was surprised and delighted when he was presented with a huge Egg by Father Martin. All our chocolate eggs were by the Meaningful Chocolate Company which supports Fair Trade.

Easter Day finished with Solemn Evensong & Benediction at which Father Martin presided and Father Mervyn played the organ.

PALM SUNDAY 2014

Today We met in the Vicarage Gardens for the Blessing of the Palms and then processed to the church,led by our choir singing “All Glory, Laud and Honour”. When we arrived in church we sang the Introit Hymn “Ride on, Ride on, in Majesty” Father Martin celebrated the Solemn Mass, preached and led our Intercessions. Father Mervyn had been called away to St. Mary’s, Ilford as their vicar had been taken unwell. The Passion was read by Father Martin, Vicky and Simon.

In his homily Father Martin described a procession and commented on the enthusiasm of everybody there.  This however was not the Palm Sunday Procession of Our Lord but the celebration when West Ham won the cup. It was similar to what happened on that first Palm Sunday : everybody rejoiced – it was a time of jubilation. Palm Sunday and the events of Holy Week remind us of what Jesus did for us. Christians should be faithful in response to his sacrifice and not be tempted away by the London Marathon, the Supermarkets or shops.

Yesterday’s Saturday Shop took £135; it is now closed until Saturday 4th May.

The Chrism Mass is at Chelmsford Cathedral at 12 noon tomorrow.

Principal Celebrant & Preacher; The Bishop of Richborough

Lent 5 Passion Sunday

Today Father Martin celebrated and preached at the Parish Mass. In his sermon he pointed out that despite Bethany only being two miles from Jerusalem it now took a long time to get there due to the Wall. During Lent we have considered the Mass and we have used, with permission, several different Eucharistic Prayers to make us really think about what is being said. This time has also provided an opportunity to recall the promises we made at our Confirmation and considered how well we are keeping them. Father Mervyn was officiating at St. Paul’s, Goodmayes today but returned in time for the APM.

Yesterday’s Saturday Shop took £169

After the Parish Mass the Annual Vestry and Parochial Church Meeting was held in the Hall. The Churchwardens were re-elected for a further term as were the Deanery Synod members for another three year term, Sidespeople for the next year were also approved. Reports from the various church groups and organisations and the Accounts for the last twelve months which had printed and circulated in advance, were approved and Father Martin thanked various people for all the help they had given during the last 12 months.

MOTHERING SUNDAY

Today Father Martin presided at the Parish Mass  at St. Lawrence, Upminster; Father Mervyn presided at St. Augustine’s where we had a full church. At the beginning of the service the flags from the Uniformed Organisations were paraded and presented. Our Intercessions were led by the Brownies. Father Mervyn talked about the different names for this Sunday and then pointed out that we all had 3 mothers: our own Mums, Mother Mary and Mother Church. What linked these together was “love” – you couldn’t see “ love” but you knew it was there. He produced a stick with 2 coloured balls at each end; as you pulled one – one at the other end went up (or down) He then opened the stick into two pieces to show that the coloured balls were not linked.

At the Peace, flowers were blessed and distributed, or votive candles lit for those whose mothers had died. Leaflets detailing all the services for Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter were distributed and they included an invitation to the annual Easter Parish Breakfast on Easter Day. Cost for adults: £3,  £1 for children between 5 to 11, children under 5 free. Fruit Juice, Cereals, toast and marmalade, Boiled Eggs and Sausages, tea or coffee. All breakfasts must be pre-booked – no one will be served who hasn’t reserved a place.

We hope to hold a Flower Festival on 24th and 25th Mayas part of our Mission Week ; volunteers to arrange flowers or sponsor an arrangement are needed by NEXT SUNDAY.

The Annual Vestry and Parochial Meeting will take place next Sunday staring around 11.30 a.m.

EASTER LILIES & FLOWERS

Lilies can be purchased in memory of a loved one at a cost of £5 for each person(this can be gift- aided). Envelopes are now available. Please include the name (s ) of the person to be remembered.

• Donations to the Flower Fund are always welcome and these too can be In Memoriam or to celebrate an anniversary or event.  See Pamela for details

THE ANNUCIATION

Today we celebrate THE ANNUCIATION

Pray for for us O Holy Mother of God

That we may be made worthy of the promises of  Christ.

Mass tonight at 7.00 p.m.

LENT 3

Today Father Mervyn was the principal celebrant and Father Martin read the Gospel and preached the sermon. Father Martin began the sermon by recalling how he had been approached by a television production company to appear in TOWIE (The Only Way is Essex) a few days ago; he had to decline as he had a prior engagement at the time of filming. We were a little disappointed that we won’t be seeing Father on our TV’s just yet.  The Samaritan woman had approached Jesus who was able to supply her immediate needs Father pointed out that the Samaritan woman represented us; Jesus came not only for the Jewish people as their expected Messiah but to us, non-Jews/gentiles, as well. Jesus provides our needs; he provides us with “living water”. This morning Father Mervyn led our Intercessions.

Just before the Eucharistic Prayer Father Martin was called to Queen’s Hospital to give the Viaticum to a patient so the Parish Mass continued with Father Mervyn. Father Martin returned in time to join us all for refreshments after Mass.

Yesterday’s Saturday Shop raised £185

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REMINDER

Tuesday Mass 7.00 p.m. followed by PCC at 7.45 p.m.

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Stations of the Cross Wednesday 7.30 p.m.

LENT 2

Today Father Martin presided at the Parish Mass and our prayers were led by Pamela. As our Organist/Choirmaster suffered an rather nasty accident falling down some steps he wasn’t able to play the organ today so Father Mervyn did so as well as preached. In his sermon Father Mervyn suggested that Nicodemus might have thought Jesus had taken leave of his senses when he said that a person needed to be born again. How could some one re-enter the womb of their mother? However Nicodemus totally missed the point as Jesus was talking about being born by water and in the Spirit referring to the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. It was just before the crucifixion and afterwards that Nicodemus reappears in the Gospel when it seems he now understood the point Jesus was making.

Yesterday’s Saturday Shop took £210.

Tonight 6.00 p.m. Evensong & Benediction

Tuesday

7.30 p.m. Stations of the Cross.