NEWS & VIEWS

Today’s Gospel has Jesus restating the authority he gave to the apostles to forgive sins - or not to. It is striking to hear this in the context of some teaching on church discipline - apparently needed even then(!) - with very clear and practical guidelines on what to do “if another member of the church sins against you”. There’s some encouragement too, for when the pews aren’t exactly full - “for where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”

PATRONAL FESTIVAL A big thank you to all who helped make last week’s celebration so very special. Many people contributed in many ways, obvious and less obvious, and it was so good to see the church family all together at the same time around our diocesan bishop. Bishop Guli's sermon is available to read here:

ILFORD MMU BBQ Our Mission and Ministry Unit (MMU) is hosting a FREE BBQ after Mass next Sunday from 12.15pm in the grounds of St Margaret’s Church, Balfour Road, Ilford, IG1 4HZ. This is an opportunity for the congregations of our 3 churches (St Mary’s, St Margaret’s, and St Luke’s) to get to know each other better over food and drinks. All are welcome but please put your name down!

HOUSE SOUGHT Some members of our church family are looking for a 2-3 bedroom house to rent in the area. If you can help, please speak to Geethu or call 07587 410446.

REGULAR GIVING Giving to fund the ministry of the Church is an essential part of our Christian faith. Please, if you don’t already, would you consider giving a regular amount? No amount is too small. Using our parish giving scheme is easy and you are in full control (and Margaret Quinney will be pleased to help you if needed). One-off donations can be made using the Parish Giving Scheme, or with the card machine at the back of church, or by putting cash/cheques in the offering plate. Cheques should be made payable to St Mary’s Ilford PCC.

ILFORD COMMUNITY GROCERY for £5 a year anyone can fill their grocery basket twice a week for £4 each time at City Gates, 25-29 Clements Road, between 9.30 and 4.30 Monday-Friday. The quality of the food available is very good and free support courses are on offer at the same venue. Details at communitygrocery.org.uk/ilford or from 020 3422 6511. There are flyers at the back of church.

INTERCESSION

OF YOUR CHARITY, PLEASE PRAY FOR

the sick, distressed and bereaved
John & Joan Cassidy, Richard Holland, Lucy Ball, Amberly Crediton, Kathy Valentine, Margaret Harding, Mel Taylor, Bernard Street, Muriel Masters, Keith Holland, Sally Cox, Matthew, Jacqui & Leslie Haigh, Bibi Bacchus, Eddie Burns, Fr Michael,
David Weller, Jacob Hope, Fr Elwin Cockett, Brenda Fitter, Katharine & Edward Lewis, the Brant family, Yvonne White; Barbara Hope.

the recently departed 

Eileen King

those whose anniversaries of death fall this week

Sunday

Cyril Beckford, Harbhajan Singh Multani, Percy Furzland

Monday

Wendy Tann

Wednesday

Kathleen Empson, Mary Roy, Frank Hills, Lucy Jones, Robert Smith

Wednesday

James Moss, Frederick Thirsk

Thursday

Annette Norris, Bill Elliott

Friday

Rita-Jeanne Clarke

Saturday

May Holmes

please pray especially for

Christians in Pakistan

ORDER OF SERVICE