VISITING PREACHER today
We welcome the new Archdeacon of Barking, The Venerable Chris Burke, as our preacher. The Barking Archdeaconry covers the same area as the boroughs of Barking-&-Dagenham and Havering.
CAROLS ON THE TOWN HALL STEPS this Friday
Ilford Citizens, of which St Mary’s is a founding member organisation, is holding a Carolling Action on Ilford Town Hall steps from 6pm to call for more affordable housing in LB Redbridge. There will be a brass band and it will be very Christmassy! Please come along. Any questions to Clare Cox.
CHRISTMAS LUNCH cancelled
Please note that sadly, owing to the oven needing to be replaced, we are unable to lay on a Christmas lunch this year.
ECO CHURCH
St Mary’s is now a confirmed winner of A Rocha UK’s Silver Eco-Church award for 2019. Please have a look at the Eco-church award criteria - which include initiatives for congregants / parishioners - and see what you personally can do to help save our species: https://ecochurch.arocha.org.uk
ST MARY’S POCKET DIARIES
Church diaries for 2020, containing the Church calendar, are available at the back of church for £1 each.
CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME
The Christmas programme is available to take away today. There are plenty, so please take some to give away to friends and neighbours.
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT Sunday 22 December 5pm
Readings and favourite carols for choir and congregation on the Sunday before Christmas. Followed by Christmas buffet.
FAMILY CRIB SERVICE Christmas Eve 5pm
Follow the star, build the crib and sing children’s songs at this family-friendly short service.
MIDNIGHT MASS Christmas Eve 11pm
Our traditional candlelit first Mass of Christmas, with choir and procession, begins at the earlier time of 11pm this year.
FESTIVAL MASS OF CHRISTMAS Christmas Day 10am
With traditional hymns and carols and procession to the crib.
