NEWS & VIEWS

Today’s epistle speaks of the Thessalonian church’s “work of faith and labour of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ”. The writer thanks God for this. The proof that the church is chosen by God is that the message of the gospel came to them “not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.” These words echo down the centuries and challenge us and the whole Church today.

A PRAYER FOR PEACE IN THE HOLY LAND

O God of all
Of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Isaac, Jacob and Ishmael:
Our hearts are broken in pieces at the
suffering and murder of your people.
Our voices cry for peace and for justice.

Comfort those who grieve;
repose those who have died
console and heal the injured,
be close to those in fear,
restrain with your mighty hand
those who perpetrate violence.

Father, send us your wisdom in all that we say and do,
that our voice may always seek justice,
peace and security for all. 

We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.

THE HOLY LAND We are collecting to support the work of Christian Aid who are providing humanitarian aid to those affected by the terrible conflict in the land of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. You can use this link: give.christianaid.org.uk/donate/CAM-005943, or the card machine, or give by cash/cheque by placing it in the specially marked box at the back of church. Please be as generous as you can. In addition to this please pray each day for a peaceful resolution to this conflict.

LITTER PICKING You may be aware that we have been having significant issues with the churchyard over the past months. This has been largely due to mismanagement and neglect by the council's contractor, and Fr Gareth and the churchwardens are trying to manage it. Could you help by doing some litter picking in the area immediately around the church from time to time, please? In the porch near the green bin you will find litter pickers and gloves to borrow and bags. Please do what you can, when you can. If you come across needles (syringes), do not touch them, but just let us know about them.

ENGLISH FOR WOMEN St Paul’s Goodmayes is urgently looking for volunteers to join the team at their English for Women (only) sessions on Thursday mornings in school term-time. This is not formal teaching but facilitating conversation to help reduce isolation and vulnerability. All materials are provided and no advance preparation is required. They are also looking for volunteers to help with the crêche. For more information, please contact: admin@englishforwomen.org.

COURSE IN CHRISTIAN STUDIES, run by the Diocese, this is an opportunity to explore the faith with others. Starting in the New Year, the course lasts two years, with weekly meetings in local groups around the diocese or online. Details: tinyurl.com/xianstudies or dhardy@chelmsford.anglican.org / 01245 294449.

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, Fr Michael, Fr Elwin Cockett, Lissy Sunny, David Cook, the Noory family; Katharine & Edward Lewis

the recently departed 

all who have died in the Holy Land

those whose anniversaries of death fall this week

Sunday

Molly Quinney

Monday

Amy Batten, Peggy Holland

Thursday

Irene Noble

Saturday

Jessie Welch

please pray especially for

peace in the Holy Land

ORDER OF SERVICE