NEWS & VIEWS

Today’s Gospel is Matthew’s account of the Beatitudes - a list of behaviours and attitudes that will be blessed and will lead to a great reward in heaven. With the current conflict in the Holy Land and Ukraine foremost in our minds, perhaps ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’ is one that particularly stands out. That peace begins in our own daily lives and behaviours and emanates outwards, touching those with whom we have to do. Those who suffer and mourn receive the consolation of Christ’s comfort.

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.

TODAY transferred from Wednesday, we celebrate ‘the saints who before us have found their reward’ - the Church Triumphant. Many saints are commemorated by name throughout the year, but the Solemnity of All Saints includes all the great cloud of witnesses.

A WARM WELCOME to the Revd Canon Jane Richards, Assistant Priest at St Andrew’s Leytonstone, as our preacher and concelebrant this morning.

NEXT SUNDAY being Remembrance Sunday, we offer a Requiem Mass for those who have fallen in war, starting at 10.45am and incorporating an Act of Remembrance (with two minutes silence) with King and country at 11am. Poppies are for sale at the back of church in support of the Royal British Legion.

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.

QUIZ NIGHT our fish and chips quiz night at 7 for 7.30pm on Saturday 18 November is always a popular and fun evening. Tickets are available today from Margaret Quinney for £15 per person and free for under 12s! You may order a vegetarian option, or a sausage, instead of fish. Bring your own drinks.

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.

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.

INTERCESSION

OF YOUR CHARITY, PLEASE PRAY

for the sick, distressed and bereaved
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, the Noory family, Jeanmarie Morton; Denis Deasey

for the recently departed 

Frances Highfield, John Cassidy

for those whose anniversaries of death fall this week

Sunday

Ada Pritchard, Benjamin Williams

Monday

Joseph Wharton, Joan Humphryes, David Bloomfield

Wednesday

Eileen Knight

Thursday

Canute Westcarth, Joan Reid

Friday

Arthur Baines priest

Saturday

Lillian Holgate, Sister Felicitas

please pray especially for

peace in the Holy Land 

ORDER OF SERVICE