NEWS & VIEWS

Today, our celebration the Epiphany of the Lord continues - until Candlemas (Presentation of the Lord) which we will keep - as is now usual - on the fourth Sunday of Epiphany - two weeks’ time.

CANDLEMAS in two weeks’ time on Sunday 29 January we celebrate Candlemas - the Feast of The Presentation of Christ in Temple - when Simeon and Anna recognised Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. As is our tradition, we are asking for donations towards the cost of items such as wafers, incense, wine and candles for our worship. Please donate if you can: online at https://givi.ng/0av0, by using the card machine in church (selecting ‘Candlemas’ on the screen) or by cheque made payable to ‘St Mary’s Ilford PCC’ and sent to The Vicarage, 26 South Park Road, Ilford, IG1 1SS, with a note saying, ‘Candlemas gifts’. Thank you in advance.

WEEDAY SERVICES Until further notice Mass during the week will be on Tuesday and Thursday at 10am (9.30am for Adoration) and there will be no public Evening Prayer on Sunday.

JOYCE HINDS We share the sad news that after a short period in hospital Joyce died on Thursday evening. Joyce was a part of the church family here for many decades, and we were so pleased that in early December she was able to be present in this church for the wedding of her granddaughter. Funeral arrangements will be announced when we receive them. Jesu Mercy, Mary Pray.

PARISH SHARE If you haven’t already, please take home and read the leaflet explaining the new Parish Share system for the diocese. Each parish in the diocese is expected to pay its share - the leaflet explains what the money is used for. This year, St Mary’s is being asked to pay £50,000 - nearly £959 per week. This is one of the lower amounts being asked of the parishes in this area, but nevertheless it is our largest single annual expense.

CHURCH FINANCES We rely on the people who worship at St Mary’s to cover the costs associated with our church. Financial giving to fund the ministry of the Church is part of being a Christian and an essential part of our commitment to our faith. Please, if you don’t already, would you consider giving a regular amount each month? We are really struggling to make ends meet! No amount is too small. Using our parish giving plan is easy and you are in full control (and Margaret Quinney will be pleased to help you if needed).

DIOCESAN LENT COURSES 2023

The diocese is running face to face (across the diocese) and online Lent courses open to all at a cost per course of £15 to £25 depending on the number of sessions.  For further information and to book, go to chelmsford.anglican.org/discipleship/lent-modules or contact Diane Hardy - dhardy@chelmsford.anglican.org / 01245 294449

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, Fr Oliver Coss, Keith Holland, Helen Johnson, Joe & Sally Cox, Kay Higgins, Peter Decker, Joy Bewick, Doris & Dave Collom, Matthew, Jacqui & Leslie Haigh; Denis Deasey, Malcolm Avery

the recently departed

Benedict XVI Pope, Peter Bird, Joyce Hinds

those whose anniversaries of death fall this week

Sunday

Annie Hampshire, Walter Bunn

Monday

Thomas Wrack

Tuesday

Hubert Eardley-Wilmot priest, James Inglis, Rosemary Miller

Thursday

Eleanor Lysaght, Christopher Howell priest, George Smith

Friday

Peggy Trafford

Saturday

William Bouverie, Agnes Fitch, Joyce Horne

please pray especially for

justice and peace in Brazil

ORDER OF SERVICE