NEWS & VIEWS

There are clear parallels in the texts of our readings and Gospel today. The well-known passage from the start of John’s Gospel speaks of ‘the Word’ - ‘Wisdom’ in the Old Testament reading - Christ, being in existence from all eternity, and having created all things, literally from the Greek pitching his tent among us at his incarnation. The Colossians (and we) are told that God in Christ reconciled himself to all things (the things he created) through the Cross.          

PALM CROSSES FOR ASHING Please bring your palm crosses from previous years to church by Shrove Tuesday, 13 February, so that they can be burnt for use on Ash Wednesday, 14 February.

CHURCH SPRING CLEAN We’re hoping that many hands will make light work for our annual spring clean at 11am on the first Saturday in Lent - 17 February. Lunch will be provided.

MAILING LIST Anyone wishing to receive a weekly e-mail from us with notice of our services and other events/news, should subscribe via stmarysilford.org.uk, or by completing a blue ‘HELLO’ card.

THE ONE WHO SINGS PRAYS TWICE Singing is an important part of Christian prayer and worship. We use our voices to proclaim the praises of God. Singing is also good for us - it is said to improve mental well-being. We are fortunate to have a choir - albeit small - and cantors to lead us in our worship, but they are not there to sing for us, but rather to sing with us.  I encourage you to lift your voices and join in with the hymns and sung parts of the Mass with confidence. Fr Gareth

FR GARETH will be taking a sabbatical from 3 June to 31 August, studying the Church in Lithuania and working alongside clergy there. During that time he will be off duty; we are delighted that Fr Stephen Pugh (see below) has agreed to look after the parish. For every 10 years in ordained ministry, clergy are encouraged to take a three-month sabbatical for study, rest and retreat. This will be Fr Gareth’s first since he was ordained in 2006, so it is well overdue!

FR STEPHEN PUGH has announced his retirement as Vicar of our sister church, St Margaret of Antioch, and his last Sunday will be Easter Day. He is only moving as far as Becontree, so we will still see him, especially when he looks after the parish during Fr Gareth’s sabbatical (see above). We wish him a healthy and happy retirement when it comes.

RESTORED PROCESSIONAL CROSS Before Christmas the PCC commissioned the restoration of a 19th century processional cross that has not been in use for many decades. We are delighted with it, and although it is very heavy, hope to use it for special occasions. It is on display today next to the pulpit; please do have a look! At the same time the paschal candle stand and a number of silver pieces were repaired and refurbished.

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, Keith Holland, Matthew, Leslie Haigh, Bibi Bacchus, Fr Elwin Cockett, Jeanmarie Morton, Alastair Ogilvie, Paul Zmak, Caroline & Hugo Furzland; Eddie Burns, Augustus K

for the recently departed 

for those whose anniversaries of death fall this week

Monday

Albert Andrews

Tuesday

Frances Fairbairn, Dorothy Crane, Urcill Slater; King George VI

Wednesday

Grace Smith, Veronica Thurston

Thursday

Emily Menday

Friday

Margaret Weall, George Dike, Alec Jones

Saturday

Ian Gorman

please pray especially for

peace in the Holy Land and Ukraine

ORDERS OF SERVICE