NEWS & VIEWS

Today’s Gospel is the superficially troubling parable of the vineyard labourers who all get a day’s wages despite some of them only being hired for and working as little as one hour. It seems unfair, but the vineyard owner points out that he is allowed to do what he wants with what belongs to him. But the perhaps crucial point comes from his question – ‘are you envious because I am generous?’ God’s love and grace is not apportioned to us according to how long we have been Christians or how long we have been going to church but according to his own loving will.

FR LEIGH DAYNES Our friend Fr Leigh is to be ordained priest on Saturday by the Bishop of Barking at St Martin’s Becontree South. Please pray for him as he moves to this next phase of his vocation in God’s church. Fr Gareth will be representing us at the ordination.

HOUSE SOUGHT Some members of our church family are looking for a 2-3 bedroom house to rent in the area. If you can help, please speak to Geethu or call 07587 410446.

COURSE IN CHRISTIAN STUDIES Run by the diocese, this is an opportunity to explore the faith with others. The course lasts two years, with weekly meetings in local groups around the diocese or online. Some taster sessions have been programmed, starting on 11 October. Details: tinyurl.com/xianstudies or dhardy@chelmsford.anglican.org / 01245 294449.

SAYING GOODBYE SERVICE At 6pm on Sunday 15 October (the end of Baby Loss Awareness Week) in Chelmsford Cathedral, the Mariposa trust (sayinggoodbye.org), which supports people who have lost babies at any stage, is holding a special service, at which all are welcome, especially those affected by the loss of a baby or who are grieving that they have never had children.

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, the Elliot family, Keith Holland, Sally Cox, Matthew, Jacqui & Leslie Haigh, Bibi Bacchus, Eddie Burns, Fr Michael, Fr Elwin Cockett, Brenda Fitter, Katharine & Edward Lewis, the Fletcher family; Denis Deasey.

the recently departed 

Mike Spencer

those whose anniversaries of death fall this week

Tuesday

Ruby Rogers, Ivy Tinson

Friday

Irene Howell, Grace Warren

Saturday

Inez Walkes

please pray especially for

Those affected by the floods in Libya

ORDER OF SERVICE