TODAY’S CELEBRATIONS
Today we celebrate Michaelmas (the feast of St Michael and All Angels). The baptisms of Brandon and Caidon and the nuptial blessing of Seema and Raj makes the occasion even more joyous.
PASTORAL CARE COURSE starts Saturday 12 October
Develop your understanding of Christian pastoral care and be more effective in caring for others. This is a five session course on Saturdays at St Paul’s, Woodford Bridge. To apply, or for more details, contact Diane Hardy – dhardy@chelmsford.anglican.org / 01245 294449.
HARVEST GIFTS Sunday 13 October
This year your harvest gifts will be donated to RAMFEL. Please bring gifts of tinned and packet foods (check the dates), toiletries, sanitary care items and baby care items. These can be brought to church at any weekday service, or on Harvest Sunday.
HARVEST LUNCH Sunday 13 October 12.30pm
Our harvest thanksgiving continues with a traditional two course lunch of cottage pie and seasonal vegetables, followed by apple pie and custard and washed down by lashings of scrumpy and beer. Tickets are available today from Margaret Quinney at £10 per person (bursaries available).
BABY LOSS SUPPORT SERVICE Sunday 13 October 6pm
The Mariposa Trust (www.mariposatrust.org), which supports people who have lost babies at any stage of pregnancy, at birth, or in infancy, is holding a Saying Goodbye service in Chelmsford Cathedral. All are welcome, especially those who have been affected by such a loss, however long ago or recently.
WALSINGHAM PILGRIMAGE 14-17 September
Fifteen places are reserved for us at the Shrine of Our Lady from Monday 14 - Thursday 17 September 2020 for this time of spiritual refreshment and tranquility. Please sign the list at the back of church and give Hilary Hardwick your non-refundable booking fee of £10 if you would like to join. The total cost is expected to be about £285. Please speak to Fr Gareth or Hilary who can inform you about what to expect on a pilgrimage to Walsingham.
MINISTRY AND MISSION UNIT
The PCC has agreed the Ministry and Mission Unit Charter, thus beginning a new era of collaboration between us and St Luke’s and St Margaret’s. Copies of the draft charter are available at the back of church.
NAVE AND CHAPEL FLOOR RESTORATION
This part of our project to make God’s house a more beautiful, safe and fitting place for worship is scheduled to begin in January.
TOWER CLOCK
Our tower clock will be upgraded by means of a pendulum regulator to help it keep time better.
CONTACTLESS PAYMENT
We will soon be getting some contactless payment card readers to facilitate one-off donations by visitors to St Mary’s. They are not intended to replace standing orders or other regular giving and will not be used for collections during services.
CITIZENS UK Thursday 10 Oct 6.30-8.30pm
St Mary’s has joined Citizens UK (www.citizensuk.org) as a founding member of Ilford Citizens. This will allow us, with other member groups, to hold local politicians and political institutions to account through community organising. We extend a personal invitation to all members and friends of St Mary's to attend the first Ilford Citizens Assembly. The details are in the invitation below. Please come and support this important venture.
