NEWS & VIEWS

Today, Our celebration the Epiphany of the Lord continues until Candlemas which we will keep - as is now usual – next week on the fourth Sunday of Epiphany. Today’s Gospel tells of Jesus’ calling of his first disciples - the fishermen Peter, Andrew, James and John - who immediately left their nets and followed him. May God grant that we should be so ready and willing to follow Jesus.

CANDLEMAS Next Sunday we celebrate Candlemas - the Feast of The Presentation of Christ in Temple - when Simeon and Anna recognised Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. Deacon Leigh Daynes of the parish of Becontree South will preach and be the ‘Deacon of the Mass’. 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.

WEEKLY SERVICES Until further notice for a short period of time, Mass during the week will be on Tuesday and Thursday at 10am (9.30am for Adoration) only 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 the evening of Thursday 12 January. 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 her church for the wedding of her granddaughter. Funeral arrangements will be announced soon. Jesu Mercy, Mary Pray.

REGULAR GIVING 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

ILFORD HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

The society has interesting speakers, quiz nights, shows and outings. At their next meeting  - this Wednesday from  1.30 – 3.30pm at Fullwell Cross Library IG6 2EA - Georgina Green will give a talk entitled Taking the waters. All welcome. For more information, please ask Margaret Quinney.

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, Keith Holland, Helen Johnson, Joe & Sally Cox, Kay Higgins, Edward, Peter Decker, Doris & Dave Collom, Matthew, Jacqui & Leslie Haigh; Charlie Brinkley

the recently departed

Peter Bird, Joyce Hinds

those whose anniversaries of death fall this week

Monday

Eileen Dalziel, Jeanne Green

Friday

Charles Bonner

please pray especially for

those in temporary accommodation

ORDER OF SERVICE