NEWS & VIEWS

Today’s Epistle sets out Christian discipleship in a nutshell. It commends perseverance: St Paul writes “keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me.” This brings peace and the commendation is preceded by exhortations - to “rejoice in the Lord always”, not to worry about anything (as Jesus said in last week’s Gospel) and to make our requests known to God, with thanksgiving.

HARVEST THANKSGIVING Grateful thanks to all who gave money or produce for this. Your kind donations will be passed to The Welcome Centre in St Mary’s Road, which works with homeless people.

LITTER PICKING You may be aware that we have been having significant issues with the churchyard over the past months. This has been largely due to mismanagement and neglect by the council's contractor, and Fr Gareth and the churchwardens are trying to manage it. Could you help by doing some litter picking in the area immediately around the church from time to time, please? In the porch near the green bin you will find litter pickers and gloves to borrow and bags. Please do what you can, when you can. If you come across needles (syringes), do not touch them, but just let us know about them.

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.

ENGLISH FOR WOMEN St Paul’s Goodmayes is urgently looking for volunteers to join the team at their English for Women (only) sessions on Thursday mornings in school term-time. This is not formal teaching but facilitating conversation to help reduce isolation and vulnerability. All materials are provided and no advance preparation is required. They are also looking for volunteers to help with the crêche. For more information, please contact: admin@englishforwomen.org.

COURSE IN CHRISTIAN STUDIES, run by the Diocese, this is an opportunity to explore the faith with others. Starting in the New Year, the course lasts two years, with weekly meetings in local groups around the diocese or online. Details: tinyurl.com/xianstudies or dhardy@chelmsford.anglican.org / 01245 294449.

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, 2 Kathy Valentine, Margaret Harding, Mel Taylor, Bernard Street, Muriel Masters, Keith Holland, 3 Sally Cox, Matthew, Jacqui & Leslie Haigh, Bibi Bacchus, Fr Michael, 4 Fr Elwin Cockett, Lissy Sunny, David Cook, the Noory family; Fr Christopher, Barbara Hope

the recently departed 

Elianne Andam, Taye Faik

those whose anniversaries of death fall this week

Tuesday

Grace Sears

Thursday

Joseph Row

Saturday

James Ebert

please pray especially for

peace and reconciliation in Gaza

ORDER OF SERVICE