NEWS & VIEWS

In the Gospel today we hear a marked contrast. Jesus says we should not be afraid because God cares so much for us and the whole of his creation - even the hairs on our heads are numbered and not even one sparrow falls to the ground without God knowing about it. But he goes on to say that a challenging commitment is needed from us in this life: we must never deny God (never deny being a Christian) even when the stakes are high. He says the those who do not ‘take up the cross and follow him’ is not worthy of the kingdom of heaven.

VISITING ORGANIST A warm welcome and thanks to Ian Boakes who is covering while John Cox is away.

DAY OF ACTION On Saturday beginning at 11am we are having a good clear out of some of the junk that has accumulated in church, including in the children’s and wardens’ rooms. A skip has been hired and we hope many people will come to help for a few hours to help get these areas in order and back into use. We need some younger members of the church family to take the lead on this, please. Sign up if you can come and we’ll ensure that you are rewarded with lunch!

PILGRIMAGE TO ST ALBAN’S Please would those who have paid their deposit for this day trip on Saturday 23 September pay the balance (£17) by Sunday 30 July. This can be done using the card machine – there’s a dedicated button – or by handing cash or cheques (made payable to ‘St Mary’s Ilford PCC’) to Margaret Quinney. There are still places available. Please speak to Fr Gareth.

REGULAR GIVING Giving to fund the ministry of the Church is an essential part of our Christian faith. We are struggling, so, please, if you don’t already, consider giving a regular amount. 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). For one-off donations please use the card machine at the back of church or the offering plate for cash/cheques.

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, Sally Cox, Matthew, Jacqui & Leslie Haigh, Bibi Bacchus, Eddie Burns, Fr Michael Bradley, David Weller, Jacob Hope, Fr Elwin Cockett, Brenda Fitter; Malcolm Avery

the recently departed 

Jamal

those whose anniversaries of death fall this week

Sunday

Gladys Hoskin, Hilda Jones

Tuesday

Lucy Jackson

Wednesday

Percy Taylor

Saturday

Edith Croft, Norma Crosby, Hugh Hurst

please pray especially for

compassion for refugees and asylum seekers

ORDER OF SERVICE