NEWS & VIEWS

Today’s Gospel amounts to a very direct illustration of the mode of justice implied in ‘forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us’. In the parable, it is notable that when the debtor begs for ‘patience’ (more time to pay his debt) the response is strikingly generous – the debt is forgiven altogether. Or it would have been had he shown similar mercy to his own debtors; he doesn’t though, and the consequences are severe.

ILFORD MMU BBQ Our Mission and Ministry Unit (MMU) is hosting a FREE BBQ after Mass today from 12.15pm in the grounds of St Margaret’s Church. This is an opportunity for the congregations of our 3 churches (St Mary’s, St Margaret’s, and St Luke’s) to get to know each other better over food and drinks. All are welcome.

ST ALBAN’S PILGRIMAGE For those booked on this pilgrimage, the coach will leave St Mary’s at 8.45am this Saturday 23 September. The day will begin with a guided tour of the Abbey Cathedral, followed by Mass. There will then be time for lunch (not included) and exploration of the City (or Cathedral), before gathering at the Shrine of St Alban for prayer at 3.30pm and leaving at 4pm.

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.

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, Keith Holland, Sally Cox, Matthew, Jacqui & Leslie Haigh, Bibi Bacchus, Eddie Burns, Fr Michael, David Weller, Jacob Hope, Fr Elwin Cockett, Brenda Fitter, Katharine & Edward Lewis, the Brant family, Yvonne White; Malcolm Avery.

the recently departed 

Mike Spencer

those whose anniversaries of death fall this week

Sunday

Helena Deane, Imayuse Eweka, George Tinson

Monday

Fanny Lugar, Sheila & Derek Lamprell

Tuesday

Gertrude Robinson, Violet Draine, Bernice Challenger

Thursday

Eleanor Joy

Saturday

Gladys Willis

please pray especially for

those affected by the earthquake in Morocco

ORDER OF SERVICE