Sunday 20th April 2008
Richard writes…
Today we welcome Jack Davis who has joined us on many occasions throughout the interregnum. Jack is one of 19 different clergy we have welcomed so far and I think that we have all enjoyed the different approaches and churchmanship which our visitors have brought.
Variety and change are good for us in our worship and I hope that we have benefited from the diversity we have been given at our services during the interregnum.
When our next incumbent is appointed the variety in our services may be reduced a little but changes will definitely be required as he or she will be required to share their time between St Mary’s and St Paul’s, and our pattern of services may well need to be adjusted. The PCC is already looking at the possibility of starting midweek services or gatherings to accommodate those for whom Sunday is becoming too inconvenient. Please join in the forthcoming discussions which will be opened up to all Church members.
Regarding the appointment of our new incumbent there has been some progress! The post has been advertised and we hope that some applications will be received before the deadline date this week. A short-list will then be drawn up and an interview date has been arranged. Please continue to pray for all involved in the appointment process and pray that we may all be prepared for any changes that may be required as we plan ahead.
With love, Richard.
Please pray…
… for the sick:
Marion Smith and Zita Rickwood.
… for the continuing recovery of:
Pauline Hoe, Simon Beilby, Catherine Bibey and Beryl Wood.
… for the housebound: Sheila Mitchinson, Mary Bell,
Nora Mason, David Gagg, Pat McGregor and Doris Bodimeade.
… for the bereaved relatives of: Stella Bell , Muriel Preston, Frank Sutton, Douglas Rodgers, Margaret Allen, Alice Hedley, Sheila Cave, Donald Pait, Robert Race Alan Hatton, Malvin Carr, Dot Harrison and Betty Sharpe.
… for those who live on: Highfield Road and Jubilee Road.
Fifth Sunday of Easter
(20th April 2008)
Sunday Services:
10.30 Holy Communion Acts 7 55-end (p.1100)
John 14 1-14 (p.1082)
6.30 Prayer & Praise Psalm 147 1-12 (p.632)
Revelation 21 1-14 (p.1249)
Wednesday
10.00 Morning Prayer John 15 18-21 (p.1083)
Collects
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ have overcome death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: grant that, as by your grace going before us you put into our minds good desires, so by your continual help we may bring them to good effect; through Jesus Christ our risen Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Risen Christ, your wounds declare your love for the world and the wonder of your risen life: give us compassion and courage to risk ourselves for those we serve, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
For your diary…
April
21st 1930 PCC meets
27th 1030 Family Service & Baptism
(Acts 17 22-31)
1830 Holy Communion
(Revelation 21 22 -22 5/John 211-14)
May
1st 1230 Said Holy Communion (Minster)
1930 Sung Eucharist (Minster)
Ascension Day…
1st May might be Polling Day but it’s also Ascension Day. There will be no service in St Mary’s but we are warmly invited to join either of the services at the Minster that day.
Christian Aid Week…
May also brings with it Christian Aid Week. Please note the dates – 11th -17th. If you are able, please get together with someone to deliver and collect envelopes in the area. Brownies should have counted and bundled them by then. Remember – many hands make light work!
If you can’t walk to deliver and collect, please pray for those who can!