OPEN CHURCH & GIFT DAY
Please come to our Christmas fund raising event
SATURDAY 9th Dec 2023 – 10am to 5pm
Join historical tours of St Marys and watch a flower demonstration.
• Morning coffee
• Lunch with homemade lasagne or shepherd’s pie
• Afternoon tea with homemade cakes, mince pies and sausage rolls
And take part in our “Christmas Grand Draw”
Plus, buy plants and homemade cakes inside the Church.
Sponsored by:
St Mary’s Newsletter – November 2023
Dear St Mary’s Family,
I am pleased to report, to all those who don’t already know, Fr. Ben has made a quick recovery from COVID and is with us again.
October saw two successful fund-raising events, the Indian Dinner and the Quiz with Fish and Chips. Thank you again to the fundraising team.
Saturday November 4th sees a welcome return of the Sid Band Bolan’s Big Band for their annual Christmas Concert. Terry has tickets priced £10.00 which are going well but some will be available at the door. Don’t miss it.
In November, as usual, we will be supporting the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Appeal. Boxes will be blessed on Sunday 12th so bring your boxes along for the 11.15 Mass. They should contain one special item such as a quality toy, for example a football with pump or doll or cuddly toy plus other fun toys, personal care items and school supplies and a £5.00 donation to cover shipping. If you don’t feel able to fill a full box donations of any of the above items are welcome which Lisa and hopefully some helpers will pack in the church on Saturday 11th.
Message from our Safeguarding Officer, Maz Morgan. There is a meeting in the church hall on Thursday 2nd November at 7.30pm for all those who have any office within the church, such as PCC members, our fundraising team etc. so that they know their responsibilities to Safe Guard everyone attending the church or church activities.
News from the Tower from our Bell Ringer’s Captain. I had a visit from Clive Dobson, Jack Dobson son, and in his arms was a box which contained a treasure trove of memories of St Marys Church and the Bell tower, and a collection of books regarding bells. This pleased me because they could have been going to the tip. Shock horror!
If anyone remembers the Matson Family, Charles the father, and two daughters Joan and Betty, who donated the hand bells to the Church, in this box I found a nice cloth regarding Hand Bells which I am having framed for all to look at. This is going to be a winter job sorting through the old papers and photos. But I will keep you informed of my progress, and of course, talk to me in Church if you are interested. David.
Further to last month’s Newsletter, Dee is still searching for a three bedroomed house to rent so if you hear of any such property please let either Ben Miller or me know as Dee has to leave her current home by Christmas.
Special Services for November and December
All Souls Day – 2nd November 11am Mass of Requiem
Remembrance Sunday 12 November 10.40am Mass begins Outside with readings and the Act of Remembrance, then the Requiem continues inside Church immediately afterwards.
TAKE CAREFUL NOTE OF THE ABOVE – Different order than usual
Saturday 2nd December 5pm. Invitation from St Luke’s Prittlewell- Service of Advent Carols and Benediction, followed by Mulled Wine
Sunday 17th December 4pm Christingle Service
Sunday 17th December 6.30pm 9 Lessons and Carols
Don’t forget the second Major Fundraising Event of the Year, Saturday 9th December, Church Open Day starting at 10pm.
Finally, I am sure we are all praying for all those who are caught up in the many conflicts throughout the world including Palestine and Israel, Ukraine, Sudan, Yemin and so many more. May a spirit of reconciliation and peace come to all those in charge.
Diana.
Any news for December’s letter by Sunday 19th please. diana.hawkins@btinternet.com
