This weekend’s Bible readings:
1 Samuel 1:20-28 (p 271) and John 19:25-27 (p 1088)
Some news from John about our Director of Music:
Michael has been working as a church Director of Music for many years and now feels in need of a break and some space, both for his wellbeing and to ensure that he can continue to fulfil his calling with the same passion and enthusiasm. Michael has requested to reduce his contract by being released from the responsibility of providing music on the first Sunday of each month. This has been agreed by all three PCCs. Michael will remain as our Director of Music and will continue to take choir rehearsals and organise the musical outreach in all our other services and special events across the benefice. It is right and proper that Michael will also be taking a short break from his duties from the end of May until early July, for recharging, resting and listening to God. Please do keep him in your prayers at this time.
First Sunday of the month:
We are delighted to announce that Jenny Boot will be taking over organising the music for the first Sunday of the month. Jenny is already a member of the choir but also has very wide experience in leading worship in other churches. Some of us have already experienced her leading at the Lent Course and the Centre. The style will be both traditional and contemporary, especially if there is biblical “weight” to the songs. She will often be accompanied by her husband Joe but also other musicians will be incorporated as time goes on. On these Sundays there will be no robed choir but we hope very much that the choir can add to the singing from within the congregation. We hope that everyone can come and support this; no-one is intended to be excluded.
Lent course on Wednesday evenings 7.30 pm at All Saints:
We are running a course on Wednesday evenings throughout Lent: Christians Foundations for Today.
The Lent course this year is focussing on our Christian foundations and how they work out in our lives day by day. This week’s session is The Truthful Spirit: “The Spirit of truth will guide you into all truth” John 16:13
Stainer’s Crucifixion 26th March:
Next Sunday at 6.30pm in St Mary's our benefice choir with other chorister friends will be singing Stainer's The Crucifixion. This is a moving meditation on the Passion with hymns for all to sing as well as music for the choir and soloists. It is a special way to continue your Lent journey as we move towards Holy Week and Easter. Please come along and bring someone who would enjoy sharing this time of worship with us. It will last for about an hour. There is no charge. A retiring collection will be taken for the musical outreach of our benefice.
Midweek Music 22nd March:
On Wednesday the Midweek Music concert at 12.30 will be given by Philippa Hanson on the violin with Michael Smith on the piano. Refreshments will be available from 11.30 - just right for a brunch or early lunch. Do come along if you can.
Pop-Up shop 26th March:
The pop up shop will be in St Mary's after the 10.30 service on Sunday 26th March. The fair trade items now come from One World Shop since Traidcraft went into administration. There will be various food items for sale and The Real Easter Egg will be available for £5. The pop up shop also has Christian gifts for sale, second hand Christian books at 50p and £1 and there will be some Easter cards there too. You can also order items from Marion at any time and the website will be displayed on the day. All profits go to the Buntingford Foodbank.
Sunday lunch at The Star:
Heather’s next Sunday lunch at the The Star will be on Sunday 26th March. If you would like to book a place please let Heather know by Sunday 19th March. Mobile 07909 065550.
Little Angels on 31st March:
On 31st our toddler group will hold its Easter party, starting at 10:30am with an Easter Egg hunt in the churchyard, and then inside for hot cross buns and hot chocolate. Any small one is welcome, with his or her grown-up.
A visit from Pilgrim Cross, (formerly Student Cross):
This is a walking pilgrimage that walks to Walsingham during Holy Week. The London leg of the pilgrimage will be walking from Epping to Walsingham and hopes to stop overnight on 1st April in Standon. They carry with them a wooden cross and they will leave it in St Mary’s overnight into Palm Sunday. They have asked if anyone would like to meet them for prayer during the Saturday evening; if you’re interested, please speak to John.
Save the date:
On Saturday June 17th we are planning a “Benefice Ladies Morning“, a time of reflection and refreshment, at All Saints church. Further details will follow but if you’d like to know more, please speak to Gaby or Deborah.
Stories of faith:
There is a new part of our website, “My Story” where different people tell their story of coming to faith. So far, we have Rita, with Denise and Margaret coming shortly. Anyone else who would like to contribute is very welcome. Please speak to John if you’d like to add your story.
Lent Appeal:
Once again, we are appealing this Lent for our mission and ministry locally. As we travel through Lent, we remember all that God has done and given to secure our salvation; please pray about what and how he is asking you to give in gratitude.
Plea for carrier bags:
Karen is appealing for carrier bags for the food bank. They need to be in reasonable condition, and they can be left in the food bank boxes in church or given to Lizzy.
Volunteers still sought:
Our in-house teams are still looking for volunteers on many fronts. If you can help with this or any of the other tasks listed in recent weeks, please speak to John or the appropriate person.
Website:
Our benefice website is on the www.achurchnearyou.com platform. The benefice page is:www.achurchnearyou.com/church/7825/benefice. Please visit it to see the range of information there.
Services for the next few weeks
Midweek services each week:
Tuesdays, 9.30am Holy Communion (BCP), St Catherine's
Wednesdays, 9.30am Morning worship & Bible study, St Mary's
Sunday services:
19th March 8.00am Holy communion, St Mary's
10.30am Holy communion, All Saints
4.00pm The Centre, All Saints
26th March 10.30am Family worship, St Mary's
4.00pm The Centre, All Saints
6.30pm Stainer's Crucifixion, St Mary's
2nd April 8.00am Holy communion, St Mary's
10.30am Morning worship, All Saints
4.00pm The Centre, All Saints
9th April 10.30am Easter holy communion, St Mary's
16th April 8.00am Ante communion, St Mary's
10.30am Morning worship, All Saints
4.00pm The Centre, All Saints