St Mary’s and St Luke’s News & Information for 11 February 2024 – Sunday next before Lent
The Weekly Sheet has the weekly Readings and News on it
What will you do this Lent?
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday on 14 February. We have two Holy Communion services on Ash Wednesday, both at St Mary’s, 10am & 7pm.
We are also planning to run Lent Study Groups, looking at The Grace of God and is an opportunity to join together and discuss. Just bring a Bible if you can, everything else is supplied. They are being held at the Rectory on Tuesday 20 Feb at 7:30pm and repeated at St Luke’s on Friday 23 Feb at 10am, lasting 1.5 hours and running for 5 weeks.
The Church of England’s Lent resources this year are called ‘Watch & Pray’, more info can be found here including Booklets, daily emails and App.
Chester Diocese Vision Evening in Crewe
If you would like to find out more about the Diocesan Vision for this year and beyond then there is an opportunity to do this at St Andrew’s, Bedford Street on Monday 12th February at 7.30pm (refreshments served from 7pm). This is a Deanery Synod meeting but is open to all. There will be an address from the Revd Peter Froggatt, a member of the mission team, on the Diocesan Vision. If you would like to find out more about the Diocesan Mission you can find more information here. I would encourage as many of us to attend as possible, the vision is to reach 1.5 million people, however, it starts with you and I. Revd Mike.
Bible Study & Prayer Group
The Bible Study Group meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each Month at 10.15am and Prayer Group meets on 1st Thursday of the month at 7pm, both at 56 Bowness Road, thanks, Jenny.
Christian Aid Sponsored Swim
This Year’s Christian Aid Sponsored Swim is on Saturday 2 March, at the Lifestyle Centre, 5pm to 7pm. Our young people will be taking part once again this year. Sarah Turnbull has a sponsor form for those who would like to support this great cause.
Confirmation Service 2024
We have a Confirmation Service on Sunday 2 June at 10:40am with Bishop Sam the Bishop of Stockport. If you are Baptised, of High School age (or will be this September) or above, and would be interested in being Confirmed this year, please have a chat with Revd Mike in the next few weeks. For more information on Confirmation please check out the FAQ on the C of E website – click here. Preparation for Confirmation will begin after Easter.
Ladies Afternoon Group News
It was great to see you all at the AGM last month. We had an enlightening talk from Age UK on Scams Awareness. Our next meeting is on 22 February when Mel Latham (no relation) will be with us “Chutney and Cheer”. I am sure she will have items to purchase! See you all soon Frances.
New Archdeacon Announced
The Reverend Jane Proudfoot has been appointed as the next Archdeacon of Macclesfield (the Archdeaconry we are in).
Jane is currently the Rector of Grappenhall, Priest in charge of Daresbury, and Rural Dean of Great Budworth in this Diocese. Since September, she has been serving as Assistant Archdeacon of Macclesfield.
Her Licensing Service is on Sunday 28 April, 3pm, Chester Cathedral – all are welcome no need to book.
Her Welcome Service is on Sunday 12 May, 3pm, St Paul’s Macclesfield (spaces can be booked for free via by clicking here).
First Aiders
Thanks to those who have offered. David will be in touch with those who best suit our needs at our churches.
Flower Rota
Flower Rota 2024 – Please add your name if you are able to volunteer to join Flowers Rota (located in the porch at St Mary’s) to put flowers into Church, a list of dates are available or speak with Di Carter. Many thanks in advance.
Sunday Refreshments at St Mary’s
St Mary’s after Church Refreshments Rota 2024 – could you please fill in the rota for 2024 in the Church Hall. Thanks to everyone who volunteers to do this.
St Mary’s Cleaning Rota
The St Mary’s Cleaning Rota needs some new volunteers and people to sign up. The Rota is in the porch of the church – please consider signing up to keep St Mary’s looking fantastic. See a Warden for more details.
Morning Prayer
Morning Prayer on Zoom bit.ly/930mp, 9:30am
on Tuesday & Thursday this week.
Also there is the Church of England Daily Prayer which can be found here: https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/join-us-service-daily-prayer
There is also Daily Hope: a free phone line of hymns, reflections and prayers you can call at any time on 0800 804 8044.
Easyfundraising
Please use Easyfundraising to raise money for St Mary’s for free. If you already have us as a cause then remember to activate the donation. If this is new to you, it’s simple, and you can help St Mary’s & St Luke’s, its quick, and free to sign up: see link below bit.ly/stmaryseasyfundraising It costs you nothing, but raises money for our churches.
Online Service Resources
Service Orders at St Mary’s can be viewed/downloaded at bit.ly/serviceorders or scan the QR Code to the left.
The Weekly Sheet is available at the top of this Blog page.
We will continue have printed Weekly Sheets available, but if you can do it electronically, it means we can print less and not throw as much away.
Our Church Relies upon Personal Giving to Keep Going
To give quickly & securely online click here or scan the QR Code
Click the button below to see the ways that you can help.
Or Click this link: https://www.stmaryswistaston.org.uk/giving.html