St Mary’s and St Luke’s News & Information for 18 February 2024 – First Sunday of Lent
The Weekly Sheet has the weekly Readings and News on it
Lent Groups begin this week
The Lent Groups start this coming week. The theme is 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, Tuesdays at 7:30pm and repeated at St Luke’s on Fridays at 10am, running for 5 weeks and lasting 1.5 hours.
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.
Diocesan Vision Update
We had a very interesting evening at St Andrews learning more about the Diocesan Vision with the Diocesan Missioner, the Revd Peter Froggatt. Peter talked us through the process to date and where it was up to at present. The Bishops and senior clergy are putting some final touches to it and it will go to Diocesan Synod in the Spring for approval, after which we will hear more about the how we can implement it in our parish. Thanks to all those from our churches who attended. Please keep the Vision in your prayers using the hand.
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.
Could you help at our Stepping Stones Toddler Group?
We are looking for an additional volunteer helper. We meet twice a month on a Wednesday morning in the Church Hall. If you’d like to know more please speak to Sarah Turnbull.
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). 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).
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.
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