This week we pray for our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters, and all who mourn the passing of Pope Francis. We give thanks for his life of service and his example to all Christians.
Thank you to all those who prepared our churches for Easter in so many different ways including cleaning and, of course, decorating with flowers. Revd Mike.
Hilary would like to thank all those who helped decorate St Mary’s with flowers.
Joyce Woodward
It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of Joyce Woodward earlier this week. Joyce was a longstanding member of St Mary’s and was a member of the choir for many years, keeping it going along with Jean Rowlands for many years after my arrival! She will be fondly remembered; may she rest in peace and rise in glory. Amen. Please keep her family in your prayers. Funeral details to follow when available. Revd Mike.
This Sunday: Messy Church Team Meeting
There will be a quick meeting after the 10.40am service on 27th April for anyone who has already said they would like to be on the Messy Church team. If you would like to be added to the team, you are welcome to join the meeting too.
Messy Church: Saturday 10 May at 2:30pm
Messy Church Saturday 10 May at 2:30pm in the Church Hall. Messy church is a form of church for everyone that involves creativity, celebration and hospitality. Expect activities, songs and prayers and an entirely new way to express your faith. More information about Messy Church can be found here: https://www.messychurch.brf.org.uk/
Christian Aid Week 11 – 17th May
From Sarah Rhodes our Christian Aid rep:
Christian Aid celebrates its 80th anniversary this year having been set up after the end of World War II.
Advanced notice, Christian Aid Week is Sunday 11th to Saturday 17th May. Please consider if you could join the team delivering collection envelopes to the houses on the streets St Mary’s covers.
Christian Aid has a focus country each year to explain more about their work. This year is Guatemala in South America. It is a very small country whose population is very dependent on agriculture. Christian Aid provides support in one way through an agricultural school gathering and sharing indigenous peoples knowledge. Christian Aid supports families to learn new techniques, for example, in rainwater harvesting and setting up micro businesses.
Choir Vestry Repairs
The Dry Rot repairs in the Choir Vestry will cost in the region of £19,000 to repair. However, add to this roof repairs, plastering, painting and professional fees, the whole project could be in the region of £30,000. Many thanks for the donations and pledges received so far, if you would like to pledge a donation towards this project please let Revd Mike know.
Morning Prayer
Morning Prayer, 9:30am on Zoom: bit.ly/930mp on Tuesday and Thursday this week.
There is the Church of England Daily Prayer at bit.ly/cofeprayer and Daily Prayer app – search your device’s App Store to find it and Daily Hope: a free phone line of hymns, reflections and prayers you can call at any time on 0800 804 8044.
Chester Diocese Website
Chester Diocesan website (chester.anglican.org) is well worth a visit to find out what’s happening around the diocese including news and events.
Online Service Resources
Service Orders at St Mary’s can be viewed/downloaded at bit.ly/serviceorders.
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.
Easyfundraising
Thanks to all who support us this way, it costs you nothing, please consider using it for online and click and collect, visit here for more info: bit.ly/stmaryseasyfundraising
Giving
Our church relies upon personal giving to keep going. To give quickly & securely online click here or scan the QR Code below or Click Here to see all the ways you can support the church financially.
