St Mary’s March 2019 Update
St Mary’s Church March 2019 update provides listings of services, contacts and other events and news. This update includes a message for Rev. Mandy Elmes, World Day of Prayer, Lent, Lunch & Mothering Sunday.
Message from Rev. Mandy Elmes
I’d like to say a big THANK-YOU to everyone who has supported me, wished me well and prayed for me as I have been waiting for my spinal surgery. I am very grateful to you all. Your kind thoughts have made a difference. Regretfully, my surgery was postponed until 27 February, so I will be out of action rather longer than anticipated. I will be returning to work on Easter Day, and I shall look forward to seeing you then. With my best wishes. Mandy
World Day of Prayer
Taking place on Friday 1st March this year promises a lovely service compiled by the women of Slovenia. Soup lunch at 12.30pm in the church hall (please let Judith 241969, or Kate 07973 421306 know for catering purposes) followed by service @ 1.30pm. All welcome!
Everything is ready and the invitation is for everyone – men, women and children of all ages to join this Day of Prayer. Women of Slovenia, one of the smallest and youngest countries in Europe, have prepared this year’s service and they encourage us to reflect on the barriers they have faced since the end of the Second World War when their country was a part of Yugoslavia, a Marxist socialist republic. They share the challenges they have met and the hopes they have for the future.
Lent Course
We will be holding a 3 Parishes Lent Course on Wednesday evenings at 8pm in the church hall on the following dates:
- 13, 20, 27 March,
- 3 & 10 April.
The theme will be the radical nature of the gospel with a special focus on the church in India. Topics covered include taking action to combat human trafficking and inspiring school children to care for the environment. All are welcome to join us and tea and biscuits will be served at the start of each session.
Churchyard & Church Clean Up
We will be tidying up the churchyard and spring cleaning the church on Sat 16 March from 9:00 am until 12:30 pm. All helpers very welcome, even if you can only spare an hour! If you can help, just turn up on the day. Refreshments provided!
Concert by ‘Quire’
This concert is being held in aid of the Tom Bowdidge Foundation at St Mary’s on Saturday 23rd March at 7 pm. A concert of music from the Caribbean with Colchester World Music Quire, featuring Heathlands School choir, to raise money for the Tom Bowdidge Foundation. Sit back and listen to songs from a warm climate! Tickets £10 on the door. Accompanied children free. Tickets can also be bought in advance from Mann’s Music, and from the church office.
Seniors’ Lunch
Our next Lunch for the over 60’s will be held on Saturday 30 March @ 12.45pm in the church hall. If you would like to come, or you know of an older person who would enjoy some company and a good lunch, please contact Murray Harlow on 242007. All offers to cook food or help serve on the day also welcome!
Mothering Day Service
All welcome to our special family-friendly service to celebrate Mother’s Day. All mums will receive a small posy of spring flowers. In the church at 9:30 am.
Services & Other Dates
All events are at St Mary’s unless stated otherwise. Kids’ Church is our new form of Sunday school for children. Note, no Evening Prayer Service during winter months.
Contacts
- Priest in Charge:
Rev Dr Mandy Elmes, 1 Church Close, CO6 3JZ
email: [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”]
tel: 01206 240906. - Church Wardens:
Sue Day—01206 241040;
Ronnie Seymour—01206 273579. - Lay Readers:
Richard Chadborn—01206 240541;
Michael Foster—01206 241022. - 3 Parish Families’ Worker:
Jo Jeffery—07853 586683. - Church Administrator and Newsletter Editor:
Church Office Hours—weekdays (not Weds) 9am—1pm
Liz Dixon—01206 243683,
email: [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”]. - Hire our hall:
Nicole Long—01206 240443. - Website:
Stmaryswestbergholt.co.uk. - Follow us on Facebook:
facebook.com/stmaryswestbergholt.