St Mary’s Newsletter
20th October 2022
Hi Everyone
How has your week gone? Elizabeth reminded us today that with all the rain and darkness that we had this morning, we’re to remember that every day is a good day. This was reinforced that when I left the church to go into Southend in all the rain and darkness there was a beam of light and a rainbow in the sky. A reminder that God is with us even in our darker and more difficult times.
I had several people ask this morning what they can do to help the refugees whom I mentioned this morning in our 10am service. For those who were not there :
In a hotel in Southend there are120 refugees who have been invited and paid to come to the UK by our government with the promise of asylum. They are people who have worked to keep out country safe and are qualified doctors, teachers and engineers. They have been stuck in the hotel for over a year with still no sign of asylum. The children are unable to go to school and the hotel gets £8 per week per person to provide food and truthfully it is insubstantial and inedible. They also have inadequate clothing for the British weather
The churches, working with other faiths, and the charities Citizens UK and Welcome to the UK in central Southend are providing food and schooling but there is an urgent need for clean clothes and personal hygiene items. I understand gentlemen’s coats are items they need the most. If you would like to donate anything, if you could bring it to church in a marked bag I will make sure it gets passed to Elsa Nathan a member of South Shoebury congregation but also the Welcome to the UK Southend co-ordinator who has the task of trying to make sure the refugees have the correct clothing and personal items they need.
Thank you to everyone, who has volunteered to help with creating a Warm Space for those who need it. Tony, Craig and I are meeting on Monday and will bash out the details and will contact those who have volunteered.
Tonight at 8pm, we have Thursday Thinkers and will be watching another Nooma, tonight the episode is called Trees. It is open to everyone, and we would love to see you there. The Zoom link is https://us06web.zoom.us/j/75646300874?pwd=goZS9vSxE56ayQD-Kc0tNW9Qqvm-rT.1
Saturday (22nd) at 7pm we are hosting the Grove Singers who will be performing a concert for us. It is free entry but we will be asking for an optional donation to our charity of the quarter Southend In Sight.
On Sunday morning I will be at Holy Trinity in the morning and Craig will be leading our Morning Prayer Service. In the evening at 6pm we will have our monthly Even Song Service.
Thursday (27th) as normal we will have our 10am Holy Communion and 8pm Thursday Thinkers.
Saturday (29th) at 4pm we will have our second Xplore where we will be looking at Jesus the light of the world. We really need someone to help make and serve the Hot Chocolate and Marshmallows (it is probably the most important job), if you are able to help please email or talk to Craig, Tony or me.
The following Sunday (30th) as it is a 5th Sunday, we will have a Book of Common Prayer Holy Communion service.
At 4pm we will have our All-Souls service, please put your names of your loved ones you would like remembered on the board at the back of the church by this Sunday evening.
Advance Dates for your Diary
Sunday 13th November will be our Remembrance Sunday Service
There will be no Even Song in November, but we will have an Advent Carol Service on Sunday 4th December at 4pm.
Saturday 10th December will be our Christmas Party. We would love people who are able to use their talents to provide the entertainment. We are not expecting ‘West End’ performances, it will be lovely if you could share some poetry, tell a story, play a musical instrument, sing or dance. For refreshments, we are asking people to keep it simple and bring some nibbles and a bottle of drink that can be shared out.
Sunday 11th December our normal 10:30am service will be our Nativity Service – with a difference!!
Sunday 18th December 4pm with be Family Carol’s by candlelight. If you would like a traditional 9 lessons and carols, may I suggest going to Holy Trinity for 6pm for the service led by the Archdeacon Mike Power.
Intercessions for the Week
In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ, let us pray to the Father.
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, you promised through your Son Jesus Christ to hear us when we pray in faith.
Strengthen Guli and our Bishops and all your Church in the service of Christ, that those who confess your name may be united in your truth, live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world. We pray especially for Bishop John as he prepares to move to Liverpool as the new Diocesan Bishop.
Bless and guide Charles, our King; give wisdom to all in authority; and direct this and every nation in the ways of justice and of peace; that we may honour one another, and seek the common good.
Give grace to us, our families and friends, and to all our neighbours, that we may serve Christ in one another, and love as he loves us.
Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit; give them courage and hope in their troubles; and bring them the joy of your salvation.
Hear us as we remember those who have died in the faith of Christ, according to your promises, grant us with them a share in your eternal kingdom.
Rejoicing in the fellowship of all your saints, we commend ourselves and the whole creation to your unfailing love. Amen.
Take care,
Hannah
20-10-2022
www.stmarynorthshoebury.org.uk
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