Dear Friends,

This is the period called Petertide, after the Feast of St Peter on the 29th of June, and this the time is when deacons and priests are ordained. I invite you to use this prayer for them:

“Lord Jesus, we pray for all those preparing for ordination at this time. We ask you to fill them with the fire of your love, that their ministry may reveal your presence in the Church. Since they are earthen vessels, we pray that your power shines out through their weakness. In their afflictions let them never be crushed, in their doubts never despair, in temptation never be destroyed, and in persecution never abandoned. Inspire them through prayer to live each day the mystery of your dying and rising. In times of weakness send them your Spirit, and help them to praise you and pray for poor sinners. By your same Holy Spirit put your word on their lips and your love in their hearts, to bring good news to the poor and healing to the brokenhearted.”

Amen.

With love and my prayers,

James

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Sunday and weekday Services

Our weekly service times are:
Sunday 10:00am Eucharist
Tuesday 10:00am Morning Prayer (BCP)
Thursday 10:30am Holy Communion (BCP)

The weekly online service is now a livestream of our Sunday Morning Eucharist Service. The link for the livestream page is https://stmarymagdalene.church/livestream-service/ the Service for the coming Sunday is listed on this page on a Friday. The page includes a video that will go live at approximately 9:55am on Sunday, it also has the words to the hymns, collects and readings and has a downloadable service booklet. It will continue to be made available to those who, for whatever reason, are unable to attend church.

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Launde Abbey

We will be going on retreat to Launde Abbey again this year from 14-17 August. The cost will be £425.00. Please see Michael or Judy Smith for your booking form.

Pilgrimages 2024 and 2025

In the past it was always our custom to go to Launde Abbey one year and a pilgrimage elsewhere the next. We have not been able to do this recently but are trying to re-establish the practice. We are going to Launde Abbey this year and have looked at options elsewhere for the future. We are considering a pilgrimage to Greece which includes St Paul’s time in Greece as well as some sightseeing of the ancient wonders of Greece including Athens and Delphi. Because this is likely to be expensive, about £3,000, we have deferred this to 2025 to give time to save, and I will be setting up a monthly savings scheme in August or September this year. I have already had expressions of interest from about 12 people and, if you think you would like to come, please speak to me for more details.

That leaves 2024. We could just go back to Launde, but we are considering the possibility of a trip based in and around Vienna. We are hoping to keep the cost to about £1,800 (I’m sorry travel costs have increased considerably and it can’t be done for less) and if you are interested please let me know and I will add you to the list.

If you have not been on a pilgrimage with us before they are great fun, and serious too, help us all to get to know each other better and make us the family we are. Do give it a thought.

Michael

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Coffee Morning

Our next coffee morning will be held on Tuesday 18th July at 10.45a.m. at Peter Lamb’s house on The Ridgeway. Peter will obviously be delighted to welcome you all and will give you his address if needed and he hopes lots of you can attend. Perhaps you can manage a small donation if unable to come.

Many thanks to all Rita

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Patronal Festival Lunch

Our Patronal Festival this year is on 23rd July. The service will be followed by a glass of fizz for everyone and then a lunch, which will cost £15, for all who would like to come. If you are interested, it would be great if you could let me know let me know on the 16th July at the latest. I can still take names on that day, but it will be the last opportunity.

Hope to see you there

Judy

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Mary’s Meals

Chris Dey has kindly offered to host a Meal for Mary’s Meals on 6th August. It will be a BBQ/ party for up to 20 people at a cost of £30 with all proceeds going to the charity. If you would like to go then please let me know when I’m back on 16th July.

Judy

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October coach visit to Highgrove House

A rare opportunity to visit the garden inspired by H.M. King Charles III in autumn time when Highgrove takes on a warm glow of colour, resplendent with the Japanese Maples and the diverse collection of trees especially chosen for their autumnal hues. Late flowering perennials light up the borders, with the autumn crocus and cyclamen adding highlights in many pockets around the garden.

Bookings are through the Enfieldian coach company website (address below). The cost is £55, which includes £30 admission to Highgrove. The coach returns by 7.30pm. James will also be going on the trip.

AUTUMN AT HIGHGROVE BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT – Wednesday 4th October 2023

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Singing Group

We are thinking of starting a singing group, possibly Tuesday or Wednesday evenings depending on people’s availability, for people of all abilities who enjoy singing. The idea is to sing a variety of music and have fun – nothing too serious. If you are interested in helping set this up, I would love to hear from you.

Many thanks! Ann Rolland

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Coffee and a Concert

Wednesday July 12th with a special guest, studying at the Guildhall College, playing the piano for us. Meet as usual at 11:30am in the Choir Vestry for coffee and cake before the concert.

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Ladychapel Memorial book

Every week we remember the anniversaries of death for different people. Their names are taken from two Memorial Books we keep. One for those whose ashes are interred in the Memorial Garden and a second, in the Lady Chapel, for people we wish to be remembered on a certain date (usually their death).

If you would like the name of someone to be remembered in the Ladychapel Memorial Book please speak to Maureen Rew, the cost is £25.

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Community Café – Free, warm, welcoming, safe.

Every Wednesday, from 1:30pm-3:30pm, we will be opening the hall for anyone and everyone as a free, warm, welcoming, and safe place to be for a couple of hours. Cups of tea or coffee will be provided along with the opportunity for somewhere warm to meet others in a friendly and safe space.

Fellowship

Please note, Fellowship on Wednesday 21st will be joining the Community Café

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Dates for your diary

July
Wednesday 12th 11:30am: Coffee and Cake in the vestry followed by a concert at 12:30pm
Saturday 15th from 8:00pm: Open Gardens
Wednesday 19th 2:00pm: Fellowship will be joining the Community Café
Sunday 23rd Patronal Festival followed by Patronal Lunch

August
Sunday 6th Mary’s Meals BBQ hosted by Chris Dey (20 places only)
Wednesday 9th 11:30 Coffe and Cake followed by lunchtime concert.
Monday 14th – Thursday 17th Launde Abbey Retreat
Saturday 26th Tea Dance (time to be confirmed)

This magazine appears online only, with only a few copies available for archival purposes