This weekend’s Bible readings:
Luke 4:1-2 (p 1030) and Romans 9:30-10:13 (p 1136)
Confirmation preparation:
John is preparing a group of young adults for a baptism and confirmation service which we hope to hold in our benefice later in the spring. If you would like to explore the possibility of baptism or confirmation, please speak to him.
Lent appeal:
Once again, our Lent appeal is for the work and witness of our three churches in our benefice. There is a huge amount going on in our benefice, all offered at no cost to those who come to us (though donations are always welcome). Unfortunately, our current level of giving is insufficient to sustain this indefinitely, and all three churches need periodic boosts to our regular income. Please consider prayerfully whether you are able to make a Lent donation to one or more of our churches. If you’d like your gift to be used across the benefice, please mark it ‘benefice’ and our treasurers will make sure that happens.
Electoral Roll (ER) Renewal:
The Electoral Roll is an important declaration of support for your church, an assertion that you are a member of the church and/or committed to the church's presence in the local community. So many good things stem from the life of each of the local churches and we want to serve the wider community in the best way that we can. It also allows people to have their say at the Church's Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) and to play a part in how the church is run.
On a 6 yearly cycle every church in the country must renew their Electoral Roll, 2025 is that year!
Each of the churches within the benefice will be renewing their ER between now and their Annual Parochial Church Meeting. Everyone who wishes to remain on, or join, the roll must complete and sign a new form. Notices for the Preparation of a New Electoral Roll are now being displayed in each of the churches. Copies of the Application forms are also available, in each church and on the benefice website.
Knit & Natter group 13th March:
If you like knitting or crocheting, come and join us for a couple of hours in Standon village hall at 2pm usually on the 2nd Thursday of each month. Tea & cakes will be available. Our next meeting will be this Thursday. For more information please contact Diane on 01920 821130.
New group in All Saints:
On Saturday 22nd March from 2.30-4pm in All Saints Little Munden church Heather is starting a group for those who have lost their partners, either recently or many years go. It will be a time to share memories and chat over a cup of tea and a piece of cake. If you would like more information please phone Heather on 07909 065550. Also, if you would like a lift please let her know. This is in addition to the existing group that meets in Standon.
Sunday lunch at the Star:
Our next Sunday lunch will be on 23rd March at 12.15pm in The Star, Standon. Please book your place before Monday 17th March. For any further information please phone Heather 07909 065550.
Coffee morning 29th March:
Everyone is welcome to All Saints Coffee Morning on Saturday 29th March 10am -12 noon. There will be delicious cakes to eat in and take-away, and a chance to make a posy of daffodils and find a gift on the stall for Mothering Sunday. All donations will go towards the repair of the church roof.
News from PCCs:
As the time approaches when Luke and Lizzy S will no longer be leading our youth work on Wednesdays, we are starting to plan for the autumn. A small subgroup has been appointed to agree a job specification and start the process of advertising. Please pray for this process, and that God will send the right person for this important work in our benefice.
And news from Standon’s PCC meeting:
After almost 25 years of fundraising, we have agreed the contract for the repair of the tower. We hope that the scaffolding will go up very soon, and the work will start as soon as Lodge’s is finished at Sacombe. It will take several months. Sadly, this means that our bells will be silent for a while, but it will be good to have this huge piece of restoration work completed at last. We are immensely grateful to all who have contributed to the fundraising, and especially to FOSM for their continuing support. Please pray for the smooth progress of the project, for the builders, the architect and for our church wardens, who will be dealing with all the administration and liaison.
Services for the next few weeks:
Midweek services each week:
Tuesdays, 9.30am Holy Communion (BCP) & Bible study, St Catherine's
Wednesdays, 9.30am Morning worship & Bible study, St Mary's
Sunday services:
9th March 10.30am Holy Communion, St Mary’s
16th March 8.00am Holy Communion, St Mary’s
10.30am Holy Communion, All Saints
23rd March 10.30am All age worship, St Mary’s
6.00pm Choral Evensong, St Mary’s
30th March 10.30am Morning worship, St Catherine’s
6th April 8.00am Holy Communion, St Mary’s
10.30am Morning worship, All Saints
13th April 10.30am Holy Communion, St Mary’s