This weekend’s Bible readings:
Philippians 3:17-4:1 (p 1180) and Luke 13:31-35 (p 1047)
Confirmation preparation:
John has prepared a group of young adults for a baptism and confirmation service which we hope to hold in our benefice on Saturday 10th May, at 6.00 pm. If anyone else would like to explore the possibility of baptism or confirmation, please speak to him.
Choral Evensong 23rd March, 6.00 pm:
Next Sunday we will hold our monthly service of Choral Evensong in St Mary’s. Come and worship as the choir leads this beautiful and ancient service of words and music.
Little Easter Angels:
After a successful Saturday event in December, we are delighted to announce that we will be running ‘Little Easter Angels’ on Saturday 5th April 2025, 10am-12pm, in St Mary's. There will be Easter treats, snacks, Easter craft, toys, stories and songs – lots of Easter fun that is not to be missed! The session is open to all ages so bring along the whole family - all are welcome and no booking is needed. The session is free to attend. Please do spread the word! For more information, contact Cate at: [email protected].
Pop-Up Shop next Sunday:
The fairtrade pop up shop will be open next Sunday, 23rd March. There are a few real Easter Eggs available priced at £5.50 each and a few small Easter cards. The usual Fairtrade coffee, tea and chocolate will also be there.
And bookstall:
The bookstall will be open next Sunday too, with lots of Easter books and materials.
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:
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 being displayed in each of the churches. Copies of the Application forms are now available. If we hold your email address, application forms will be emailed to you. Paper copies are available at the back of each church.
Paper copies should be returned either directly to the respective ER Officer or left in any of our churches in an envelope labelled ER Application and either Hugh Legg, All Saints, Carole Hudson, St Catherine’s or Wendy Smith, St Mary’s. We will make sure they get to the right person. All applications should be returned before the end of Tuesday 15th April 2025
All Saints, the Mundens – electronic, scanned, copies should be emailed to [email protected] St Mary’s, Standon – application forms are also available on the benefice website ubsms.org.uk st. mary’s, standon about us ER renewal.
Electronic copies should be returned to the email address at the bottom of the application form.
New group in All Saints this Saturday:
On Saturday 22nd from 2.30-4pm in All Saints Heather is starting a group for those who have lost their partners, 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.
Concert in St Mary’s, Ware 20th March:
On Thursday at St Mary's Ware, Michael Smith and Jo West (Hemborough) will be giving a concert of music for violin and piano. All are welcome to the concert which starts at 12.30pm (refreshments from 11.30am). If you are not able to attend then there will be another chance to hear them perform, at our own Midweek Music concert at St Mary's Standon in April!
Sunday lunch at the Star:
Our next Sunday lunch is 23rd March at 12.15pm in The Star. Please book your place before Monday. For any further information please phone Heather 07909 065550.
Beds and Herts Historic Churches Bike’n Hike:
This takes place every year on the second Saturday of September. The aim is to raise about £100,000 each year. The team is looking for a volunteer to act as Area Organiser for Hertford Deanery. The commitment is not hugely onerous. It is a worthwhile charity that most of our churches have benefitted from in the form of grants in the past, but it relies on people prepared to do the organising! If you would like to know more, please contact Nicol at [email protected].
News from PCCs:
We have agreed a job specification for our new youth worker and started the recruitment process. Please pray that God will send the right person for this important work in our benefice.
And news from Standon:
The scaffolding for the tower work is scheduled to go up this week. The work will take several months. Sadly, this means that our bells will be silent for a while. 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.
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:
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
20th April 10.30am Easter Communion, St Mary’s
Easter services:
17th April 7.30pm Maundy Thursday service, St Catherine’s
18th April 10.30am Service by the cross, All Saints
18th April 2.00pm Reflective hour, St Mary’s
20th April 10.30am Easter Communion, St Mary’s