News

DIAMOND JUBILEE: Monday 6^th, is the Diamond Jubilee of the Queen’s Accession to the throne. To mark this occasion, the Bellingers are ringing a Quarter Peal at 12 noon. Robert

PANCAKE PARTY – TUESDAY 21^st FEBRUARY: Once again we will be holding a Pancake Party in Church House, from 5.00 – 7.00 pm, to which everyone is most welcome. Tickets are on sale today from Caroline Lewis (865194). The Outreach Committee

LENT LUNCHES: These will take place in Church House on Thursdays 23^rd February and 1^st, 8^th, 15^th, 22^nd and 29^th March at 1.00 pm. 3 people will be needed to help on each of these days: 1 person to provide the soup; and 2 people to help set out the Hall and clear up afterwards. If you could help with any of the lunches, could you please sign the list at the back of Church today. Many thanks. Shirley Dodgshon and Di Kitson

BIBLE READING FELLOWSHIP: If you would like to know more about this scheme which provides daily Bible readings and a short commentary, please ask me and I will be pleased to show you the booklets available. Some members of the congregation already use these notes and find them helpful and one of the booklets is available for use in the Prayer Corner in Church. Elizabeth Sibson

FAMILY EUCHARISTS: Please note that there will be two of these in March (4^th & 18^th) and not one in April. Robert

PALM CROSSES: Now is the time to bring back your Palm Crosses from last year to be burnt to make the ashes for ASH WEDNESDAY. Please put them in the box at the back of Church by SUNDAY, 19^th. Thank you Robert

PALM SUNDAY: On Palm Sunday evening, 1^st April, at 6.30 pm the choir will be singing ‘The Passion of Christ’ by Sir Arthur Somervell. Rehearsals will begin in March and if you would like to take part, then please speak to David Wood or Jane Johnson. Robert

ROBERT’S RETIREMENT: My last Sunday at Great St Mary’s will be SUNDAY 22^nd APRIL. There will be ONE SERVICE ONLY on that day which will be our PARISH EUCHARIST at 10.30 am. Please note the change of time as the service will be followed by a lunch in the Memorial Hall. I hope that as many people as possible will be here that day for us to say our farewells! Robert

HEATING FUND: Thanks to the generosity of many local people and the efforts of the Fund Raising Group the Heating Fund now stands at £24,915.86. This means that hopefully we have raised almost half the funds needed. Please put the following dates in your diaries for fund raising events to be held this year:

- Thursday 22^nd March in Church House – Pamper Evening

Saturday - 28^th April – Combined with Sawbridgeworth and High Wych Guiding Sponsored Teddy Bear Parachute event from the Church Tower.

Saturday - 5^th May – Sponsored Rotary Abseil from Church Langley Water Tower. If you would like to take part in the abseil please contact Diana Jones for more information before 8^th February. tel. 725233 E-mail diana.jones7@btinternet.com

Saturday 17^th November – Grand Christmas Fair

THE FRIENDS OF GREAT ST MARY’S: If you would like to join or rejoin our 200 Club, please contact me at 31, The Orchards or on 722603. Last year it raised a total of £828.00 and a draw takes place each month between March and December. The cost remains the same at only £12.00 per number and you may have as many numbers as you wish. Georgina King

DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES:

Ash Wednesday 22^nd February 9.30 am & 7.45 pm Eucharists

Mothering Sunday 18^th March

Passion Sunday 25^th March

Palm Sunday 1^st April

Easter Day 8^th April

Robert’s Last Sunday 22^nd April

THE VISION WORKING GROUP (VWG)

Our Purpose

To create a vision for the future of Great St. Mary's, encompassing our church life and worship, our outreach to the local community, and the way we use our resources (our buildings, our finances, and the skills and talents of individuals).

Why?

To ensure our activities are aligned with where we feel that God is leading us as a church community. To help us Live God's Love - by Going Deeper into God, Making New Disciples and Transforming Communities - here in Sawbridgeworth.

How?

• By listening - to God, to ourselves, to our community

• By discerning - where do we feel God is calling us to be?

• By planning - how do we start to move towards that?

• By acting - moving from planning to doing

Who?

Volunteers representing a cross section from our Church family including: Shona Passfield, Rachel Moate, Caroline Lewis, Emma Richardson, Matthew Forster, Viv O'Leary, Mary Ireland, Geoff Badman, Dawn Bardwell, Rudi Hartwell, Angela Alder and Valerie Bright - however, the members of VWG are facilitators, not the people who will decide what happens going forward; consensus will be needed from the Church family as a whole, as well as commitment to help make the vision happen.

This involves us all, and participation from everyone will help ensure the vision reflects the needs and aspirations of our Church community.

Please consider one or more of the following ways to make a valued contribution:

Prayer

Please pray for the work of the VWG. if you would like to do this together with others in a more organised way, then please consider joining the VWG Prayer Rota - speak to Rachel Moate (Tel: 600741) for details.

Thoughts and Ideas

• Come to our Cheese & Wine Evening on Thursday 7th July, 7.15 pm - 9.30 pm in Church House. Entry is free, we provide the Cheese and Wine, all we ask in return is that you participate in some fun and entertaining brainstorming!

• Join one of our 'Tea & Chat' sessions during July for an informal discussion over a cuppa where you can share your thoughts and ideas with us.

• Suggestion Box - at the back of church -- for any ideas you have - as many as you like!

-: Questionnaire - available in July,-if you prefer to tell us your thoughts in writing.

Join Us!

If you would like to help in the work of creating the vision - especially if you feel there is an under-represented part of our Church Family you can speak on behalf of, then please join us - speak to Shona Passfield or call her on 724788, or contact her via email at srp@totalaffinity.co.uk for more information. Alternatively, please let us know if you can help with specific tasks.

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