Church Matters Priory Church of St Laurence, Blackmore St Peter & St Paul Church, April 2019 Donation 50p

Services - April 2019

St Peter & St Paul Church, Priory Church of

Stondon Massey St Laurence, Blackmore Usually at 11.00 am Usually at 9.00 am Rainbow Corner 11.00 am

Sun 7th April Holy Communion Inspire Family Service with Morning Prayer Baptism APCM after service Sun 14th April Holy Communion Holy Communion Palm Sunday Book of Common Prayer Common Worship

Mon 15th April 8.00 pm Night Prayer (St. Peter & St. Paul)

Tues 16th April 8.00 pm Prayer Stations (St. Laurence Wed 17th April 8.00 pm Stations of the Cross (St. Peter & St. Paul) Thurs 18th April 6.30pm Maundy Thursday Passover Meal Followed by Holy Communion (St. Laurence) Fri 19th April 2.00pm Last Hour at the 10.00am All Age Worship and Good Friday Cross Walk of Witness Sat 20th April 8.00pm-12.00 Midnight Easter Vigil (St. Laurence)

Sun 21st April 8.00am Son Rise Service 11.00am Holy Communion Easter Sunday and Breakfast 9.00am Holy Communion Sun 28th April Holy Communion Sung Holy Communion Book of Common Prayer APCM Bring and Share Lunch Morning Prayer - 9.30am Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Priory Church of St. Laurence

Copy deadline for May Issue Friday 12th April. Editors Sue & Andrew Watley, Tel: 01277 824854 email: [email protected]. To advertise contact Jill Griffiths or the Editors (Churches/Reg. Charities: free) Rates are: Black/white Full page £110 per year (10 issues), ½ page: £55 per year. Black/white single page £15, half page £10.Colour page £20, half page £15.

Church Web Site The link to the site is: http:/www.blackmorechurch.org.uk/ Sending copy to us then send to John Hughes as well. Priory Church of St Laurence Blackmore and St Peter and St Paul Stondon Massey

Rev’d Sam Brazier-Gibbs , The Vicarage, Church Street, Blackmore, , CM4 0RN Telephone: 07894 948867 Email: [email protected] Reflections from Rev’d Sam

Dear Friends The four Gospels in the bible tell of this As I write we are in the 2nd week of lent story, of Jesus being crucified, dying and it seems to be passing very and being buried, and on the third day quickly! appearing to Mary and the disciples We are looking forward to Mothering alive again. Sunday, that day when we remember The cartoon above depicts Thomas, all who have mothered us, that may not one of Jesus disciples having a bit of a necessarily be our birth mother but rant, because he is the disciple that another who has loved and supported from the time of Jesus resurrection to us as we have grown, and now we are this day is known as ‘Doubting journeying towards Holy week where Thomas’. The cartoon makes the point we journey through Jesus’ last days that we don’t call Peter ‘denying Peter’ before his crucifixion, Easter a time for or Mark ‘run away Mark’, then why eating chocolate but also a time when should he be labelled as ‘Doubting we remember the death and Thomas’. resurrection of Jesus. Was Thomas a failure because he

3 doubted? I suppose it would be easy Instead of calling Thomas a doubter for us to scold Thomas for his doubt, perhaps we should make him an for his lack of faith, but when we do so, example, for Thomas was a man who we may identify with him, for we too had a deep and abiding love for Jesus, may have moments of doubt. And that and for those in need. He was a man of doubt can touch us in all areas of our great courage; being brave in the face lives, not just the area of faith, we can of great adversity, and he was not a doubt if we are in the right job or the man to shy away from asking of himself right relationship, or if we are buying or those difficult questions. selling something we can have doubt I hope you have a very blessed Easter, that we are doing it at the right time or enjoying lots of chocolate with friends for the right price. and family, and if we have doubt We can look at doubt and see it as a maybe we should take Thomas’ negative thing, however it can be example, really look for Jesus, ask the viewed through the lens of positivity, difficult questions and, when we find because doubt causes us to ask him, fall to our knees as he did and questions of ourselves, to double- proclaim “My Lord and my God.” check ourselves, to re-asses our lives Your friend and Vicar and the direction in which we are taking. Sam

Chelmsford Cathedral - Holy Week and Easter Services Palm Sunday Sunday 14th April 8.00am Holy Communion 10.30am Sung Eucharist with procession of palms 3.30pm Music and Readings - An invitation to be still in the Cathedral Holy Week Monday 15th, Tuesday 16th, Wednesday 17th April 7.00pm Reflections with Bishop Stephen Cottrell Maundy Thursday Thursday 18th April 7.45pm The Eucharist of the Last Supper followed by the Watch Preacher: The Bishop of Good Friday Friday 19th April 12.00pm Preaching of the Cross. Preacher: The Bishop of Chelmsford 2.00pm The Good Friday Liturgy 5.15pm Evensong Easter Eve Saturday 20th April 7.00pm Diocesan Confirmation Service - The Bishop of Chelmsford Easter Day Sunday 21st April 8.00am Holy Communion 9.30am Parish Eucharist 11.15am Festal Eucharist (sung) led by The Bishop of Chelmsford 3.30pm Festal Evensong

4 News from the Diocese Getting together to pray for our nation Right Revd Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford has joined the Archbishops of Canterbury and York in calling for communities to join together in conversation and prayer as Brexit discussions reach a pivotal point. Bishop Stephen encourages churches in East London and Essex to mark the 29 March by joining in a national prayer initiative of five days and to host informal café-style meetings over the weekend of 30 March to bring together people of all standpoints and encourage open discussion. Bishop Stephen said: Brexit will be a cause of celebration for some and lament for others, but one thing is clear - we can no longer continue to define one another by how we voted in the referendum. The time has come for communities to come together to serve the common good, in our nation and in our relationship with the rest of Europe.” “Whether or not it yet becomes the day on which the UK leaves the European Union, 29 March will be a significant moment in the national consciousness”. Ecumenical church leaders in Essex and East London are gathering for prayer on Thursday 28 March. Bishop Stephen will be at Chelmsford Cathedral at 9.00am on Saturday 30 March. All are welcome to join him. The Right Revd Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford has written a letter to all clergy in the Diocese of Chelmsford asking them to consider hosting a tea-and- prayer drop in session in church on or around Saturday 30 March. Resources are available at churchofengland.org/together

Bishop Stephen, Chelmsford

New Zealand: The Bishops’ response 15th Mar 2019 The Bishops of Chelmsford Diocese have issued the following message in response to the New Zealand terror attack.

On behalf of the Church of here in East London and Essex we offer our deepest condolences to our Muslim sisters and brothers after the horrendous events in New Zealand. We are devastated by this evil act, and offer those grieving and injured our love and prayers."

+Stephen Chelmsford, +John Bradwell, +Peter Barking, + Roger Colchester

5 Family News Happy Birthday

To Anthea Gray, Kerry Allardyce, Andrew Smith, Margaret Laing, Debbie Thwaite, Richard Thwaite and anyone else celebrating a birthday in April.

Congratulations

Baptism 7th April - Max Lenny Smith (St. Laurence)

From the Registers

Baptism 3rd March - Max and Ernie Ennis (St. Laurence)

Burial of Ashes 17th March Valerie Wells

It was with great sadness that we learnt that Miriam Lee of Church Street, passed away on Tuesday 19th March. Our thoughts, love and prayers go to David, Robert and Alex.

Baptism celebration of Max and Ernie Ennis

6 Reflections . . . In your prayers this month please remember . . . Thoughts at Eastertide We pray for Rev Sam. Rev Stewart, Anthea, our Church Wardens Stuart, When our faith Sandra, Jan and both our PCCs. stands at the grave, We give thanks for the opportunities to grieving discover more of our faith through the for a stone that's rolled away, Lent Course and our journey towards Easter. Bless Christians across our forgive us. world as they celebrate Easter. We pray for Max’s family as they bring When our faith him for baptism. is short of We pray for the people of Christchurch understanding NZ and especially the Muslim families though the truth is there to see, who have suffered loss or been hurt by forgive us. the atrocities in the Mosques. We pray for the people of Utrecht whose lives When our faith, were shattered by violence. We pray for families who have lost loved ones beset by doubt, sees through violence on our own streets. no further We remember in our prayers the than an empty tomb today, people of Mozambique and their forgive us. African neighbours whose lives have been devastated by the recent cyclone. Bring to mind We pray for all who are suffering the cry of Mary, hardship through war, famine, and ‘I have seen the Lord!' natural disasters across our world. and grant us faith to believe! We pray for our government and political leaders in these turbulent

historic political times that they may Halleluia! work together in service to the country. Jesus is risen! We pray for unity amongst all our He is risen indeed! leaders. We pray for all World leaders that they may lead with wisdom, humanity, integrity and peace. We pray for those known to us who are ill, or undergoing treatment. We especially hold in our prayers all of those in our church family who are unwell. May they all receive God’s healing love and strength. We pray for families who have recently been bereaved. May God’s love and the comfort of treasured memories

support them. May God bless each one of us and those we love. Amen

7 Lent Course You are Invited to Come along and Discover

Discipleship Explored 3rd and 10th April

7.30pm Wednesdays St. Laurence - Blackmore

Themes will include … Confidence in Christ, Living in Christ, One in Christ, Rejoicing in Christ Content in Christ Further details from Revd Sam

Easter Lilies and Spring Flowers If you would like an Easter Lily or Spring Flowers in memory of a loved one, please let the organisers have the names before Friday 19th April. St. Peter & St. Paul - Jan Mackintosh (a donation of £3 would be helpful) St. Laurence - Catherine Jennings or Gill Hall (a small donation appreciated)

8 Holy Week

Monday 15th April 8.00 pm Night Prayer (St. Peter & St. Paul)

Tuesday 16th April 8.00 pm Prayer Stations (St. Laurence)

Wednesday 17th April 8.00 pm Stations of the Cross (St. Peter & St. Paul)

Thursday 18th April 6.30 pm Maundy Thursday Passover Meal Followed by Holy Communion (St. Laurence)

Good Friday 19th April 10.00 am All Age Worship and Walk of Witness (St. Laurence) 2.00 pm Last Hour at the Cross (St. Peter & St. Paul)

Saturday 20th April 8.00 pm -12.00 Midnight Easter Vigil (St. Laurence)

Easter Sunday 21st April 6.00 am Son Rise Service and Breakfast (St. Peter & St. Paul) 9.00am Holy Communion (St. Peter & St. Paul) 11.00am Holy Communion (St. Laurence)

9

Wednesday 20th March 2019

We had our winter warmers lunch on a lovely warm spring like day but the warming soups and puds were still very popular. We had a very enjoyable lunch which made a, much needed profit, of £356.32. Many thanks to all who helped to make this such a success. Our next lunch date is on Wednesday 15th August for our Summer Special. Let’s hope we won’t be needing our winter woollies! Jan Mackintosh.

Pancake Party Much fun was had by one and all at the Pancake Party held at St Laurence.

10

On 17th February we held our second Sunday Lunch Service. We enjoyed a choice of lasagne or fish pie, served with French bread and salad, followed by a choice of desserts including lemon meringue pie, profiteroles and chocolate cake, all washed down with a cup of coffee or tea.

However, as Jesus taught us, we cannot live by bread alone and at each of our lunchtime services we have been also fed by prayers, a bible reading, followed by discussion, as well as some hymns to sing. Our next Sunday Lunch Service will be on May 19th, as Easter Sunday falls on the third Sunday of April. If you hope to come please let Jan Mackintosh know by Thursday 16th May.

11 News from the MODS Group

We have not yet held our first event of 2019 so you may feel there is, on the face of it, nothing to say that you have not already heard. However this is not quite true as there is a lot to say about our first event. Just to remind you - the Evening of Illusion, presented by the Ilford Magical Society is on the 6th April and the ticket price of £12 includes a really super Ploughman’s supper. Well I did say that the tickets were selling fast and this is true. We have already sold over three quarters of the available tickets (remember we are limited to 100 tickets only) and I want to ensure that St. Laurence and St. Peter and St. Paul members have the first chance to buy tickets. So do let Jill Griffiths Tel. 822224 or Jill Mason Tel. 822379 know if you need tickets for you or your friends. We really do look forward to seeing you all at this very special evening.

We had a ‘MODS Meeting’ last month and as promised we are inserting a full year’s programme of activities. Highlights of the programme include The Harvest Supper on Saturday October 5th when we are dancing to the St. George Barn Dance Band. Andrew Reynolds and his band have certainly struck up a great relationship with the St Laurence crowd. Then in November, on Saturday November 16th to be exact, we have our fabulous Christmas Craft Market. We will again be featuring real craft items along with Homemade Cakes and Pickles etc. It’s already making my mouth water!

Other great occasions will be the ‘Bring and Share’ lunch after our APCM to celebrate St. George’s Day and the Pentecost BBQ in the Churchyard. This will be, as always, a very relaxed and enjoyable affair, which can be moved inside if the weather turns inclement.

We will, of course be highlighting all of our events as the year progresses. The main task now is to pop the dates in your diary so you don’t double book a date.

Peter Mason

12 Social Events at St. Laurence

Saturday April 6th An evening of Illusion with the Ilford Magical society 7.pm for 7.30pm

Sunday April 28th Bring and Share Lunch 12.30pm onwards (after the service) to celebrate St. George’s Day

Sunday May 26th and Monday May 27th Blackmore Village Fayre – Lunches served in the church 12.30pm to 2.30pm

Sunday June 9th Pentecost BBQ in the Churchyard from 12noon following the Morning Service

Saturday October 5th Harvest Supper and Barn Dance with the St. George’s Barn Dance Band

Saturday October 12th Gift Day. Refreshments provided for everyone bringing their Gifts to Church

Saturday November 16th Christmas Market in St. Laurence Church from 10.am to 4.0pm

Saturday December 7th Fun Christmas Quiz in St. Laurence 7pm for 7.30pm

Wednesday December 18th Carol singing round Wyatts Green Meet at Kiln Field at 6.30pm

rd Monday December 23 Carol singing round Blackmore. Meet Leather Bottle at 6.30pm

Please put these Dates in your Diary

13 Ford Community Choir Concert and Un4gettable 7.30pm 27th April

The Friends of St. Laurence Church are delighted that the Ford Community Choir have accepted our invitation to return to entertain us with an evening of popular songs on Saturday, 27th April. Although they are a relatively small choir, they cannot be accused of lacking volume and enthusiasm and are returning by popular demand. Last year they charmed an appreciative audience with a range of songs from the early 20th century to modern day melodies. The Choir regularly sing at The Marillac nursing home at Warley as well as performing at a secondary school in Witham. Their musical director is Tom Potten of Cadenza Music which is based at Stubbers Farm and he and his pupils have regularly appeared at Blackmore Village Fayre. He is pleased to be invited back to perform for us and said “the choir thoroughly enjoyed the experience and wonderful acoustics of the church and we look forward to singing for you again.” To give a different dimension, the Choir are joined by Un4gettable, a Barbershop quartet who perform separately in their own right, although Paul, their bass singer, also sings with the Choir. We are looking forward to a wonderful evening of song. If you would like to join us on Saturday, 27th April at 7.30pm, please contact Brenda on 01277 823877. Tickets are £10 or £9 for Friends of St. Laurence members and includes refreshments. Look out for our posters soon. Marion Woolaston

As Easter falls towards the end of April this year we are going to dramatise the Easter Story through poetic drama when we return after the Easter holidays. After that we will be following some special resources that Open the Book have produced to celebrate their 20th Anniversary. These resources will take us on a journey through the pages of the Bible.

14 Do you enjoy art/craft projects? Do you want to meet with friends, make new friends and chat?

Then join us

We meet at St Laurence Church, Blackmore 7.30-9.30pm. On second Thursday of each month

Our next Create is on Thursday 11th April 2019 from 7.30pm-9.30pm

Our project will be an Easter Art Workshop with Rita Tuffey

21 places available –all materials provided-cost £6.50- please contact Catherine Jennings 821078 or Sandra Wood 822358 if you would like to attend

15 On the Third Sunday of the month at Stondon Massey Village Hall

Sunday Lunch Service 1.00 for 1.30pm

(Sunday 21st April – Easter Sunday – NO LUNCH)

Sunday 19th May, Sunday 16th June

For further details ring Revd Sam 821464 or Jan 821524

ST PETER & ST PAUL’S CHURCH

Stondon Massey

Tuesday 2 : 4 Stondon Village Hall Tuesday 2nd April Tuesday 7th May Tuesday 4th June

This social event above is open to everyone; at present it includes board games, jigsaw puzzles, card games and book exchanges etc, followed with tea, scones and cakes.

16 Growing in Faith - resources to help For many people their main, and sometimes only, source of Christian input and fellowship is at church on Sunday. Yet we are often told that to understand and grow our faith we need to pray regularly and read the bible. In our busy lives it is not easy yet we always manage to find time to eat every day, often three times a day. If you find it a struggle to pick up the bible and make sense of it there are a variety of resources to make this easier and more accessible. Bible reading notes are a good resource. These are usually small booklets that have a bible reading and then an explanation or thought on the reading. The Bible Reading Fellowship (BRF) produces New Daylight which a number of people in church use. New Daylight provides four months of daily Bible readings and comment, with a regular team of contributors drawn from a range of church backgrounds. It covers a varied selection of Old and New Testament, biblical themes, characters and seasonal readings. Each day offers a short Bible passage (text included), thought-provoking comment and a prayer or point for reflection, and aims to give a fresh, devotional approach to Bible reading. It is ideal for anyone wanting an accessible yet stimulating aid to spending time with God each day, deepening their faith and their knowledge of scripture. There are many other flavours of reading notes and it is worth looking online or in a Christian bookshop to find one that suits you. An example of an online resource is WordLive from Scripture Union which is a free guide, helping you meet with God devotionally - through the Bible. Each day uses a new Bible passage with fresh resources to refresh your quiet time with God. The internet also has many other resources, of which many are free, to help us. The Church of England website has an ‘apps’ page where you can download official Church of England apps to your mobile or tablet to support prayer, worship and Bible study. They also provide seasonal apps at different times of the year. You can find all of these apps at: https://www.churchofengland.org/apps. John Hughes

17

R. J. DAVIES

GROUNDWORK and LANDSCAPING

Specialists in BLOCK PAVING RED/BLACK TARMAC PATIOS FENCING TURFING

Tel: 01277 514214 Mobile: 07774 132023

18 Teas in the Tower 2019 The Priory Church of St Laurence, Blackmore 2.30 - 4.30 pm Playing this season

Sunday 5th May The Bell Trio (woodwind and piano) Sunday 2nd June Cross Harmony (wind sextet) (Directed by Peter Cross) Sunday 7th July BigEasy5 (New Orleans Jazz Band) Sunday 4th August Libbi MacGregor (Singer) accompanied by Hazel Newman Sunday 1st Sept The Fairkyte Accordion Band (Directed by Valerie Coe) Sunday 6th October Hillhouse Sax (saxophone duet)

Cook Wanted at the Prince Albert

Flexible hours.

Salary negotiable.

Please ring Tina on 07717 826263

19 Future Stondon Events

Sat 18th May Village Hall Social Event Thurs 30th May Ascension Day Service at St Peter & St Paul time tbc Sun 9th June Pentecost BBQ Picnic at St Laurence, following 11.00am service Sat 29th June Stondon Massey Village Day tbc Sun 30th June St. Peter & St. Paul Service time tbc Sun 28th July Cream Tea 2 – 5pm at St Peter & St Paul Sat 10th Aug Beach Trip Wed 14th Aug Summer Lunch at Village Hall 12 for 12.30pm Sat 28th Sept Harvest Supper in Village Hall Sun 29th Sept Harvest Festival 10am at St Peter & St Paul Sat 12th Oct Gift Day at St Peter & St Paul time tbc Wed 23rd Oct Autumn Treats Lunch In Village Hall 12 for 12.30pm Sun 8th Dec Mulled Wine & Mince Pies Event in Village Hall Sun 15th Dec Carols by Candlelight 6.30pm at St Peter & St Paul Sun 22nd Dec Service at Bricklayers Arms time tbc

20 St Laurence Finances - a new challenge We have a challenge with our finances at St Laurence in that our expenditure last year exceeded our income by £5,620. There are valid reasons for this including lower incomes in some areas and some one-off costs but the accounts for January and February this year are showing an ongoing loss and are causing concern. Our biggest expenditure is the Parish Share (the amount of money each church contributes each year to the Diocese in order to receive ministry from fully trained clergy, diocesan support and oversight by bishops and archdeacons). Our biggest income is what is given by the congregation. Over the past few years our income through giving has remained much the same but the Parish Share has been increasing. If our giving covered the Parish Share all other expenditure would be covered by other income (fundraising etc.) and we would have a small surplus each year. However, our giving last year only covered 73% of the Parish Share. There is no set charge to belong to the church family. What people give is up to each individual based on their circumstances and must be carefully and prayerfully considered. If you already give a set amount regularly please would you revisit this to see if you could increase this in any way. If you do not currently contribute through giving regularly please would you consider ‘Planned Giving’. Knowing your expected income is key to being able to budget effectively and, for the church, this is achieved through Planned Giving. Planned Giving is where you decide how much you want to give regularly and then, rather than just putting it in the collection plate when you are in church, you use one of the following methods: Monthly Standing Order This is the easiest way to give regularly. Payment is made monthly by your bank directly into the church account in the same way you pay other subscriptions or monthly bills. There is no more scrabbling around to find cash for the collection each Sunday. Some people find it difficult at first to let the collection go by without putting anything in but we already have many people doing this so it really is not a problem! To set up a standing order you will need these details: Account Name: Blackmore PCC Bank: Santander PLC, Sort Code:09-01-55, Account No: 45210909 (Please put PG and your name in the reference field). Weekly envelopes If you would still prefer to put something in the collection each week then you can use the Envelope Scheme. Each year you will receive a pack of 52 numbered envelopes. Each week you put your set amount in the envelope (cheque or cash) and place it in the collection. If you miss a week or two you simply put in the two or three envelopes in one go. This helps the Church in that we are still able to budget against the weekly amount even though the money may not actually come in every week. This scheme is better for non tax payers because we can claim Church Community tax refund. Gift Aid. If you are a UK taxpayer you can Gift Aid your giving. This means that for every pound you give the church will receive an extra 25 pence from the Inland Revenue. For example £20 can be turned into £25. If you would like any help or further information regarding any of the above please contact John Hughes 01277 821805 or Brenda Leigh 01277 823935. Thank you for your continued support of our church. John Hughes

21 (From Russia with love) CHRONICLES FROM ST. PETERSBURG

Greetings to all our dear friends at St. Laurence from a very snowy St. Petersburg! Thank you once again to all of you for your friendship and support whilst we were with you over the winter. Although, of course, we’re missing you, we’re glad that we have been able to achieve our goal and that we’ve finally been able to return to Russia! We’ve certainly hit the ground running, which we’re pleased about, as we really want to make the most of our time here, but at the same time it has been quite exhausting for us both. We’re really thankful that we were very quickly able to find a new flat, and it was exactly what we had been praying for. It has two rooms, which means that one of us can host student parties, and, if the other one wants to hide away at the same time, there is still enough space for us to do that. It’s also on the 22nd floor, so we have a pretty great view! Our busy start has been especially tiring for Christina as there is so much for her to get used to. The quick transition from fundraising to full-time ministry in the field can be a difficult transition at the best of times. Sometimes for Christina, in our team meetings, it can feel a bit like we’re speaking in a completely different language as we refer to things, and use acronyms, that she isn’t used to yet. Thankfully though, slowly but surely, she feels like she is starting to understand

what we’re doing and find her place in our team. Our team mates have been really kind in inviting her to join them in their meetings with students, so she is getting plenty of experience. Sean has also been working hard! Unfortunately, we have had to delay the start of our weekly English Movie Night event for students. As a team, we’ve recently been discussing the most effective way to fulfil our vision of building movements of multiplying Christian students in the universities here in St. Petersburg. As a result of this, we feel like we need to re-focus our energy on supporting and discipling students who are already Christians. After all, it is a fact that students are the best people to be sharing the good news about Jesus with other students – students in

22 their department, on their courses and with whom they are living within the student dorms; as members of staff, we are, unfortunately, always limited in our access to the university campuses. We’ve also decided that building stronger partnerships with the churches that Christian students are already going to is probably one of our most effective strategies. As such, we are trying to encourage one local church in particular, that has a lot of students with good English skills, to partner with us in running our event, as we would love to train their already Christian students, through English Movie Night, to grow in their ability to lead spiritual discussions and build new friendships with non-Christians, so that they can take these skills and use them every day to try to share their faith with their friends. However, it is taking us time to explain our vision to the church, and, at the moment, they seem to be hesitant in joining us. We would really appreciate prayer for wisdom and patience in how to encourage this partnership. Sean is trying to help patiently lead the discussions with the church in order to build what, we hope, will be a long-term partnership, but some of our team mates are keener to get the event up and running without the partnership and thinking about the long-term benefits! We’re also focussing a lot of our energy on planning our Winter Bible Conference (15th-17th March), to gather, encourage and train Christian students. Every year it is a great opportunity to cast vision and inspire the students, so we’re praying that it would be the same this year and that we would know how best to keep the momentum going after they return from the conference. Finally, we’ve both been involved with organising student parties for non- Christian students, where we cook together, chat about a particular spiritual topic with them and finish the evening by playing board games. Sean has had the opportunity to catch up with most of the non-Christian students he was working with last year and Christina is helping out the girls on our team and getting to know new students. Please keep remembering us in your prayers! Sean and Christina Wood [email protected]

Just to clarify - Sean and Christina do not work in either of these two fabulous buildings - but we couldn't resit including them in the article. Eds.

23 SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY (for children pre-school and school age) is available privately at

ESSEX HOUSE (ROOM 8) 118 HIGH STREET, , ESSEX CM5 9EB

Mrs Anne Springate Reg. MRCSLT MASLTIP BA(Hons) Independent Speech and Language Therapist

TEL: 01277 364772 / 07889 108600

Registered Member of the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists, The Association of Speech & Language Therapists in Independent Practice, The British Psychological Society & Health Professionals Council.

24 .

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Grief Journey Courses—Free Weekly Structured Courses for Anyone Who Has suffered a Bereavement/Significant Loss

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26 Megarry’s at Jericho Cottage 01277 821031 www.megarrysteashop.co.uk www.megarrysantiques.co.uk Open 10 am to 5 pm Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Stocking Antiques, Cards, Stationery, Saturday and Sunday Giftware, Collectables, Local Art and much, much more . . . with a Tea and Coffee Shop in Blackmore . . . With indoor, patio seating. Find us by the Village Green—turn down by the War Memorial and we are facing you.

Blackmore Lunch Club at Blackmore Baptist Church

Next lunch 26th April 2019

(No Lunch in May as Village Fayre) Welcome from 12 noon. Lunch is served at 12.30 pm. To book please telephone Jane Marr on 01277 823070 and leave a message.

Blackmore Baptist Church Coffee Cake and Craft Mornings Thursday 18th April. 10.30am Easter Day Garden Creations, (led by a professional florist) Thursday 16th May. 10.30am Photography. Come and have your portrait taken. Bring your pics that need changing or enhancing and we'll do it for you. Everything free, including refreshments!

26

ST.LAURENCE CHURCH

CHURCH STREET, BLACKMORE 10 am to 11.45 am (0 – 5’s with parents/carers) 24th April, 8th and 22nd May (Half term 27th May-2nd June) 5th and 19th June, 3rd and 17th July

All little ones, parents and carers welcome If anyone feels they would like to join this Group please call in for a coffee and chat. 10 am - 11.45am. or phone Sandra on 01277

“SERENITEA CAFE” is our Community Café. It runs every Tuesday throughout the year in St Laurence Church, Blackmore from 10.30am to 12. All are welcome! There is no charge just an optional donation box. We provide fresh bacon or sausage sandwiches, Danish pastries, cakes, chocolate bars, healthy snacks and fruit. Herbal teas, breakfast tea, filter coffee or latte/cappuccino and soft drinks are also available. Good company, good food and lively chat in beautiful surroundings.

WHY NOT POP IN?

Come and Join Us . . .

Sundays: See page 2 for Young People and Adult Service Times

Mondays: 10.00am Play&Pray at Blackmore Tennis Club 7.45pm Jubilate Choir Practice (1st Monday of Month)

Tuesdays: 10.30-12.00 pm Serenitea Cafe at St. Laurence 2-4 Club 1st Tuesday of Month at Stondon Village Hall (p.16)

Wednesdays: 10.00-11.45am Little Ones for Toddlers and Carers at St. Laurence (dates p.21) St Laurence Social Tennis, Blackmore Tennis Club

Thursdays: Open the Book Assemblies 8.20-9.30am at Blackmore Primary School 7.30 to 9.30 am Create - 2nd Thursday in month - St Laurence Church

28 Events Diary Regular Meetings - please see opposite page.

Sat 6th April 7.for 7.30pm Evening of Illusion Blackmore Sun 7th April 9.00 onwards APCM after Service Stondon

Sun 14th April Palm Sunday/Holy Week. (Details P. 2/9) Blackmore/ Stondon

Sat 27th April 7.30 pm FoSL Ford Community Choir Concert Blackmore (details p.14) Sun 28th April 11.00 onwards APCM followed by Bring and Share Lunch Blackmore Sun 5th May 2.30-4.30pm Teas in the Tower (The Bell Trio) Blackmore Sat 18th May tbc Village Hall Social Event Stondon

26th-27th May 12.30-2.30pm Blackmore Village Fayre - Ploughman’s Blackmore Lunches in Church

Thurs 30th May tbc Ascension Day Service Stondon Sun 2nd June 2.30-4.30pm Teas in the Tower (Cross Harmonies) Blackmore Sun 9th June 12.00 lunch Pentecost BBQ Blackmore Sat 29th June All day Stondon Massey Village Day Stondon Sun 30th June tbc St. Peter & St. Paul Patronal Festival Stondon Tues 2nd July 8,00pm William Byrd Anniversary Concert Stondon

Sun 7th July 11 am Pet Blessing Service Blackmore 2.30 - 4.30 pm Teas in the tower - Big Easy Five Blackmore

Sun 28th July 2-5 pm Cream Tea Stondon Sat 10th August All day Beach trip tba Wed 14th August 12 for 12.30 Summer Special Lunch Stondon Sat 28th Sept,. 7.00pm Harvest Supper Stondon Sat 5th October 7.00pm Harvest Supper and Barn Dance Blackmore

Sat 12th October tbc Gift Days and refreshments Stondon and Blackmore Wed 23rd Oct 12 for 12.30 Autumn Treats Lunch Stondon Sat 16th Nov 10,.00-4,00pm Christmas Market Blackmore Sat 7th Dec 7.00pm Fun Christmas Quiz Blackmore Sun 8th Dec Tbc Mulled Wine and Mince Pies Stondon Sun 15th Dec 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight Stondon Wed 18th Dec 6.30pm Carol Singing around Wyatts Green Wyatts Green Sun 22nd Dec tbc Service at Bricklayer’s Arms Stondon Mon 23rd Dec 6.30pm Carol Singing around Blackmore Blackmore

29 WHO’S WHO AT ST PETER & ST PAUL’S CHURCH, STONDON MASSEY

Rector: Rev’d Sam Brazier-Gibbs 07894 948867

Reader: Mrs Anthea Gray 01371 852241 6 Whitegates, Lindsell, Dunmow, Essex CM6 3QL

Churchwarden: Miss Jan Mackintosh 821524 Ness Bank, Hook End Road

Assistant George Goodwin 824311 Churchwardens: June Wiggett

Secretary to PCC Mrs Chris Hall 821447 St Austell, Ongar Road

Treasurer: Mrs Anne Springate 364772

Pastoral Care Co-ordinator Mrs Jenny Dodd 823452

Church Flowers: Mrs Anne Springate 364772

Weddings, Funerals Contact Vicarage Office 821464 Blessing of Marriages - Rev’d Sam Brazier-Gibbs 07894 948867 Bookings

PCC Members: Mr George Goodwin, Mrs Anthea Gray, Mrs Chris Hall (co-opted), Mrs. Cynthia Kelly, Mrs. Angela Blackmore. Miss Jan Mackintosh, Mrs Josie Mills, Miss Tamzin Mills, Mrs. Valerie Ruffels, Mrs June Wiggett, Mrs Anne Springate (co-opted and D/Synod Rep).

ST LAURENCE, BLACKMORE and ST PETER & ST PAUL, STONDON MASSEY Please note that the Diocese has very strict rules about memorials and the maintenance of the Churchyards. Please contact the Church Office before any decision is made.

Burial of Ashes in Churchyard - Reminder of Diocesan Regulations To comply with churchyard rules and regulations as laid down by the Diocese please also remember that Ashes must be interred and arrangements for this must be made with Rev’d Sam either directly or via the Vicarage Office. Ashes must not be freely scattered in the churchyard.

30 WHO’S WHO AT THE PRIORY CHURCH OF ST LAURENCE, BLACKMORE

Vicar: Rev’d Sam Brazier-Gibbs 07894 948867

Reader: Mrs Anthea Gray 01371 852241 6 Whitegates, Lindsell, Dunmow, Essex CM6 3QL

Churchwardens: Dr. Stuart Jennings 821078 The Moathouse, Church Street

Mrs Sandra Keeble 822266 6 Woollard Way ` Secretary to PCC: Mrs Gill Hall 823280 Tormist, Nine Ashes Road

Treasurer: Mrs Brenda Leigh 823935 Holly Cottage, Church Street

Planned Giving Mr John Hughes 821805 Co-ordinator:

Pastoral Care Co-ordinator: Mrs Jenny Dodd 823452

Church Flowers: Mrs Catherine Jennings 821078 The Moathouse, Church Street

Weddings, Funerals, Contact Vicarage Office 821464 Blessings of Marriages - Rev’d Sam Brazier-Gibbs 07894 948867 Bookings

PCC Members: Mrs. Jenny Dodd, Mr John Hughes, Mrs Margaret Laing, Mr Peter Mason, Mrs. Brenda Flack, Mr. Kevin Wood Mrs Carol Riley, Mrs. Celia Hatt,

31 Physiotherapy Chartered & State Registered

Respiratory & Rehabilitation Physiotherapy Services

General physiotherapy Mobility problems & falls Stroke Rehabilitation Weakness after surgery Shortness of breath Trouble clearing phlegm Back & Joint assessments Amputees Chronic conditions (MS, Parkinson’s disease)

Home Visits only

Treatments in the privacy of your own home

Contact: Suzanne Maddison 07958 408825