St Mary’s Magazine

August/September 2018 PRITTLEWELL PARISH CHURCH East Street Prittlewell SS2 6LQ  01702 466471 [email protected] www.stmarysprittlewell.co.uk in Charge Revd Paul Mackay  01702 343470 email [email protected] Not available on Fridays Assistant Revd Jacky Lindoe  01702 308373 email [email protected] Children’s and Family Worker Lois Blakey email cfwst ma [email protected] Churchwardens Carolyn Evans email [email protected] Keith Turner email [email protected] Archivist Philip Briant Parish Administrator Christina Turner  01702 466471 Wednesday or Thursday between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm Parish Safeguarding Representative Carolyn Evans email [email protected] Steward Penny Stone The church is open Monday – Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Treasurer Matthew Pinnock email [email protected] P.C.C. Secretary Sue Mackay Ringing Master David Sloman  01702 545568 Magazine Richard Anderson email [email protected] Pastoral Care Committee Margaret Harvey email [email protected] Flower group Coordinator Patricia Johnson email [email protected] Enquiries about Marriages & Baptisms If you have an enquiry about a Baptism or Wedding please come to the church on the first and third Tuesday evenings of the month between 7:00 and 8:00 pm (see website for dates) to meet with one of the clergy who will be pleased to discuss your plans with you and make arrangements. Or contact Christina our Parish Administrator any Wednesday or Thursday between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. Revd Paul and Revd Jacky look forward to meeting you. If you have an enquiry regarding a funeral or are concerned about a loved one please always telephone the vicarage in the first instance 01702 343470.

St Mary’s Magazine page 2 Where do you see God’s signposts for you?

As we move into the summer holiday season there will be many families with school age children who are apprehensive about the new class or new school they will be going into next term. This is only natural; we all, young or old, get anxious in times of transition and it is easy in our concern to become blind to God’s pointers to us. These signs can come in many forms—a spoken word, a view from the window, a piece of music; it could be anything.

In the Old Testament God’s miraculous guidance of Israel from Egyptian bondage was evident through the sign of a pillar of a cloud. The first account of this pillar of cloud and fire in the Bible, is found in Exodus 13:20-22

They set out from Succoth, and camped at Etham, on the edge of the wilderness. The Lord went in front of them in a pillar of cloud by day, to lead them along the way, and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light, so that they might travel by day and by night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.

I’m sure that there are times in everyone’s life when it is easy to feel a kind of kinship with the people of Israel as they wandered through the

St Mary’s Magazine page 3 desert not really knowing where they were going. In times of transition we can often feel like we are wandering through a barren and hostile desert. However, unlike Israel we do not have the benefit of being guided by a pillar of cloud and fire but I was struck the other week by how often large buildings have served as a signpost, a guide to my moving forward. And I am not just referring to the few occasions I have been lost in London and used the distinctively shaped skyscrapers such as the Post Office Tower and “Gherkin” to find my way back to more familiar streets. No, it seems to me that there have been a few significant buildings in my life and often I have been given a “sneak preview” or a reassuring glimpse of where I am going. Like the great Gothic–style monastic building I frequently saw from the M25 on my travels to Durham to see my husband’s family.

I was unable to discover what the building was, college or church? Then years later during my training as a Lay Reader I found myself worshipping there on study weekends—it felt like I had come home! And more recently the first sight of our own St Mary’s Tower from the back garden of what is now my new home confirmed for me this is where I should be.

I have of course not always been aware at the time just what the significance of a particular building was to have in my life but as I mature into my faith I try to be more open to what God is offering me.

Last night was Film Night at St Mary’s, and the film showing was “Bruce Almighty”. This is an amusing—I found myself laughing out loud a number of times—if at times irreverent film. However, within the humour, it does make some quite deep and serious points about our relationship with God.

At a low point in his life Bruce asks God for a sign and there of course are several given, all of which Bruce fails to notice, rather on the lines of the old joke about the man who refused help during a flood:

St Mary’s Magazine page 4 There was a huge flood in a village. One man said to everyone as they evacuated, “I’ll stay! God will save me!”

The flood got higher and a boat came, and the man in it said “Come on mate, get in!” “No” replied the man. “God will save me!”

The flood got very high now and the man had to stand on the roof of his house. A helicopter soon came and the man offered him help. “No, God will save me!” he said.

Eventually the man drowned. He got to the gates of heaven and he said to God, “Why didn’t you save me?”

God replied, “For goodness sake! I sent a boat and a helicopter. What more do you want!”

I think my favourite scene in the film though was towards the end when Bruce is walking along in torrential rain, falls to his knees in hopeless resignation and is struck down by a large truck. As Bruce comes face to face with God in Heaven he asks “Am I……?”

God replies: “You can’t kneel down in the middle of the highway and live to talk about it, son.”

I thought what an apt metaphor for life; so often we are so wrapped up in ourselves and our situations we don’t allow God in and at times the consequences are catastrophic.

I urge you don’t be a Bruce, take notice of your surroundings and ask God “where should I go, what would you have me do” and most importantly be open to an answer.

God bless and keep you

Revd Jacky

St Mary’s Magazine page 5 Holiday Club

We are excited to announce we will be running a Bible based Holiday Club this summer, for 5 to 11 year olds, from Monday 20 to Friday 24 August. The club will open each morning at 9:30 am and will finish at lunch time, 12:30 pm. Each session will be £2 or £8 for the five days.

Every day will explore part of the story of David and his journey from being a shepherd boy to the King of Israel. The mornings will also include games, songs, competitions and activities. If you would like more information or to register your child/children please email Lois, our Children and Families Worker [email protected]. We do have a limited number of spaces so book early to ensure a place.

St Mary’s Magazine page 6 St Mary’s Magazine page 7 Women’s Fellowship

June 2018.

This month our speaker, Pat Gilbey, came to give us a photographic tour of Essex gardens. At first we thought she was not coming as she was late or so we thought, so our committee decided to serve our tea, coffee and cakes first. However, we were at fault as we had forgotten to inform Pat we now start an hour earlier. Anyway, without getting flustered Pat set up everything she had brought with her and her husband organised the PowerPoint presentation. The flowers and shrubs that Pat showed she had photographed in the well-known gardens of Essex including some that I had never heard of and some other members hadn’t either. To name two or three, Rectory Gardens, Boreham, Green Island Gardens, Marks Hall, and Beeleigh Abbey, Maldon. The one that got the most reaction from our members was Hyde Hall. I think the majority of us had been there. In fact the Fellowship Group had been there on an outing several years ago. Unfortunately I did not ask Pat for any photos for our church magazine but I do have photos of shrubs in my garden this year. I am sending these to Richard to put in the magazine as after all, it is an “Essex garden.”

Joyce Canfield

The plants from top to bottom are Cotinus coggygria, Rhododendron and Pyracantha coccinea.

St Mary’s Magazine page 8 St Mary’s Women’s Fellowship will meet on Monday 6 August, at 1:30 pm in the Guild Hall for Afternoon Tea—organised by Mary Porter.

On Monday 3 September, we meet again at 1:30 pm but this time in St Mary’s Church for a leisurely Guided Tour with Churchwarden Keith— followed by tea and biscuits in the church.

We welcome all ladies and would like to encourage Mums from the school to give us a try. All being well those members who have been struggling with ill health over the last months will soon be fit enough to come along to the meetings again.

The No. 72 House Group is looking to recruit one, two or three new members. We plan to meet once a month on a Monday from 1:00 pm until 2:50 pm. There is an optional light lunch available from 12:00 noon. Further information from Suzanne Mattingley, 01702 342498, [email protected]

Suzanne Mattingley

St Mary’s Summer Event - Tower Tours and Teas

Putting on a large event takes a lot of hard work. Asking people to volunteer for something, although enjoyable, can in the main be very tiring with all that is involved. So, this year we (the PCC) decided rather than put on our usual “Summer Fete” we would go as simple and as easy as we could. This

St Mary’s Magazine page 9 would also mean that people could come along and enjoy the event rather than rushing around. The decision was made to put on a Tower, Tours and Tea event. This would take place on Saturday 23 June and would involve Bell Tower and Viewing Platform Tours, Tours of the Church (St Mary’s Church has over a thousand years of history behind her) and refreshments including cream teas and cakes. The banners and posters were displayed weeks in advance advertising our new idea for this year!

At 9:00 am the set up began with a small group of people. The sun was shining, the doors were open and tables laid and by 11:30 we were ready and waiting for our first customers to arrive and we weren’t disappointed. A constant stream of people headed for the Bell Tower to book their tickets for one of five tours available through the day. All tours were fully booked and over 100 adults and children were given the opportunity to climb the stairs, experience the ringing chamber, hear about the history of the bells and climb even further to the viewing platform (see separate article for more information). Keith, one of our Churchwardens, was our “Church Tour Guide” and at each of the tours

St Mary’s Magazine page 10 available entertained everyone with his knowledge of the church and its history; pointing out the stained–glass windows and many other “almost hidden” features around the church. Lois, our Children and Families Worker provided some activities for the children which, as always, were fun and interesting.

Pat, Christina, Michelle and Sue (that’s me..) were serving refreshments and it was absolutely wonderful to see so many people come to enjoy the atmosphere. Soaking up the sun whilst they enjoyed a cream tea and cake (or two, or three!!), waving to the children at the top of the tower and being entertained by Melanie and HP as they played some wonderful music which was relayed throughout the grounds. Behind the scenes was an amazing band of people who were keeping the refreshments team supplied with cups and saucers, scones and flasks of tea and coffee and clearing the tables and starting all over again!

Revd Paul and Revd Jacky had many interesting conversations with people as they walked around the grounds or through the church, just being there for anyone who wanted to talk and lots of conversations were had. All in all it was a very successful afternoon.

St Mary’s Magazine page 11 “Civilised”, “Peaceful”, “Relaxing”, “So Interesting”, “A long way up…..but worth it”, “Lovely Change”—these were just some of the comments said to me by people as they ventured over to get another cup of tea, scone or cake.

The event wasn’t about fund–raising (although every little helps of course…..) it was about the opportunity to serve our community, giving people permission to “just be” and to enjoy our beautiful church. So from all of us who were involved in the day, in any way, it was our immense pleasure and joy and if you are reading this and was one of our many visitors, please don’t wait another year to visit us again—our church is open through the week (9:00 am to 4:00 pm) and of course there are always our 8:00 am, 9:30 am (with Junior Church for 5 to11 year olds) and 6:00 pm services on a Sunday 

See you soon, and enjoy the rest of the summer!! Sue Mackay

Tower Tours

For many years now the fete with its tower tours has seen us getting out the brushes, the “Henry” vacuum cleaner and polishing cloths to give the tower its annual summer clean. This year was no exception. There are always lots of jobs to be done, but there were lots of people to help this year. David cleared the multitude of seeds dropped by the birds from the roof. John gave the tower stairs a thorough sweep and Phil cleaned the clock room. The ringing room was left until the Saturday of the tours, when the ringing school finished early. Steve and Gerry St Mary’s Magazine page 12 cleaned the walls, dusted the peal boards and even cleaned the clock pendulum! Ryan and Theo hoovered the carpet. We were all were ready for a refreshing cup of Katherine’s tea before the first tour began.

Several of us stayed to demonstrate how bells are rung, explaining the niceties of English Change Ringing. Penny marshalled the visitors, issuing tickets to ensure each group was not too big for us to cope with because space in the tower is limited. The visitors were offered the chance to have a go at ringing and those who did were surprised to find it is not as easy as it looks. A great deal of interest was shown by the people who came up the tower and we are hoping that some of the visitors will start to learn to ring.

From the ringing chamber, the groups were taken to the clock room and shown the workings of our 218 year old hand wound 8 day clock. The final steps were then taken to the roof, passing the bell chamber where the lights were on and the bells could be seen.

The beautiful weather gave clear views over the Thames to Kent, to the wind farms in the Crouch and Thames, the Millennium Bridge and planes landing and taking off at London Southend Airport. Closer to home many were able to see their own houses.

St Mary’s Magazine page 13 Phil, David and Peter did most of the walking up and down the tower with the visitors who numbered over a hundred in a total of five groups. A good night’s rest was certainly well deserved!

Peter Sloman Photos: Louisa Hennessy

The Churchyard

A churchyard is much more than a garden around a church. It is not only a burial ground, but also a place of quiet reflection and recreation, a habitat for rare plant and animal species, and the setting of the church building. Carolyn and I recently attended a seminar about churchyard law, which revealed some interesting facts, expectations and legal responsibilities.

Our Churchyard is Closed (a churchyard is sometimes described as “closed” in the non– legal sense that burials have been discontinued there), and has been for many years. The responsibility of maintenance has been transferred to the Local Authority. So that’s great—we don’t have to do anything to maintain it or care for it as it’s done by the Council, right?

Well, not strictly true. Whilst there is a responsibility for the Council to maintain and care for the churchyard, the PCC still has the overall say of how things are done, and are still accountable for the safety and maintenance when the Council fail or are St Mary’s Magazine page 14 unable to fulfil their financial obligations. It’s easy to say “It’s not down to us it’s the Council’s job”; in the meantime the dangers do not go away and whilst awaiting long time— consuming processes the PCC is at risk of legal action. So the PCC has to have Public Liability Insurance to cover trips slips and falls and any other churchyard claims which may be made against the church, as we are still accountable for the churchyard.

You will have seen lots of work going on outside the church. The reasons for this are: firstly, to make sure the grounds are safe for the public to use by checking footpaths, trip hazards, overgrown/dangerous trees and so on; and secondly to enhance the beauty of our historic church to show people the church is regularly used and much loved and cared for.

I think it’s important we do our part in making the churchyard safe and welcoming so that God’s glory can be enjoyed by those using the churchyard and those passing through. Keith Turner From the registers

Baptisms

6 May Lacie Jane Ward 3 June Poppy Rose Pasfield Marguerite Edith Willy 1 July Tyler James Darren Salmon, Riley Robert George Salmon Darcy Lee Salmon Gracie-May Lily Elizabeth Julie Gemma Salmon-Davidson 1 July Isabel Evans 28 July Finley Llewelyn McGee

St Mary’s Magazine page 15 Marriages

8 June Benjamin Clarkson and Sonia Heath 9 June John Dickson and Yvonne Brown 16 June Gary Daley and Rebecca Pignolet 30 June Barry Woodham and Crystal White 30 June Martin Read and Kim Goodheart 14 July William Wratten and Kirby O’Neill 28 July Andrew Martin and Adella Clipsham 29 July Laine Taylor and Samantha Calleja

Renewal of Marriage Vows

3 June Douglas and Cheryl Drake

John & Yvonne Dickson

StMartin Mary’s Magazine & Kim page Read 16 Matthew & Jessica Christian Wedding 19 M\ay

Doug & Cheryl Drake

Ben & Sonya Clarkson

Barry and Crystal Woodham

St Mary’s Magazine page 17 John & Jacqueline Winkler Blessing of marriage vows 19 May Gary & Rebecca Daley Funerals

29 June Roy Michael Welton 24 July Frances Elizabeth Poole

Ordination and Consecration of Our New Bishop The Venerable Dr John Perumbalath

“The ministry of the Church is the ministry of Christ and the service of ordination perpetuates a pattern of ministry in direct continuity— through a long line of succession—with the apostles. Just as Jesus commissioned the first disciples, so by the laying on of hands the archbishop will commission these disciples to mission. That is to witness to the resurrection and to preach the good news of salvation in all the world. The particular role of bishops— while remaining and —is to proclaim and guard the faith, to preside at the sacraments, to lead the Church’s prayer and to hand on its ministry” St Mary’s Magazine page 18 It was a very real priviledge to be in St Paul’s Cathedral to witness the consecration of the Church’s newest Bishops.

The service was so full of colour, beautiful language and song. There was a great sense of connection with the past but also a great sense of hope for the future.

What a joyous day!

Revd Jacky who supplied the photos

St Mary’s Magazine page 19 1st Prittlewell Brownies

On Saturday 7 July, 24 members of 1st Prittlewell (St Mary’s) Brownies visited Belchamps Scout Centre for an Activity Day. Earlier in the term the Brownies had looked at all of the activities available and had voted on which ones they would like to do. They chose Archery, Water Walkerz, Assault course and Traversing Elements (high ropes).

It was an extremely warm day and when we arrived we split into 2 groups of 12, with one group heading for archery and the second to the water walkerz as their first activity of the day. After the safety talk the activities began with girls realising that a fair bit of concentration and strength was required for the archery. All the girls did really well with several of them hitting the targets and getting nicknamed Robin Hood! Water walkerz was a lot of fun with two girls entering a giant hamster wheel and working together to rotate it round. There was laughter and screaming and general enjoyment was had by all. The girls would be in the “wheel” for five minutes before swapping with their group mates and using the five–minute break to cool down and take on some much needed water. The groups then swapped over activities and then after their second activity both groups met back up for a picnic lunch we had brought with us.

St Mary’s Magazine page 20 After our hour lunch break we headed to our two afternoon activities. The girls made their way around the assault course which needed lots of balancing skills, with some of them facing a fear of the dark climbing down a dark tower. Again high ropes meant some of the girls facing their fear; I am a really proud Brown Owl to say that some of the Brownies who insisted at the start of the day that they would not even try the high ropes, actually climbed up the ladder and made their way along the beam. We even had a few who made it all the way to the top! At 3:00 pm the parents came to collect the Brownies, with most of them heading home to watch England play in the quarter finals.

We had a fantastic day and were well looked after by the team at Belchamps. The girls worked really well as a team helping each other out and cheering each other on. They tried new things, overcame fears and gained confidence in themselves.

Kiley Ebanks Brown Owl who also supplied the photos

St Mary’s Magazine page 21 Jenny Cousins

On Sunday 17 June Revd Paul led the congregation in a farewell to Jenny Cousins. It was her last Sunday at St Mary's before her move up north to be nearer to her son, Simon, who is a doctor currently working at a Leeds hospital.

Her house sale moved very rapidly and she was suddenly facing just two more Sundays in St Mary’s. There she had supported her husband, Revd Chris, in all that he did after he retired as Incumbent at church; in helping Fr. Shaun when Shaun was poorly; and helping St Mary’s when we went into Vacancy. He had been looking forward to working quietly with Revd Paul, but sadly this was not to be. Jenny had sung with the choir all that time, and had also joined the Women’s Fellowship (recently taking over the Chair) and the No 72 House Group. All members were sad that she had to leave us.

A very hastily arranged farewell party was organised so that she could invite her friends in the choir, the servers and members of Women’s Fellowship Committee and on the Sunday Revd Paul sent her on her way with his blessing and the good wishes of all her friends.

Margaret Harvey, Suzanne Mattingley and Melanie van Looy

St Mary’s Magazine page 22 Retreat—isn’t always going backwards!

One of the many privileges of ministry in the is that we are encouraged each year to have a “Retreat”. It is a time to re–charge one’s batteries, to pray, to reflect and to enable the journey of ministry to be re–invigorated.

Over the years, I have experienced various forms of retreats, silent, guided, and walking, in houses of communities, alone or with others. Quite some years ago, I hooked up with a friend who I met in 1998 when we started at Trinity Theological College in Bristol (a.k.a. vicar factory). Jon and I were part of a small group during the time we studied together and along with our families experienced life in that community. During our curacies whilst we were in contact, life and work drew us apart. But then during our first incumbencies we started experiencing retreats together. One year we thought, “why not combine our love of cycling and praying together?”. So began our trips to the “Blessed Flat Lands” (Holland)—in our middle age we thought we would give cycle camping a try. Minimal kit is the order of the day as it all needs to go on our bikes! Over the years we have cycled much of Holland and ventured also into Belgium and France. We have had some great times meeting people along the way (you tend to chat more to folk than locked in a metal box (car)).

St Mary’s Magazine page 23 However, importantly we have prayed together and shared together of God’s great Love and Grace for us. And we have experienced His blessings many times as we have left things (valuable) and then relocated them or they have been returned to us by Stena Line at the Hoek of Holland or Harwich! This year after a few years break, Jon— who moved to a new parish in Sunningdale, Berkshire last year —and I were once again given a “pass” by our wonderful wives and cycled onto the ferry at Harwich. As neither of us had done much preparation this time on our arrival we took a train to Den Helder (northern Holland) and then another ferry to the Island of Texel (pronounced “Tessel”) and spent a few days exploring this beautiful part of the Netherlands. As always we met folk along the way who made us laugh and shared something of their own lives, and of course there was a very familiar subject of conversation “What do you think of Brexit?” But more importantly Jon and I prayed for our parishes and for each other and our families and asked God to Bless us all, as we journey together. When we refer to the “Blessed Flat Lands” lots of folk say “so that’s why you go there it’s so easy to cycle”. Yes the cycle paths are a cyclists dream— but riding into the wind sometimes makes you feel like you’re going backwards!

St Mary’s Magazine page 24 Just as we were about to board the ferry for our return we stopped for a coffee at a beachside restaurant and that’s where Jon left his phone and bank cards… Once on the ferry he realised his mistake and the usual panic calls took place, cancelling etc. The next day however Jon had a call from a lady who lives in the Hoek of Holland saying she found phone and cards on the beach and so she handed them into the Stena offices who duly returned them to Jon. Yet another sign of God’s blessing! We returned ready to go forwards in our ministry and ready as always to go back!

God Bless Revd Paul

P.S. if you speak to my wife Sue tell her it’s a “Spiritual Retreat” Revd Paul goes on, not a “jolly”….

Photos supplied by Revd Paul Mackay

St Mary’s Magazine page 25 Which Bible should I read?

I was recently asked by a visitor from who was here on a short visit, if he could buy one of our church bibles; someone else told me that a family member really likes the version we use in church. There are so many different versions of the Bible in “modern English”— perhaps the most famous is the Authorised Version, perhaps more readily known as the King James Bible. But there are more than 450 different “modern English” versions; the one we use at St Mary’s is the NRSV—The New Revised Standard Version. But how do you choose a new Bible among all the translations available? If you have ever wondered what the differences are, and which translation is best for you, you may find a new guide produced by Bible Society to be of use. It’s just a brief guide (only 16 versions listed) and some information is a bit vague—so probably the best thing to do is speak to Revd Paul or Revd Jacky! But whatever you do we encourage you to read God’s word! Also there are daily helpful guides and we will give you further information about them next time!

Go to: https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/explore-the-bible/which-is-the- best-bible-translation/

Flowers in Church

On 1 August, flowers are given to remember with love Joy Heal, who passed away on this day a year ago.

On 6 August flowers are given by George Wiseman, Christine Eighteen and Nigel Wiseman in memory of Molly Wiseman, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great–grandmother, who would have been 94 on this day.

St Mary’s Magazine page 26 News from St Mary’s School

End of Summer Term 2018

There are always changes at schools at the end of each academic year, but this year saw some quite significant ones!

After 32 years Caretaker Mr Alan Jones is hanging up his hat to take retirement. Mr Jones has seen many changes over the years, four head teachers, the transition of school sites and the return of the East Street site, along with many, many families who have come and gone. A big thank you to Mr Jones for his dedication to the school.

St Mary’s Magazine page 27 Another farewell was said to the Chair of Governors, Colin Cooper, who has decided to step down from the role to enjoy retirement too. Colin has had much involvement with St Mary’s School over the past 14 years; organising and supporting the school website and being school Governor; going on to become Chair of Governors for the last academic year. Elections for a new Chair of Governors will take place early in the Autumn Term.

Finally as year 6 left and prepared to make way onto “senior” school, it was our privilege as St Mary’s Church as we have done for the last three years to give them each a Bible and Scripture Union “It’s your move” booklets. We pray they will find them lifelong guides!

Revd Paul Mackay who also took the photos

St Mary’s Magazine page 28 Harvest Festival

Our Harvest Festival this year is on Sunday 14 October at 9:30 am. One of the organisations we will be supporting will be the Homeless Charity HARP—please look out for further notices as to what we will be asking for by way of donation as their needs do vary. So please check before bringing any specific foods especially perishables please!

St Mary’s Magazine page 29 Toy Service Sunday 9 December 9:30 am

Yes you have seen that correctly! Apologies for bringing this up so soon but we wanted to ensure as many are aware as possible! For many years there has been a Toy Service on Christmas Eve at St Mary’s, but it has become harder to distribute the gifts after Christmas as obviously organisations want to ensure those that are to receive them do so actually at Christmas. So we are moving this service to Sunday 9 December at 9:30 am and on Christmas Eve we will be having a “Crib Service” (more details to follow for both services).

Revd Paul Mackay

St Mary’s Magazine page 30 Caption Competition

Whatever is Lois up to? Please send a caption to this picture to [email protected]. The Editor and his entirely unbiased team of judges will award a bar of Fairtrade chocolate to the entry they consider the wittiest...Entries by 1 September, please.

St Mary’s Magazine page 31 OUR NEXT FILM NIGHT AT

St Mary’s Church – East Street.

Saturday 8 September at 6:30 pm

Please join us for a FREE showing of

The film will be shown in church followed by refreshments and a short discussion and time of reflection.

We look forward to sharing it with you

www.stmarysprittlewell.co.uk St Mary’s Magazine page 32 Services at St Mary’s

hgGH

Sundays

8:00 am Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer) 9:30 pm Holy Communion (Second Sunday All Age/Parade Service) 6:30 pm Evening Service (Second and fourth Sundays Sung Evensong)

Monday to Thursday

8:30 am Morning Prayer

Wednesday

10:30 am Holy Communion hgGH

St Mary’s Magazine page 33 Prittlewell Parish Magazine is published by and is copyright © 2018 the PCC of St Mary the Virgin, Prittlewell. You are welcome to contribute towards the Magazine. Articles will normally inform about, and reflect upon, issues and activities relating to the Christian faith, the Church, St Mary’s Parish and its various groups and organisations. Articles should normally be no longer than 500 words and shorter articles are most welcome. Photographs, graphics and drawings with your articles will also be welcome (all original artwork will be returned). The Editor reserves the right to cut or edit any articles offered. The views expressed in any part of this magazine are those of the contributors and may not necessarily reflect the views of members of the PCC. Please note that material previously published elsewhere cannot be accepted unless copyright permission has been obtained. Photos Richard Anderson unless otherwise credited. Privacy Notice: due to changes in Data Protection Regulation we have developed a Privacy Notice. This is available on our website. If you would like a paper copy please contact the church office.

Magazine deadlines

Sunday 16 September 2018 for October/November 2018 edition Sunday 11 November 2018 for December 2018/January 2019 edition Sunday 13 January 2019 for February/March 2019 edition Sunday 17 March 2019 for April/May 2019 edition Sunday 12 May 2019 for June/July 2019 edition Sunday 14 July 2019 for August/September 2019 edition Sunday 15 September 2019 for October/November 2019 edition Sunday 17 November 2019 for December 2019/January 2020 edition

v to get St Mary’s Magazine and St Mary’s Weekly News Sheet by email

v please send your email address to [email protected]

St Mary’s Magazine page 34 Weekly events

Sunday Bellringing 9:00 – 9:30 am & 5:30 – 6:30 pm

Monday Women’s Fellowship 1st Monday at 1:30 pm Suzanne Mattingley [email protected] Bellringing Practice Night 7:30 – 9:30 pm David Sloman  01702 545568

Tuesday 1st Prittlewell Scout Group Scouts 7:30 – 9:00 pm Cub Scouts 6:00 – 7:30 pm Beavers 6:00 – 7:00 pm in the Guild Hall Shaun Carey  07941 242789 email [email protected] Rainbow Guides 4:15 – 5:30 pm Eileen Wilkins [email protected]

Wednesday Brownie Guides 5:30 – 7:00 pm Kiley Ebanks [email protected]

Friday Choir Practice 7:30 – 9:00 pm Melanie van Looy email [email protected]

Saturday Saturday Ringing School 9:00 – 12:00 noon Peter Sloman  01702 545889

St Mary’s Magazine page 35 Revd Paul and Revd Jon go to Holland— see page 23>

Revd Jacky goes to St Paul’s Cathedral—see page 18

The Brownies go to Belchamps—see page 20

St Mary’s Magazine page 36