Church Matters Priory Church of St Laurence, Blackmore St Peter & St Paul Church, July/August 2019 Donation 50p

Rev’d Sam (and Joseph) parading in Blackmore’s great Summer Fayre Services - July/August 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 July Holy Communion Pet Service Morning Prayer

Sun 14th July Holy Communion Holy Communion Book of Common Prayer Common Worship

Sun 21st July 1.00 for 1.30pm Morning Prayer Sunday Lunch Service PCC led Service Stondon Village Hall

Sun 28th July Holy Communion Sung Holy Communion Book of Common Prayer

Sun 4th August Holy Communion Inspire Family Service Morning Prayer Sun 11th August Holy Communion Holy Communion Book of Common Prayer Common Worship Sun 18th August 1.00 for 1.30pm Morning Prayer Sunday Lunch Service PCC Led Service Stondon Village Hall Sun 25th August Holy Communion Sung Communion Book of Common Prayer

Morning Prayer - 9.30am Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Priory Church of St. Laurence

Copy deadline for September Issue is Friday 16th August 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 I had an intriguing phone call around a week ago, from a nurse called Joanne at Brentwood community hospital. Joanne was a woman on a mission! Due to patient confidentiality, she couldn’t tell me much, but on her ward was a man, a Normandy Veteran, who had served with the Royal Engineers and had stormed Juno Beach on D- Day. He had been planning to be in Portsmouth on the Boudicca and in Normandy for the D-Day 75 commemorations but had been As I mentioned I had very little admitted to hospital a few days before information and no idea who would be and couldn’t attend. present or what would be expected of Joanne had hatched a plan, that if he me but, entrusting the whole thing into couldn’t go to the commemorations, the God’s hands, I set off for the ward at commemorations should come to him. Brentwood Community hospital. So her request was simple...will you From the noise as I entered the ward I come and ‘do something’. knew that I had printed far too few Sourcing Royal British Legion service sheets. resources, asking the CO of Tom’s sea The buzz coming from the Day room cadet unit for advice and researching was enormous and as I rounded the what had been said and done in corner I could hear Vera Lynn singing Portsmouth and Normandy, I managed White Cliffs of Dover, union flag to pull together an order of service for bunting was hanging around the room an Act of Remembrance. I printed 10 and 50 or so staff, patients, families, copies, thinking it may be too many! members of the Royal British Legion,

3 serving Army personnel and a sense of thankfulness, to Joanne, to trumpeter were filling the room. There the friends he’d lost, for the freedom in the middle sat (who I now knew to they’d won. be) Robert. A chest full of medals and “You’ve done well with the freedom we his Royal engineers beret atop his won” he said, “being a vicar. Women head. After a brief introduction to weren’t always, but that’s what freedom Robert, a quick chat with the members was for wasn’t it?” of the RBL to assign parts of the Act of The tea party that had been arranged Remembrance we began our short was starting and the sandwiches were service. being passed around and I was With prayers and a humbling conscious that there were many others recounting of the D-Day landings, the who wanted to chat with Bob. So I bid last post, two minutes silence, reveille, my farewells to him, Thankful, humbled intercessions for the world the Lord’s and changed by our brief but prayer and a blessing, the service went meaningful meeting. without hitch despite service sheets Psalm 46 being one to five! 1 God is our refuge and strength, I have to admit to feeling very an ever-present help in trouble. emotional. At times I fought back tears 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the especially when, during the prayers, earth give way and the mountains fall Robert grabbed my hand. into the heart of the sea, Those hands I thought, gripped the 3 Though its waters roar and foam wood and metal of a rifle, the sides of a and the mountains quake with their landing craft. Those hands felt the sting surging.[c] of cold salt water, the sand on Juno 4 There is a river whose streams make beach. Perhaps they pulled up glad the city of God, the holy place comrades, or pointed at the enemy where the Most High dwells. forces, maybe they covered his eyes 5 God is within her, she will not fall; when horrors were too much to look at. God will help her at break of day. Now they were holding mine. As I 6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; prayed prayers of thanksgiving for him he lifts his voice, the earth melts. and those who gave their lives in 7 The Lord Almighty is with us; service, as I prayed that they may be in the God of Jacob is our fortress. God’s hands, his were in mine. These 8 Come and see what the Lord has were Robert’s hands, but to me at that done, the desolations he has brought moment they were also the hands of on the earth. every man who didn’t make it back. I 9 He makes wars cease to the ends of never got to hold the hands of my the earth. He breaks the bow and Grandfather, who was killed in action shatters the spear; he burns the shields on the way for evacuation from [d] with fire. Dunkirk, but at that moment they were 10 He says, “Be still, and know that I his hands. am God; I felt the most awesome sense of I will be exalted among the nations, privilege. I will be exalted in the earth.” After the service I had further 11 The Lord Almighty is with us; opportunity to talk to Robert or Bob. He the God of Jacob is our fortress. said “now we were friends” he spoke Your friend and vicar little of his memories but much of his Sam

4 News from the Diocese

You are invited to join the Ongar Churches on a

Pilgrimage Walk along St. Peter’s Way from to Blackmore

Saturday 29th June 2019

9.00am Start at Helen’s Church, Chipping Ongar – Pilgrims’ Blessing 9.30am St Martin’s, Chipping Ongar, Morning Prayer 11.00am Tea and Refreshments, St Mary’s, High Ongar 12.00pm Midday Prayer in the fields by Stondon Massey 1.30pm Tea and Refreshments, St Laurence, Blackmore 2.00pm Pilgrimage Celebration Service, St Laurence, Blackmore

The walk will continue from Blackmore to Margaretting where there will be an opportunity to visit the grounds of Bishopscourt and worship with the Bishop of in his chapel at 5.30pm. All are invited even if you are travelling onwards by car. Walk the whole way, just a short section or join us for worship! There is an opportunity to continue the walk throughout the following week to Bradwell-on-Sea (probably on Monday, Tuesday and Friday) as part of the annual Bradwell Pilgrimage. Please contact Rev Stewart Gibbs (07889 092559 [email protected]) if you would like to join in this.

2019 Bradwell Pilgrimage - Saturday 6th July (10.30am-3.45pm) All are welcome.

5 Family News Happy Birthday

To Stuart Jennings, Elaine Smith, Sue Watley, Brenda Flack, Tom Hughes, Danielle Cross and anyone else celebrating a birthday in July and August.

From the Registers

Baptism 2nd June - Douglas James Brown (St. Laurence)

Burial of Ashes 2nd June - Lilian V. Dines (St. Laurence)

Children’s Holiday Club St. Laurence Church 10.00am -12.00pm Ages 5-10 years

Tuesday 27th August Wednesday 28th August Thursday 29th August Friday 30th August

Come and join in the fun - all welcome

8+ Group BBQ at St. Laurence 5.30pm Wednesday 28th August

6 Reflections . . . In your prayers this month please remember . . . We pray for Rev Sam. Rev Stewart, Summertime Anthea, our Church Wardens Stuart, Take time to claim your strength; this Sandra, Jan and both our PCCs. is a gift from God. We thank you for this season of Summer. For the opportunities to enjoy Take time to have fun; it is God’s your world, to relax, to visit new places way of teaching you your strengths. and catch up with friends and family. Take time to grow yourself; only you We pray for those who are enjoying a can grow you. rest from the daily routine whether at Take time to trust yourself; God home or away. May your presence be trusts you. always with them. We pray for the care and safety of our Take time to be self-reliant; it is young people as they break up from better than being dependent. school and enjoy the freedom of the Take time to share with others; they holidays. will bless you and you will bless We pray for our government and them. political leaders in these turbulent, historic, political times that they may Take time to have hope; you are a work together in unity and service to child of God. the country. Lord God, We pray for the events and disasters We put ourselves into Your hands, that have dominated our news in the past month and for all who are and pray that You will bless us and suffering hardship through war, famine, our families during the wonderful and natural disasters across our world. months of summer. We pray for all World leaders that they May we all help make our home a may lead with wisdom, humanity, place of relaxation, joy, love, peace integrity and work hard to ensue peace and safety. between nations. We pray for those known to us who are May we be generous and ill, or undergoing treatment. We considerate, not thinking only about especially hold in our prayers all of ourselves, but helping others enjoy those in our church family who are the blessings of summertime. unwell. and their loved ones that care May each one of us walk with God for them. May they all receive God’s this summer in whatever we do and healing love and strength. wherever we go. We pray for the families and friends who have recently been bereaved. May we talk to God this summer and Especially those known to us and those every day and in every situation. within our local community. May God’s We ask this through Jesus Christ, love and the comfort of treasured our Lord. memories support them. Amen May God bless each one of us and those we love. Amen

7 On the third Sunday of the month we hold at Stondon Massey Village Hall a

Sunday Lunch Service Sunday 21st July Sunday 18th August (Barbeque St Peter & St Paul Church) Sunday 15th September

For further details ring Jan 821524

ST PETER & ST PAUL’S CHURCH

Stondon Massey

Tuesday 2 : 4 Stondon Village Hall No August meeting Tuesday 3rd September Tuesday 1st October

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.

8

St Peter & St Paul’s Church

Wednesday 14th August

Ploughman’s lunch followed by delicious summer desserts with tea or coffee to follow. Stondon Massey Village Hall from 12 for 12.30pm.

Tickets from Jan 821524

Price £7

2019 CREAM TEAS! Sunday 28th July 2.00 - 5.00pm St Peter & St Paul Church Stondon Massey CM15 0LD

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

Join us at:

At St Laurence Church, Blackmore, CM4 0RN we meet on the second Thursday of each month. Our next Create is on Thursday 11th July 2019 from 7.30pm-9.30pm We will be using up some of the materials we have tried across the year. Alternatively, you are more than welcome to bring your own craft project. There is a a small charge for the projects tried on the evening. There is no Create in August. Contact Catherine Jennings 821078 or Sandra Wood 822358 for information

10

R. J. DAVIES

GROUNDWORK and LANDSCAPING

Specialists in BLOCK PAVING RESIN/TARMAC PATIOS FENCING TURFING

Tel: 01277 514214 Mobile: 07774 132023

11 News from the MODS Group and Summer Socialising

We were delighted to host the David Pickthall Big Band on Saturday 23rd June (just as this issue of the magazine was going to press) so watch out for pics and updates in the next issue of Church Matters. Summer wouldn’t be Summer without dripping ice cream cones, sand between your toes and all the fun of the seaside so a trip has been organized by a few Seaside Officianados - an ‘Away Day to West Mersea’ on 10th August - time and finer details will be announced by the organisers nearer the time. Remember to look at Stondon’s summer socializing programme too, if you are at home this summer - lots to join in with. Our MODs social programme is printed below so don’t forget to get out your barn dancing shoes for the Harvest Supper on October 5th and save your Christmas present buying for the Christmas market on Saturday November 16th. Have a fun Summer. Social Events at St. Laurence for this year

Saturday 10th August Away Day to West Mersea (tbc)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please put these Dates in your Diary

12 Dear Friend(s) of St Laurence Members

Notice of Annual General Meeting – Tuesday 2 July 2019 followed by wine and canapes

On Tuesday 2nd July 2019 at 7.45 pm you are invited to the Priory Church of St Laurence for the 13th Friends of St Laurence Annual General Meeting. If you would like to learn what we have achieved in the past year and our plans for the future please come along. The agenda is attached as are the minutes of last year’s AGM. Nominations for the committee are encouraged and invited – please contact me on the email below for more information. The AGM lasts approximately 20-30 minutes.

Following the meeting, wine and canapés will be available. If you are interested in helping with the work of the Friends of St Laurence this is a good opportunity to talk to committee members about our work and objectives. The committee meets about 5 or 6 times a year. Even if you are not interested in a more active role with FoSL we hope you will join us for refreshments.

For catering purposes it would be helpful if you could let us know if you can attend. Please rsvp to me on 01277-822158 or email [email protected]

Yours sincerely

Carol Moulder Secretary Friends of St Laurence

Harlow Foodbank is well supported by all the churches in the deanery A shopping list can be found at the back of the church. All items need to be non perishable and long life. Those items always in short supply are :- Long Life milk, Long Life fruit juice, Tinned meat (corned beef or ham), Coffee, Cereal, Squash (bottled), Puddings (rice/ tinned sponge/tinned fruit). For more information contact Jean Woodward. 13 A Summer’s Day in the Garden 3 - 9pm - 29th June 2019

In Aid of Cancer Research and in memory of Derek and Jean Powell Come and picnic in the gardens of Blackmore house, Hook End Road, Brentwood CM15 0NP Bring your own picnic, blanket and chairs. Live Music performed throughout the day by local musicians concluding with a performance from the Billericay Community Choir. Children’s Treasure Hunt, Sweet Shop, Prosecco stall and Remembrance Tree. No charge to attend, but all donations gratefully received. 100% of all money raised will go to wards pancreatic cancer research.

Church Flowers and Diary If you have a special date in the year - maybe a significant celebration, birthday, anniversary, or a date in memory of a loved one, you can make a donation towards the cost of flowers in the church for that week. Of course you might equally have a favourite time of year when you would simply enjoy seeing the church full of blooms to enhance our own worship and to welcome visitors. A weekly list is in the back of the church where you can jot down your name against a date and then arrange to make your donation. Please contact: Catherine Jennings on 821078 or Gill Hall on 823280 for details.

14

Third Sunday of the month held at Stondon Massey Village Hall – 19th May

Our pre-lunch visitor from next door arrived. Giving an impressive pre-lunch display!

We had an excellent lunch menu providing for both our physical and spiritual needs.

15 The Pentecost Barbecue

Having just listened to an excellent sermon by Rev. Sam and participated in Holy Communion it was time to celebrate and embrace our Church family with a shared Pentecost lunch BBQ in the Church grounds. John Hughes kindly pushed Rev. Sam’s BBQ down the road from the Vicarage together with the gas cylinder, all we required were hamburgers and sausages. Fortunately the sun shone warmly on us and cooking commenced. The smell of the sizzling food was wonderful. John, Andrew and Kevin did a super job cooking and Rev. Sam “in her pinny” also played chef.

Sitting in a large circle we played a few (non active games!) and shared a lot of laughs and special time together. Thanks to all who brought side salads and sauces to share. We all strolled home well satisfied.

Confirmation Classes - 2019 If you would like to explore what it means to be confirmed, please speak to Rev. Sam. The 2019 Confirmation Service will be hosted this year at St. Martin’s Church, Ongar in the Autumn.

16 The Summer Fayre - Blackmore As always Blackmore put on a fabulous Summer Fayre and St Laurence was well represented in the parade . Joseph made a guest appearance. He was taller than we had imagined but then we saw the roller blades!

17 The Service on Horsefayre Green

18 A very well attended service was held on Horsefayre Green bringing the morning worship to the heart of the village and the Fayre. St Laurence’s hosted many visitors who strolled in to enjoy the bountiful ploughman’s lunches and refreshments over the two days. You may have noticed some very ‘colourful’ characters amongst those visiting the Churchyard as the Church hosted once again the Scarecrow Competition. Many thanks must go to all who helped organise the different church events so that the church was able to be truly part of the festivities and give the village our full support. Thank you everyone.

19 St Peter & St Paul’s Harvest Supper SATURDAY 28th SEPTEMBER 2019 at Stondon Massey Village Hall Bring your own drinks 7.00 for 7.30 pm

Adults £8 Children under 11years £4.00 Available from: Jan Mackintosh 821524 Chris Hall 821447

Libbi MacGregor (Singer) accompanied by Hazel Newman

will entertain us during the evening.

oOo

Harvest Festival

SUNDAY 29th SEPTEMBER 2019

at St Peter & St Paul Church, Stondon Massey 10.00 am

20 Henry Fitzroy’s Birthday

Henry Fitzroy’s baptism may have been held at our font in St Laurence church- but there are no records to verify this - very thought provoking! Born in June 1519 his mother was Bessie Blount and his father King Henry XIII. He was born in Jericho Priory. What a rich history we have in Blackmore! Thank you to Ella Bradley for the flower arrangement and to Carol and John Riley for the information about Henry Fitzroy that was placed around the font.

Happy holiday to all our Little Ones and families. We hope that you have all enjoyed your time at St Laurence Church as much as we have. I would like to say a very big thank you to Sue for all her hard work and Sheena. Thanks also to John and Roger for putting all the equipment away. We would all like to wish you a safe and happy holiday. God Bless. Sandra Keeble (Leader)

21 The Priory Church of St Laurence Blackmore

‘Teas in the Tower’ 2019

Sunday 7th July 2.30 - 4.30 pm BigEasy5 (New Orleans Jazz Band)

Sunday 4th August 2.30 - 4.30 pm Libbi MacGregor (Singer) Accompanied by Hazel Newman

The musicians for the Autumn Teas in the Tower 2019 season

are as follows:

Sunday 1st Sept The Fairkyte Accordion Band (Directed by Valerie Coe)

Sunday 6th October Hillhouse Sax (saxophone duet)

22 Christopher Tinker Conductor

William Byrd Anniversary Concert Byrd and his Spanish contemporaries

Tuesday 2nd July 2019, at 8.00 p.m. (doors open 7.30) Church of St Peter and St Paul, Stondon Massey, Essex CM15 0LD This event is our annual tribute to that great English composer William Byrd, who lived for the last 30 years of his life in Stondon Massey. He is said to be buried in the churchyard, but no one knows quite where! The Byrd works we will perform include the sacred and the secular: sections of his five-part Mass, Laudibus in Sanctis, Haec Dies, and the lively madrigal This sweet and merry month of May. This year, we also include works by his Spanish contemporaries, including Guerrero, Lobo and Morales, and some sumptuous double choir offerings from Tomas Luis de Victoria. Interval drinks and nibbles make for an enjoyable evening in this atmospheric setting. £12 (adults), £6 (under 16’s) Tickets will be available from mid-May from the following sources: James Dace & Son, Allegro Music (both in Chelmsford); The Co- operative, Blackmore; from choir members; and – if still available – at the door on the night of the concert. However, we strongly recommend purchasing tickets in advance.

Nearby parking, toilet facilities in the church, and interval refreshments. www.stondonsingers.org.uk Email us: [email protected] Phone us: 01992 522300 (Choir Secretary)

23 Future Stondon Events

Sun 28th July - Cream Tea 2-5pm, St Peter & St Paul Sat 10th Aug - Beach Trip to West Mersea Wed 14th Aug - Summer Lunch 12 for 12.30pm, Village Hall Sat 28th Sept - Harvest Supper - 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

24 Little Myles Garden Open Days Stondon Massey, CM15 0LD

Sunday 30th June - 11 am to 4 pm Sunday 7th July - 11 am to 4 pm

We are opening our romantic, ever-changing 3 acre garden at Little Myles once again for St Francis Hospice on the last Sunday of June, the 30th,from 11 am until 4 pm. The following Sunday, 7 July, we open under the National Garden Scheme. On both days there will be a Plant Stall, Crafts and Homemade teas. There are many different gardens to explore within Little Myles Garden. The Prairie Garden, Beach Garden and Jungle all have whacky, chalk painted murals on the back fence with appropriate plantings in each area. There are also many sculptures of parrots, monkeys, giraffe and even a wire elephant in the Jungle. Seagulls, Seal and seaside plants in the Beach Garden. There is also a Slate Garden with fountain, Herb Garden, natural pond, ornamental Vegetable Patch and Asian Garden complete with bamboos, monkeys, cloud tree and water-filled pots. There is much to see, not only for adults but also for children who are given a free Explorers Sheet and Map of the garden which shows where they will find various sculptures like the Gruffalo, Peter Rabbit and friends and, new this year, the Three Billy Goats Gruff near the little wooden bridge. Our Wildflower Meadow is fast changing as more and more plants are added, such as mixed perennials and annual wildflowers. The young silver birch spinney is maturing nicely and blackthorn thickets have been pruned and cleared. So, we invite you to come and spend a few gentle hours exploring this maturing, tranquil garden and enjoy lovely homemade cakes and scones with seating in the Tea Room and also under trees and on the main lawn. Admission £5, children free.

25 Chronicles from St. Petersburg Greetings to all our dear friends at St. Laurence from St. Petersburg! By the time you read this we might well already be back amongst you in Blackmore, but, at the time of writing, we’ve still got about a week to go here in Russia. Our ministry here is coming to its final end, and not without pangs of sadness as we think about all the people that we are saying goodbye to. It’s not been a case of winding down, either; unfortunately, it has been more like coming to a sudden halt! It’s not the healthiest way to end our time here, but Sean’s Russian visa runs out at the end of the month, and it’s been another critical time for ministry. Russian students are now well into their exam session, so it’s harder to arrange meetings with them now. As a result of this, ministry has looked a lot different over the past month; rather than meeting with students our team has turned its focus towards ‘British Summer Project.’ Sean has been given the lead responsibility for organising this, even though he won’t be in St. Petersburg to see how it will go! Between 18th June - 8th July, there will be a team of students and Agapé staff members, from the UK, travelling to St. Petersburg to help us with ministry. This is an annual trip that they make, and during their time we organise fun events,

This is Tsarskoye Selo and the Catherine Palace. The nearby Alexander Palace (literally right next door) was the favourite residence of Nicholas II and he loved spending time in these gardens. We understand why he loved it here so much, too! excursions and parties, as well as a camp for a few days, with the aim of building relationships with Russian students and looking for opportunities to initiate spiritual conversations and share the Gospel with them. Sean has organised a whole series of events and even a mini-conference of training for the British students, as well as the Russian Christian students, to help them make the most of Summer Project. God has also given us new opportunities to work more closely with some local churches – which isn’t always so easy to organise, as churches in Russia are

26 Sean leading a discussion group with students at English Movie Night.

suspicious of one another and often reluctant to work together. Please pray for this partnership, as we can see that it might offer us great opportunities in the future to have access to more Christian students, who we would love to be able to help disciple. Please also be praying for the summer project in general. The summer months in St. Petersburg are glorious. The sun is shining; you can feel its warmth and the days are long. You can sense a tangible change in mood amongst people, too. This gives us a great opportunity to meet new students and spend time with them outside in the city, which helps when we are trying to build friendships with them. Please pray for these opportunities for our team-mates, and for the members of the British team. At the beginning of our update we mentioned that we ‘might’ be back amongst you by the time you are reading this. Sean definitely will be; for Christina, it is less certain. Unfortunately, we are still waiting for Christina’s family visa, to allow her to live in the UK, and, as usual, we are experiencing some delays. With Sean’s visa running out, he has no choice but to return to the UK, and so there is a good chance that we will have to be separated for a time. There is also a chance that we might suddenly receive a decision on Christina’s visa application, but this seems to be less likely. UKVI were struggling to find record of one of the payments we made. However, we are praying about the situation; we trust that it is in God’s hands, and we believe that with Him all things are One of our friends at church here in St. possible! Please join us in praying for a Petersburg is Xander Parish – one of the quick decision, and a positive decision, for principal dancers at the Mariinskiy Ballet! Christina’s visa application. He gave us free tickets to watch him Thank you, as always, for your performing as the lead in Swan Lake. This support and prayers for our ministry, whilst is a photo of Christina enjoying the we have been here in St. Petersburg. occasion! Please keep remembering the students of Russia – they are a generation that will have a huge say in how the world will look in years to come. We look forwards to being amongst you again very shortly!

Sean and Christina Wood [email protected] May God Bless Christina and Sean in all they are doing and pray for their safe return to the UK.

27 28 SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY (for children pre-school and school age) is available privately at

ESSEX HOUSE (ROOM 8) 118 HIGH STREET, CHIPPING ONGAR, 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.

29 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, Saturday and Sunday Stationery, 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

Friday 28th June and Friday 26th July

Welcome from 12 noon. Lunch is served at 12.30 pm. To book please telephone Jane Marr on 01277 823070 and leave a message.

30

ST.LAURENCE CHURCH

CHURCH STREET, BLACKMORE 10 am to 11.45 am (0 – 5’s with parents/carers) 3rd and 17th July Autumn Dates for first Half Term 4th and 18th September 2nd and 16th October

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

32 Events Diary Regular Meetings - please see opposite page.

Tues 2nd July 8,00pm William Byrd Anniversary Concert Stondon

Tues 2nd July 7.45 pm FoSL AGM Blackmore

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 to West Mersea details tbc

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 10.00-400pm 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

33 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 mainte- nance 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. 34 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,

35 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