CORONAVIRUS: IT’S GREAT TO BE TOGETHER
but we’re sorry NOT to be:
- SHAKING HANDS/TOUCHING eg peace, blessings, prayers; no reaching out to cuddle other’s babies etc.
- SELF-SERVING REFRESHMENTS
- SHARING WINE AT COMMUNION – it is Bread only!
- OFFENDED if someone keeps their distance from us!
- COMING TO CHURCH if we have flu like symptons (though advice is please do not stay away from our activities if you’re well and are not actually vulnerable!)
We are:
- Pleased to SERVE DRINKS/FOODS TO YOU no longer communal use of pumps, children’s drinks etc.
- KEEPING a comfy SPACE between each other.
- CLEANING HANDS fully as we come to church and around refreshments etc.
- CATCHING all ‘sneezes’ in tissues and disposing.
- WELCOME & HOSPITALITY/SIDESMAN TEAMS are regularly cleaning hands whilst serving us.
- MISSING the fellowship of those who can’t get along, particularly vulnerable worshippers who may stay away – grace & peace to you all; please keep in touch!
A Special Prayer for those affected by Coronavirus:
Keep us, good
Lord,
under the shadow of your mercy.
Sustain and support the anxious,
be with those who care for the sick,
and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may find comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
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Sunday 15th March Lent 3
8.00am St.Mary’s 1662 Said Morning Prayer
Andy Norris
9.15am St.Mary’s Communion
Reg Forse
10.30am St.Mary’s Church Alive
Darren Clarke
11.15am St.Francis’ Morning Worship
Diana Dow
12.30pm St.Mary’s Baptism
Andy Norris
6.30pm St.Mary’s 1662 Evensong
Diana Dow
Thurs 19th St.Faith’s Communion
Tim Watson
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LENT COURSE – ON THE THIRD DAY
Running now on Wednesdays in two groups in St.Francis’ Church; one group at 10.30am, the other from 7.30pm. All are welcome,
Next FORCES FAMILY TEA
Next Sunday 22nd March at 4.00pm in the Parish Centre. All in the forces family – those serving and/or their families – are invited.
CONNECTIONS IS CANCELLED
We’re sorry to say that our Connections Coffee Drop-In this Thur is cancelled, this is partly due to the suitability of the venue at this time – so watch this space for the next date when it starts again.
NEW CHRISTIAN AID WEEK CO–ORDINATOR?
On behalf of us all we’d like to thank Philippa Harrap and Peter Ford for having kindly coordinated our Christian Aid Week fundraising over the past few years, thank you. They’ve enabled us to deliver the envelopes around the parish and raise a significant sum for those in need. It’s now time to seek a new coordinator or pair – if this is something you might consider
exploring then please have a word with either Peter or Philippa, or Andy Norris, thanks. Christian Aid Week is 10th-16th May 2020.
Don’t forget your daily: #LIVE LENT (CofE website)
BISHOP’S LENT APPEAL 2020
‘Loving the Environment’ – please take a leaflet and gift envelope.
ADULT BAPTISM & CONFIRMATION 21st June
We look forward to welcoming our Bishop Christopher who is
penciled in to come to St.Mary’s on Sunday 21st June for a service at 3.00pm. The service will include the opportunity for adult baptism and for Confirmation. Folk from Lee-on-the-Solent St.Faith’s may join us too! If you’d be interested then please have a word with Andy Norris. Our Alpha course offers the ideal preparation – we hope to start a new course after Easter!
MOTHERS’ UNION Annual Service
You’re invited to the annual service of our Mothers’ Union branch on Tuesday 17th March at 2.00pm in St.Francis’ Church.
SPRING PARISH WALK (& Lunch!) 18th April
Details at the back of St.Mary’s, led by Jane & Huw Jones.
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PARISH CENTRE REGENERATION NEWS:
PLANNING PERMISSION GRANTED
Fabulous news this week that consent to go ahead with our plans arrived. Many congratulations and thanks to the amazing team who’ve worked so hard over 5 years to make this possible! Well done and thank you, all 14 of you!
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THE CHURCH ELECTORAL ROLL – belong.
Or did you miss the renewal of the roll last year?
You can express ‘belonging’ to a local church through our ‘Church Electoral Roll’. Regular worshippers are all welcome and encouraged to sign up. It even gives you a vote at the annual meeting. Membership lasts six years and was renewed for all last year when some of us missed signing up again! So now is your chance! Application Forms are at the back of church to be returned to The Parish Office. In fact you can belong to more than one Electoral Roll and don’t even have to be an ‘anglican’ as it is about your church rather than the CofE! Application closure date is Mon 6th April. So sign up, you belong here!
ALVERSTOKE PARISH APCM 21st April
The official AGM of the parish is to be held on Tuesday 21st April at 7.00pm in St.Mary’s Church. The Annual Parochial Church Meeting! Elections for wardens, 4 for Parochial Church Council and 5 for Deanery Synod will be held in the context of reports, accounts, reflection from 2019; giving thanks for a very good year.
CAN YOU WRITE AN INFORMAL REPORT?
Do you lead or share in a church group? Then reports up to A5 size of 2019 church life are sought at Parish Office by 6th April .