5th & 12th August 2012 Newsletter
St Mary Magdalene † St Bartholomew † St Alban †
PARISH NEWS
Sunday’s 5th & 12th August 2012
“..in a race all the runners compete but only one receives the prize?” (I cor 9 v 24)
The Olympic Games are on, in case you hadn’t noticed, and I, for one, have been thoroughly enjoying them. The Opening Ceremony was stunning and the rendition of “Jerusalem” both deeply moving and, in its own way, a Christian witness in an event that supposedly celebrates the human, not the Divine.
Interestingly though, there are several metaphors to athletics in the New Testament, presumably because the listeners were familiar with sports and games. One of the best known is in I Corinthians “..in race all the runners compete but only one receives the prize” (I Cor. 9 v24ff). Paul sets himself the highest standard – Gold - and encourages us to do the same in our lives. No “prizes for all” here!
But, we all have our own races to run, or jump, or row or swim and it will be a different challenge for each of us, depending on our gifts, abilities and circumstances. As Christians we are called to be faithful, not necessarily successful. But we are called to take part: to use what God has given us.
And, for those of us who wouldn’t ever “podium” in anything, we can take heart from an informal Olympic motto, introduced by Baron De Coubertin (who founded the modern Olympic Games): "The most important thing in the Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well." Apparently he got this motto from a sermon during the 1908 London Games!
Andrew
Please remember in your prayers:
Les Page, Clarice, Vicky Schiff, Win Jones,
Dela McCarteny, Frank Burdge, & Maude Smith.
PARISH PRAYER ROTA This week (5th) we pray for:
Kitchen Table @ St Bart’s: Anne, Michael, Katie, Sue and the volunteer helpers. Older People: Golden Oldies; Genesis Housing Association – residents and staff. Lunch Club: Friday Games.
Next week (12th) we pray for: Worshipping Communities who share our buildings;
Clergy and Lay Ministers: Quintin, Fred, Ann, Shirley & John;
Staff: Brenda, Chrissie, Bill, May, June, Jackie, Win & Mary;
Churchwardens: Andrew, Damian, Laurine, John, Philip & Ajith
Readings for 5th August 2012
St Bart’s: John 6: 24-35
St Mary’s: 2 Peter 1: 16-19 Luke 9: 28-36
Readings for 12th August 2012
St Bart’s: 1 Kings 19: 4-8 Ephesians 4:25–5:2 John 6: 35,41-51
St Mary’s: 2 Samuel 18; 5-9,15,31-33 Ephesians 4: 25-5:2 John 6: 35,41-51
St Mary’s Birthday’s HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Fred Ashford-Okai, Rosemary John & Sebastian Quigley
St Bart’s Communion Hymns 5th August: 82; 659; 772
Today at St Bart’s we welcome The Revd Chris McDermott as our Celebrant & Preacher.
Next Sunday (12th) we welcome The Revd Rob Marshall.
At St Mary’s this morning we welcome for baptism Lexi Brown.
Please keep her, her family and godparents in your prayers.
We pray for those who have recently died, including the souls of Jean Forrester, Olyshegum & Joan Short.
Excellent news that Martin Gammon, who was on our prayer list, has been given the all clear. He is in remission from cancer.
Our Monthly Sunday Evening Bible Study continues TODAY, 4.30pm in the Luke Room at St Bart’s.
We congratulate Thomas McLucas for his part in the Olympic Opening Ceremony.
Thanks Everyone - I cannot thank you all enough, for all your lovely presents, flowers, cards with kind words and wishes.
The Patronal service and send off was wonderful indeed and I will always remember my time with you.
Looking forward to seeing some of you at the licensing service on Wed 5th September, 7pm at St. Katharine's, Matson, Gloucester GL4 6DX. My new address is: Priest-In-Charge, St. Katharine with St. Hilda, Matson, Gloucester, GL4 6DX.
Thank You all very much. Blessings. Frances
There will be NO Sunday School at St Mary’s or Sunday Club at St Bart’s during August.
REMINDER to be careful when visiting St Bart’s or St Mary’s. Olympic parking restrictions are in force including Sunday’s.
Frank Burdge is now on Heather Ward at Newham General. His daughter, Catherine says he can receive & likes having visitors as long as they don’t stay too long as it’s hard for him to communicate. He’s recovering well physically. Please keep him in your prayers.
Thank you to my ‘Church Family’ for your support at Mike’s farewell. It uplifted me at a time when I needed it most.
People have asked about donations. The care we observed at St Joseph’s Hospice, Hackney, with such dedication
makes it our favourite choice. With love and prayers, Win.
There will be a requiem for the late Catherine Adjoa, Mother of Fr Fred, at the 10.00am service at St Mary’s on 19th August.
Fred would like to thank all those who sent their condolences and support through prayer.
Making a Difference – Christian Arts Festival
31st Aug – 2nd Sept. Various arts and creative events happening along the Barking Road.
More information www.makingadifference.org.uk
ADVANCE NOTICE. On Sunday 26th August the service will be a JOINT SERVICE at St Mary’s at 10.00am.
The following Sunday (2nd Sept) will be a joint service at St Bart’s to celebrate St Bart’s Patronal. Guest preacher will be
the Revd Peter Smith from Waltham Abbey.
BARN DANCE. We welcome back the Bucket Band for our
Barn Dance on 8th September at St Bart’s 7.00pm – 10.30pm. Tickets £6 including refreshments will be on sale from
Chrissie at St Mary’s & Irene at St Bart’s
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY at a glance
27th July – 12th August Olympic Games
29th August - 9th Sept Paralympic Games
2nd September St Bart’s Patronal Festival
8th September Barn Dance at St Bart’s
6th October Quiet Day at Haggerston
20th October Parish Autumn Fair
Kitchen Table Café @ Central Park open 10-6pm daily.
Roast Sunday Lunch @ the kitchen table
Why not drop in to all the FREE activities in Central Park with
Live Olympic Screen and come into the kitchen table for lunch
Live music at the Café 1-3pm on Sunday
Thursday 23rd- Sunday 26th August
Under the Stars music festival in Central Park
Kitchen Table @ Central Park open 10-7pm all through the festival
PLEASE NOTE there will be NO MIDWEEK Services at St Mary’s during August.
However on Thursday’s at 12.30pm at St Bart’s there will be an
informal time of prayer and worship in the chapel.
The Parish Office is open Monday – Friday 9.30am – 3.30pm
Telephone 020 8470 0011
Website: www.easthamparish.org.uk
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Registered Charity No: 1127847