Mothering Sunday News
A very warm welcome to any new readers, and to visitors and newcomers to St Michael's. A special welcome to Fr Paul, our celebrant this morning, who will also kindly be celebrating Mass for us on Thursday at 10.30 am. If you are new to St Michael's, do join us for tea or coffee in the Vestry Hall after the service, so that we can welcome you properly. A special welcome, too, to families who are coming to church with Mum and/or Granny, and to Mums and Grannies who are thinking of their distant families on this day. And to all of us who are celebrating, and giving thanks for, the many and various precious nurturing and encouraging relationships we have experienced in our lives. Another name for this Sunday is Laetare Sunday – because the opening words of the Latin Mass for today, based on Isaiah 66, were “Laetare, Jerusalem!” (Rejoice, O Jerusalem!) - inviting the faithful to gather round Jerusalem their mother, and be nourished at her breasts. And so today, as our readings suggest, we rejoice not only in individual motherhood, but also in the motherhood of the Church and the motherhood of Mary, who is Mother both of our Lord and of his Church. After this burst of joy, we move towards the solemn time of Passiontide and Holy Week.
Warmest thanks to Jessica and today's other posy-makers!
From Our Tower:
Kent County Association, Maidstone, Kent, St Michael and All Angels
Sunday, 5 March 2023 in 38m (6–1–24 in C)
1272 Bourne Surprise Minor
1Philip Jarvis
2Rupert Cheeseman
3Emma Jarvis
4Paul Barton
5Mark Elvers
6Neil Jones (C)
Rung on the 2nd Sunday of Lent. Congratulations to Stan and Ann Jenner on their Diamond Wedding Anniversary (2/3/23)
Friday, 10 March 2023 in 38m (6–1–24 in C)
1272 Surprise Minor (2m)
720 Wells Surprise, 552 London Surprise
1Terry Barnard
2Philip Jarvis
3Kath White
4Mark Elvers
5Stephen Coaker
6Neil Jones (C)
Birthday compliments today to Ann Jenner and Shona Clark.
Sunday, 12 March 2023 in 39m (6–1–24 in C)
1272 Ipswich Surprise Minor
1Cathy Cheeseman
2Emma Jarvis
3Philip Jarvis
4Mark Elvers
5Pam Thomas
6Neil Jones (C)
Rung on the 3rd Sunday of Lent.
Diocesan Synod met in Canterbury last Saturday. Some interesting discussion took place arising out of the report of our General Synod members and out of the Church's urgent concern to improve its contact with young people.
Tuesday in Holy Week – Chrism Mass and Lunch: So far only two people have asked to book for the lunch. Is this right? Usually we have far more. Memo: Bear in mind that there is, additionally, an opportunity to make one's pre-Easter Confession before the Mass. No need to book for that – just ask a steward on the day!
Don't forget the parish Quiet Day at The Friars on Saturday 25th March, 9.30 am – 3.30 pm. Any queries to Jonathan, please.
Could you pass on this sheet to someone else who might like to see it?