Lent 3 News

A very warm welcome to any new readers, and to visitors and newcomers to St Michael's. A special welcome and thanks to Fr Paul Matthias, our celebrant this morning, who will also kindly be saying Mass for us on Thursday at 10.30 am. If you are new to St Michael's, do join us in the Vestry Hall after the service, so that we can welcome you properly.

Next Sunday is Mothering Sunday – also known as Refreshment Sunday. A good day to think with thanksgiving, not only of our mothers, but of all those (teachers, godparents, grandparents, other family members, clergy, older friends...) who have nurtured us in our Christian lives. And, of course, all mums and all families are especially welcome at Mass next Sunday!

Renewed thanks to Sara and her assistants for last Sunday's wonderful (and only moderately frugal) Frugal Lunch. Thanks also to those who contributed so generously to the collection – over £140 has now gone to the Maidstone Day Centre Foodbank in Knightrider Street. Please note: the Foodbank is always delighted to receive donations of money or food. Online money donations can be made via its website: homelesscare.org.uk/get-involved.

Planning is now afoot to welcome Fr John as our new parish priest, at his Licensing on Thursday, 21st March, at 7 pm. Everyone connected with St Michael's is of course invited, and acceptances have been coming in from well-wishers in the community, deanery and diocese, as well as from Fr John's previous parish in Maidenhead. We expect to have well over 100 guests at the reception afterwards in the Parish Hall. Alison P and Sue M will be happy to receive ideas and offers of help. Most important: please be there to take part, and to show St Michael's at its most welcoming!

Easter Lilies: For our Easter flower arrangements, St Michael's people often like to contribute a lily in memory of a loved one. This year the expected cost of a lily will be about £5 and you are invited to sign the list at the back of church. Please give your flower money to Margaret G.

From Our Tower: Kent County Association, Maidstone, Kent, St Michael and All Angels

Friday, 23 February 2024 in 41m (6–1–24 in C)

1319 Norfolk Surprise Minor

Composed by Mark T Elvers

  1. Jacqueline Barlow
  2. Stephen Coaker
  3. Philip Jarvis
  4. Mark Elvers
  5. Pam Thomas
  6. Neil Jones (C)

Remembering David Levick, faithful member of the St Mike's Sunday Service Band (24/2/2021) and Maggie Jones, mother of the conductor, who would have been 80 yesterday, R.I.P

Sunday, 25 February 2024 in 44m (6–1–24 in C)

1280 Yorkshire Surprise Major

  1. Kath White
  2. Philip Jarvis
  3. Jacqueline Barlow
  4. Mark Elvers
  5. Emma Jarvis
  6. Stephen Coaker
  7. Pam Thomas
  8. Neil Jones (C)

A 100th birthday compliment to Lucile Corby.

100th together: 2 & 8.

On Good Friday there will be a half-muffled peal – 9.30 am – 1pm approx.

Bishop Norman has been a very good and supportive friend to St Michael's. If you would like to make a contribution towards a gift to mark his retirement, Eleanor will be glad to receive it.

Advance Notice : the Annual Parochial Church Meeting will take place on 28th April.

Among the Sick, we pray particularly for Paul, Margaret, Ellie, Pauline, Rue, Fr Leon, Antony, Fran, Ellie, Tom, Joseph, Peter, Joan, Margaret, Lindsay, Glynis, Ethan, Sarah, Yvonne, and HM The King.

Among the Departed, we remember Brian Landi, Pat Ormerod, Peter Blagdon-Gamlen, priest.

Could you pass on this sheet to someone else who might like to see it?

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