St Mary Abbots News - 7th July
2010
Sunday
11th July 2010
SIXTH SUNDAY
AFTER TRINITY
8.00am HOLY EUCHARIST
First Lesson:
Romans 6. 3-11
Gospel:
Matthew 5. 20-26
9.30am SUNG EUCHARIST
with Children on Sunday Groups
Old Testamant: Deuteronomy
30. 9-14
New Testament: Colossians
1. 1-14
Gospel:
Luke 10. 25-37
Preacher:
The Revd Rob Marshall
11.15am CHORAL MATINS
Old Testament:
Deuteronomy 28. 1-14
New Testament: Acts
28. 17-end
Preacher: The
Revd Rob Marshall
12.30pm HOLY EUCHARIST same readings
as at 8.00am
6.30pm SUNG EVENSONG & HOLY COMMUNION
Old Testament:
Genesis 32. 9-30
New Testament: Mark
7. 1-23
Preacher: The
Revd Gareth Wardell
FRIENDS OF St MARY
ABBOTS AGM & SUMMER COCKTAIL
The Friends holding their AGM on July 13th in the Parish Hall, Vicarage
Gate at 1830 for 1900. The meeting will be followed by a Summer Cocktail
Party in the Vicarage garden, courtesy of Father Gillean and Linda. A voluntary
donation of £12.50 is requested for the cocktails and summer tucker!
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS are now due - £12 per single member, £20
per couple and £100 for a 10 year membership. Cheques made payable
to "Friends of St Mary Abbots Church Kensington" and left for Nigel Grieve,
Hon. Treasurer, in the Vestry or to The Parish Office, St Mary Abbots Centre,
Vicarage Gate, London W8. New members most welcome.
CHRIST CHURCH SUMMER GARDEN
PARTY
This Thursday, 8th July, don’t miss our sister church’s CHRIST
CHURCH SUMMER GARDEN PARTY.
Held from 6.00 to 8.30pm in the beautiful Church Gardens in Victoria
Road W8. Admission £10 for splendid drinks, snacks, Jazz
band & Prize Raffle.
CHRYSALIS : BUTTERFLIES : JUNIORS
ALL CHANGE!!!
St Mary Abbots School is at last about to embark on a major development project.
The western basement area will be transformed to provide, for the first time,
a full catering kitchen (so that meals can be cooked on the premises) and
a new Dining Hall/multi purpose space. This requires thoroughgoing
structural works and will not be complete until around Christmas.
Until then we lose one of our Children on Sundays Group spaces, forcing a
reduction from five to four groups. The BUTTERFLIES group will be redistributed
thus:
Butterflies children in school Reception
Class or younger join the
Chrysalis Group which meets in the
School Dining hall
Butterflies Children in school Year
1 or older join the
Juniors Group, which meets in the Vicar’s
Parlour,
the room above the Vestry at the Northeastern
corner of the church
Just to remind you: the Caterpillars (the youngest Group, that meets
in the School Assembly Hall) is for children from their birth to their third
birthday.
These age divisions are not hard-and-fast – in particular, parents with several
children in the younger agegroups will have to decide which group will work
best for all their children. But it provides a general rule worth
keeping to as much as is practically possible.
We’ll try to provide as much support as we can while we make these changes
– there should always be people you can ask for help!
IJEOMA AJIBADE – NEW PARISH DEACON
Our new Deacon has now been ordained at St Pauls Cathedral (along with 41
other candidates!). Although all clergy are appointed and Licenced
to the whole parish, Ije will mainly be serving at our sister church of St
Philip’s, and Fr David will be training her – although she will take part
in St Mary Abbots services and events from time to time. We will
all come to know her. She is (like Rachel was) as self supporting
minister – that is, she has a fulltime secular job and doesn’t receive a
stipend for her church service.
She introduces herself thus:
I am very excited about joining you and I am
looking forward to being part of your community. I have been made really
welcome a S Philips and I have enjoyed meeting people. It feels right for
me and I am very much looking forward to learning from everyone and I hope
people will learn from me too. I grew up in a Christian household
and embraced the Christian faith for myself in my teens. I had part of my
secondary education and my university education in Nigeria. I also went to
the Nigerian law school before returning to the UK. I have worked in the
public sector for the last 20 years. I worked for both Hammersmith and Hackney
Councils, and I have spent the last eight years working in different roles
for the London Assembly and the Mayor of London. I am very passionate
about people and my deepest desire is that we all may have life and have
it more abundantly. I think our life in Christ involves finding out what
this means for us individually and together as a community. I volunteer for
a couple of organisations that work with people living with HIV and I am
very keen to raise awareness about this issue and encourage churches to respond
with compassion to those who are living with or affected by HIV. I
enjoy dancing, listening to all kinds of music, reading and cooking.
I particularly enjoy urban fantasy and books about werewolves, vampires and
reluctant heroes. I have a lovely son Joshua, 19 - one of the few teenagers
who thinks his mum is cool!
CHURCH WATCHERS
Our team of church watchers has been substantially strengthened in recent
weeks and we’re very grateful to everyone who gives of time each week to
welcome tourists and visitors. With the height of the tourist season approaching
we would welcome extra help and support – so please be in touch with Fr Rob
if you can give a few hours each week to sit in the church and be the first
point of contact for visitors. 020-7937 2259
St MARY ABBOTS SCHOOL FETE
This coming Saturday, 10th July, in the St Mary Abbots Vicarage Garden –
see the splendid posters. All the fun of the fair! Food,
music, attractions, stalls, amazing AUCTION!!
A wonderful way to enjoy a summer Saturday – don’t miss it!
CHRISTIAN AID WEEK FINAL RESULT
with thanks to all who worked hard and all who contributed.
Collected Tax Refund
Total
Street Collections 335.00 -
335.00
Saturday Fundraiser 1,140.00 33.34
1,173.34
Sunday Collection 555.00 62.05
617.05
Supper Parties 460.00 101.54
561.54
School Collection 246.00 40.90
286.90
Sponsored Walk 2,375.00 643.08
3,018.08
GRAND TOTAL 5,111.00 880.90
5,991.90
Alice in Wonderland Summer Fete Result
At last we can publish the final result. The complete table will
be found on the noticeboards, but the headline figures are:
Total takings 5,474.89
Minus expenses (1,443.00)
Plus sponsorship 750.00
GRAND TOTAL 4,883.89
Sunday on Monday
During July and August Sunday on Monday will be making a particular effort
to reach out to the thousands of visitors from all over the world who stay
in our parish ever night in hotels. This short informal lunchtime service
ever Monday provides a chance to reflect and to discuss before enjoying a
simple lunch with those who can stay on. If you want to try it – just pop
along – you will be more than welcome and, because of the nature of it, you
never quite know who you will meet! Every Monday at 1.05pm
Tuesday Morning Service
So far very few people seem to have remembered our new Tuesday 9.15am INFORMAL
EUCHARIST It’s a pared-down and simplified service, and we hope that this
time will particularly attract those with school-age children, having dropped
off older children at school or nursery – and babies and toddlers will be
most welcome (as of course will be people of all ages). Refreshments
are served afterwards, with an opportunity for discussion, questions and
pastoral contact
ST MARY ABBOTS BOOK CLUB
Our book members are having a catch up time – they have been reading a record
number of books recently. There next two meetings will be film days on books
they have studied recently – both at Fr Rob’s flat. The first is on Friday
9th July followed by Friday 13th August. The autumn programme of books, movies
and visits will be available by the middle of next month.
PICNIC IN THE PARK - SUNDAY 18th July
We’re holding a Church Picnic in the Park, in Kensington Gardens on Sunday
July 18th. We all come prepared with a picnic hamper, rug (or possibly
a deck-chair for the more chronologically enhanced amongst us), wet weather
provision….. Following lunch, there will be some games organized for
the young, and the young-at-heart. So… put the date in your diary now
and make this a special occasion for all our church family, young and old
alike! Queries to Fr Gareth
St Mary Abbots CHURCH FOOTBALL
(Somehow Fr Rob wishes to restrict this to Dads – take no notice….)
Some of you may have noticed that this afternoon there is the small matter
of a football match between England and Germany but a much more important
fixture is being planned as our dad’s take on a new fixture date and mark.hammond-giles@ge.com
can provide all you budding footballers with full details.
The Vicar strongly recommends: TREASURES
OF LAMBETH PALACE LIBRARY
An exhibition marking the 400th anniversary of the founding of this magnificent
collection of manuscripts, books and archives. Lambeth Palace
is itself one of our great treasures Opening times, ticket price
etc at www.lambethpalacelibrary.org. It would be particularly
good if we could arrange a group visit – perhaps shared with Christ Church
& St Philip’s – anyone out there willing to organise one?
PAPUA NEW GUINEAU DAY at St Mary Abbots
On Saturday 24th July we have another opportunity to cement our fellowship
with and support for the Anglican Diocese of Papua New Guinea, as they hold
a Day Conference in our church, with worship and refreshments.
Full details on the Noticeboard – but book the date now!
The Revd Rachel Hawes writes...
I would like to send my heartfelt thanks to Fr Gillean, to the Churchwardens
and to the whole congregation of St Mary Abbots for your very beautiful leaving
gifts to me. [We presented her with an Eric Gill engraving of the Virgin and
Child, a book with the complete paintings and drawings of Leonardo da Vinci,
six antique Champagne glasses, and flowering plants for her garden]
I have also been showered with individual presents, with flowers, with cards,
with delightful drawings by the children and with very many kind words and
I am deeply touched by all of this. I send my gratitude and love to
you all and I pray that God will bless you now and in the future.
I will be inducted as Associate Vicar at St John's, Notting Hill on Sunday
4th July in the 10.30 Eucharist, followed by lunch in the church garden. You
are all warmly welcomed to attend. It would help with catering if you could
let me know if you are coming (email Rachel.Hawes@lawcol.co.uk).
With love, Rachel
NB: It’s also not too late to contribute to the Presentation
that we made – cheques to St Mary Abbots, please, to the wardens or
clergy.
Jeannie Carr-Gomm writes:
Due to everyone’s generosity I have been able to send Cancer Research UK
£640. Grateful thanks to one and all!
[This is the sponsorship she received for completing the full course in the
recent ‘Walk for Life’]
ST MARY ABBOTS BOOK CLUB
Our book members are having a catch up time – they have been reading a record
number of books recently. There next two meetings will be film days on books
they have studied recently – both at Fr Rob’s flat. The first is on Friday
9th July followed by Friday 13th August. The autumn programme of books, movies
and visits will be available by the middle of next month.
CHURCH WATCHERS
Our team of church watchers has been substantially strengthened in recent
weeks and we are very grateful indeed to everyone who is giving an amount
of time each week to welcome tourists and visitors. With the height of the
tourist season almost upon us we would really welcome extra help and support
– so please be in touch with Fr Rob if you can give a few hours each week
to sit in the church and be the first point of contact for visitors.
020-7937 2259
Fr Rob’s CELTIC SUMMER - 2-9 August
Still a couple of places left on this Pilgrimage based at St Chad’s College,
Durham. There are visits to Lastingham, Whitby, Monkwearmouth, Holy Island
as well as Bamburgh and Seahouses. Daily worship in Durham Cathedral, fine
dining in the College dining room and lots of good fun. £450 the
week. Details from Tracey 020 7937 2259.
OUR MINISTRY TO TOURISTS
AND VISITORS
Every day visitors from all over the world visit St Mary Abbots.
Our team of church watchers extends them a warm welcome – we’re always
looking for new volunteers. Fr Rob 020-7937 2259
ROBERT COOK Memorial Project
The Friends of StMA have launched a fund in honour of Robert,
their founding Treasurer and the Church’s Archivist. Donations
can be left in the vestry or sent to Steve Atack, Chairman, Friends of
St Mary Abbots, 33, Cleveland Square, London W2 6DD. Cheques made payable
to "Friends of St Mary Abbots Church Kensington".
St Mary Abbots Book
Club podcasts
Below are the first two podcasts of stories written
and presented by members of our Book Club:
ST MARY ABBOTS WEB
SHOP
Most of your on-line shopping can now be accessed
via our very own webshop portal – without increasing its price,
everything you purchase brings a donation to the church.
http://www.buy.at/stmaryabbots
Electoral
Roll
Our new Electoral Roll Officer Sally Bessada
is building up a far more comprehensive contact list of congregation
members (absolutely confidential) than we’ve managed previously.
If you’re unsure whether you’re on it or not, then contact sally@bessada.co.uk
/ 020 7727 3210
If you bring children to church on Sundays
but don’t receive emails or notices then for some reason
we haven’t got your contact details.
Perhaps you’ve never filled in a registration
form? Ask your child’s Group Leader for one, or
email children@stmaryabbotschurch.org.
YOUR WILL &
THE FRIENDS OF ST MARY ABBOTS
The beginning of the year
is a time when many of us take stock of our affairs and
you may, sensibly, just be checking that your affairs are
in order to your satisfaction. Some people take great
pleasure in crossing people out of their wills! It can
be even more enjoyable putting someone in! Please would you consider
making a bequest to the Friends of St Mary Abbots whose role in
ensuring that our church remains here for a further 1000 years is
ever more important. Should you require any advice,
the Friends' Legal Adviser is available to assist you in total
confidence.
You may prefer instead
to fund a project now. We have several interesting
ones in the pipeline - large and small.
For further details on
either of the above contact Steve Atack, Chairman,
via the Vestry, on 020 7402 1531, email steveatack@aol.com
or at 33, Cleveland Square, London W2 6DD.
MEDITATION GROUP
Did you know that a Meditation Group meets every Wednesday
lunchtime in the Resurrection
Chapel? It’s a conducted
meditation, with help given onto the practice
and purpose of meditation, so beginners won’t
feel uncomfortable. If you want further details,
contact Margaret Lane.
St Mary Abbots - GENEALOGICAL AND SIMILAR RESEARCHES
Please do not contact members of the Clergy.
All enquiries should be made to:
The Honorary Registrar,
Mrs Patricia Wilson,
St. Mary Abbots Parish Office,
Vicarage Gate,
London W8 4HN
Initial enquiries
may be made by e-mail to:
patanddavidwilson@tiscali.co.uk
to ascertain the existence of registers covering the period
required, and to receive
a free estimate of costs involved.
Searches are commenced ONLY upon receipt of the Statutary
Fee (s) stated below,
in the form of a Sterling Cheque, made payable
to "St. Mary Abbots Church".
Register Searches will then be carried out and a single
certified copy of an
entry (if found) is issued, resulting from
a search of up to one hour duration.
The fee is for the SEARCH not the certificate. The basic
statuary fee of £19
covers the first hours search and one
copy of an entry if found. Any additional time is
charged at £15 per hour. Additional copy
certificates are charged at £19 each.
PHOTOGRAPHIC COPIES of entries cannot be provided.
Older News from the Archives................
A MEAN CHURCH?
Throughout the Advent/Christmas season St Mary Abbots has
been proud to encourage those attending our services to give generously
to a wide range of charities working both at home and abroad.
The various school carol services gave away their collections, and
we ourselves devote our Christmas collections to the work of The Childrens
Society and the Save the Children Fund. These tallied:
Nine Lessons and Carols
465.00
Christmas Eve Crib Service
625.00
Midnight Mass 861.00
Christmas Day Services
2,535.00
Total £4,576.00
(2008: £3,444)
Additionally, we gave half of the 4.00pm Christmas Day
carols collection to further the work of the Melodi Youth Music project
working with deprived kids in Soweto – whose orchestra so delighted
us before and during that service.
Our warmest thanks to all who have helped to make our celebration
of this glorious season so memorable. From our many visitors
and old fiends we received great appreciation for the colour, grandeur
and spiritual depth of our worship. We thank all who decorated
the church so memorably, all who helped in every aspect of preparation,
presentation - & the mammoth task of clearing away afterwards.
CHRISTMAS
BAZAAR TAKINGS
The profit from the Christmas Bazaar has been modified
because of some late expenses - and a few late donations.
It now stands at £8,532. This still easily
beats last year’s £7,863 and given the world financial meltdown
is a remarkable achievement. Our deep thanks to all who
worked so hard to reach this splendid sum.
KENSINGTON
POPPY COLLECTORS RAISE OVER £75,000!!
We’ve already banked £74,861.22 – with several
1,000s still to come! What a team! Four years ago Kensington
was returning only £40K a year. Since then we’ve returned
over a quarter of a million pounds.
To all who collected & to all who gave so generously:-
THANK YOU VERY MUCH INDEED. Alison Steel for the Royal British
Legion.
CHRISTIAN AID WEEK
FINAL RESULT
with thanks to all who worked hard and all who
contributed.
Collected
Tax Refund
Total
Street Collections
536.50 -
536.50
Coffee Morning
815.00 -
815.00
Sunday Collection
851.00
139.05
990.05
Supper Parties
725.00
119.87 844.87
Other Donations
75.00
9.87
84.87
Sponsored Walk
2,186.00
566.92
2752.92
GRAND TOTAL
5,188.50
835.72
6024.22
CRISIS IN THE ANGLICAN CHURCH
?
Read the Vicar's response to the Windsor/Eades Report
here.
ENROL A FRIEND AS A ‘FRIEND
OF SMA’ AS A GIFT
The Friends of St Mary Abbots are continuing to build
our membership and are looking for new recruits. If you would like to join
or wish to enrol a friend, colleague or neighbour as a gift, forms to allow
you to do so are available in the church. If you enroll someone as a gift
please forward their names and addresses to Robert Cook, Treasurer of the
Friends at the Parish Office and he will ensure they receive a card welcoming
them on your behalf. Single Membership of the Friends is £12.00, Couples
£20.00. The next
Friends Newsletter will be published shortly
and a pre-Christmas event is in the planning
so this is the ideal time to join!
THE 'FRIENDS OF ST MARY ABBOTS'
The Friends of St. Mary Abbots, has been formed to encourage
a new dimension of support
to maintain and improve the fabric of
our beautiful church from amongst parishioners,
local residents, local businesses and the 60,000
visitors from all over the world who are able to see
our church every year as a result of our open church
policy.
Excellent progress has been made recruiting new members
so far.
Membership details are available in the church or can
be obtained from the Parish Office. Further information is also obtainedhereand from the Chairman
Steve Atack.
back to St Mary Abbots Homepage