WELCOME TO THE PARISH OF STIFFORD

St Mary’s, High Road, North Stifford

St Cedd’s, Crammavill Street, Stifford Clays www.parishofstifford.co.uk

Scroll down for Parish Notes from previous Sundays in December

It is with great sadness that we have to let you know that Anne Sentance’s dad, Ray Penfold died last Thursday and I know I speak for us all when I say that our thoughts and prayers are with Anne, her mum, Andy, Tim and Rebecca at this time. The funeral service will take place next Thursday, 31^st December at Horndon on the Hill, at 12 mid-day.

Don’t forget to look out for the Christmas Cards in each Church that have been made by Margaret for us to send messages to our friends in our church fellowship.   We are hoping that donations made in lieu of the cost of buying cards will benefit St. Luke’s Hospice as well as avoiding the annual problem of uncollected Christmas cards in the church! It is not too late to add your greetings to the cards in both buildings.

Dayspring Chapel have extended an invitation to all of us to attend their 2009 Watchnight Service entitled “The Sovereignty of God” which will be held on Thursday 31^st December at 8.30 pm until just into the New Year at St Cedd’s.   Although the service lasts for a few hours, worshippers are encouraged to come and go as they please.   The service will be led by Pastors Mr & Mrs Olumoyegun, with main speaker Pastor Dennis Brockhurst from North Stifford and Tim Harrold of Transformation Thurrock also speaking.  The evening will also feature the Lighthouse Worship Team and special guest Mrs Modupe Olutunfese.

Hardback NIV Bibles at £9, which are the same translations and have same page numbers as those used in both St Mary’s and St Cedd’s, are available to purchase for yourselves or to give as a gift. They are very useful if you are using one of the Bible reading notes that we encourage people to use.

Funerals

Please pray for the family and friends of those whose funerals have been conducted during the last three weeks …

16/12/09 Mr William (Bill) Avis of Crammavill Street

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS

3^rd Charlotte Miller:  9^th Roland Maudlin:  15^th Ethan Wood:  17^th Michelle Wyatt:  18^th Folakemi & Folafemi Adenugba:  19^th Veronica Quiney:  27^th Simbo Adenugba & Tabitha Bettis:  30^th Dione Neill.

Many Happy Returns to you all!

If you would like to add anything to this pewsheet then please contact Brenda Smallcombe on 376580 or Brendasmallcombe@hotmail.co.uk

Don’t forget to look out for the Christmas Cards in each Church that have been made by Margaret for us to send messages to our friends in our church fellowship.   We are hoping that donations made in lieu of the cost of buying cards will benefit St. Luke’s Hospice as well as avoiding the annual problem of uncollected Christmas cards in the church.

Dayspring Chapel have extended an invitation to all of us to attend their 2009 Watchnight Service entitled “The Sovereignty of God” which will be held on Thursday 31^st December from 8.30 pm and into the New Year at St Cedd’s.   Although the service lasts for several hours, worshippers are encouraged to come and go as they please.  

Today is the last day for gifts under the tree for the children of the London City Mission and we are hoping that this year will be no exception. If you still have a gift to donate, please contact Betty Crooks (376534) as the collection from St Mary’s & St Cedd’s should be during this week. These gifts mean so much to children who may have quite a bleak Christmas. Gifts should already be wrapped, with an attached note to say whether it is suitable for a boy or a girl and the appropriate age. Thanks to all those who have donated.

Monday and Tuesday mornings we welcome Stifford Clays Junior School pupils to St Cedd’s for their carol services.

Wednesday 16th 1pm is Parish Lunch with a Christmas flavour followed by a service of Carols and Readings in St Cedd’s. If you are hoping to come please let June England (372225) know so that she can have a good estimate of numbers.   

Funerals

Please pray for the family and friends of those whose funerals have been conducted during the last three weeks …

24/11/09 Joanne Banbury of High Road, North Stifford

27/11/09 Mrs Muriel Thompson formerly of Jenningham Drive

27/11/09 Mrs Norah Goodyear, formerly of Nutberry Avenue

...and those funerals that have been arranged…

16/12/09 Mr William (Bill) Avis of Crammavill Street

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS

3^rd Charlotte Miller:  9^th Roland Maudlin:  15^th Ethan Wood:  17^th Michelle Wyatt:  18^th Folakemi & Folafemi Adenugba:  19^th Veronica Quiney:  27^th Simbo Adenugba & Tabitha Bettis:  30^th Dione Neill.

Many Happy Returns to You All!

If you would like to add anything to this pewsheet then please contact Brenda Smallcombe on 376580 or Brendasmallcombe@hotmail.co.uk