St Thomas a Becket

Poster

31st January 2010
Fourth Sunday of Epiphany

Collect: God our creator, who in the beginning commanded the light to shine out of darkness: we pray that the light of the glorious gospel of Christ may dispel the darkness of ignorance and unbelief, shine into the hearts of all your people, and reveal the knowledge of your glory in the face of Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Readings: Ezekiel 43, 27- 44, 4, 1 Corinthians, ch. 13 & Luke 2, 22-40

HYMNS FOR MORNING SERVICE

105 Christ, whose glory fills the skies
Psalm number 48, 1-6, sung by the Choir
582 Restore, O Lord
428 Love divine, all loves excelling
157 Faithful vigil ended
419 Lord, the light of your love is shining

There is no collection during this service. It currently costs around £50,000 a year to finance the general church activities and this does not include any restoration costs. If you would like to contribute, there is a plate at the back of the church. Alternatively, you can contact our treasurer about regular giving and Gift Aid – Jeremy Hyde, 7 Oates Way, Ramsey (tel: 01487 710735 or email gj@hyde7.fslife.co.uk]. We thank you for your valued contribution.

HYMNS FOR EVENSONG

98 Christ is our cornerstone
457 My God, how wonderful you are
205 Glorious things of thee are spoken
187 Forth in the peace of Christ we go
Psalm number 49, 1-6
Readings: 1 Chronicles 29, 6-19 & Acts 7, 44-50

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Notices for the week

Messages from the Rector

Welcome to our services today. As a 5th Sunday our services today are 8am Holy Communion, 10am Parish Communion and 4.30pm Evensong.

Setting the altar. Would anybody be interested in learning how the altar is set and what the items are called etc? It will only take 20 minutes following the 10am service today.

Lent Group meeting. You are invited to join us at the Rectory on Thursday mornings at 11am. We will be following an Ely Diocesan Lent Course entitled “Called to live”. There are five sessions as follows:
Called to belong on 18th February
God’s purpose on 25th February
Called by God? on 11th March
Working for God? on 18th March
Sent out on 25th March
There will not be a meeting on 4th March because of the Walk for Uganda. Contact June Darmody if you would like to come.

Sponsored Walk for Uganda. I am walking from Ely Cathedral to Norwich City Football ground from 1st to 5th March with Jeremy Summerell, Martin Muir and other friends who will join us for parts of the walk. We are being welcomed at Carrow Road, Norwich by Delia Smith who has generously offered us a meal and some tickets for the football. Would you like to sponsor us for walking? If so, there is a sponsor form to sign at the back of Church. Every penny will go to building the school in Uganda.

Parish website. Don’t forget to look at the Parish website (see address above). My blog can be found at www.walkforuganda.blogspot.com.

Fete, Saturday 5th June. We are looking for someone to lead the organisation of the Fete this year plus 3 or 4 helpers. If you can help in any way, please see Richard or one of the Churchwardens.

On Sunday, 7th February, High Street, Ramsey will be closed for repairs from Blenheim Road to Hollow Lane. People coming to church should follow the diversion signs.

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5th Sunday cash collection. Today’s collection will be sent to aid the work of the NSPCC (The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children). Their vision is to end cruelty to children in the UK. They believe cruelty is preventable and that through having an inspirational vision they will achieve much greater success for children. They need your money to achieve this so please give generously. Thank you.

The next meeting for the planning of the youth service will be at my house, 23 Signal Road (not at church) on 7th February at 6.30pm. There will be a party and also explanation of the youth alpha (please ensure you have collected the letter with the tear-off consent form from me if you have not already done so). Gita

Thank you to those who have offered to make soups for the Frugal lunches. There is a list at the back of the church and if you can fill in the date that suits you and some idea of the flavour on offer that will be most helpful. All your efforts are greatly appreciated. Pat Stokes

COFFEE MORNING. The next Coffee Morning will be held at the home of Judith and Jeremy Hyde, 7 Oates Way on Wednesday, 10th February. Tickets are 50p and there will be a Bring and Buy sale, Raffle and Tombola. All welcome.

Is there anyone in the congregation who enjoys cake decorating? We have a cake that needs a decorator within the next six weeks. Intrigued? Please find out more from Moyra Muncer.

Hand made bags, made by women in West Bengal, India, will be on sale next Sunday at the Traidcraft stall. The money raised will be sent to Anthony Das who works for the ‘Trinity child protection shelter’ which seeks to care for the street children and give them an opportunity to train for a better life. Thank you for all the support you have already given. Gita

Jahaziel, a youth evangelist (MOBO award winner, hip hop artist) will be performing on Saturday, 6th February at 7.30pm at St. Thomas à Becket Church. See poster at the back of the church for more details.

The tickets are here! We have 49 tickets for Sister Act on Saturday, 10th April for the 3pm matinee. There are a few tickets still available so don’t miss out. See Katie Barker and get on the bus with the rest of us! We have best seats which should have been £66 but, as it is a group booking, they are now £42.50 and the coach will cost £9. We are looking forward to your company.

SERVICES AND EVENTS

Church Toddlers 9.30am-10.30am, Monday, in Church (during term time)
Holy Communion at St. Thomas à Becket 7.30pm, Wednesday
Bell Ringing Practice 7.30pm, Tuesday
Choir Practice Friday: 6.15pm Junior Choir
6.45pm Main Choir

Next Sunday

8am Holy Communion
10am Praise for All Family Service
6.30pm Rehearsal for Youth Service

Our prayers are asked for …………………..

• This parish and all who live and work in it
• Those who are ill
• Those who mourn

24th January 2010
Third Sunday of Epiphany

Collect: Almighty God, whose Son revealed in signs and miracles the wonder of your saving presence: renew your people with your heavenly grace, and in all our weakness sustain us by your mighty power; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Readings: Nehemiah 8, 1-3, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12, 12-31a & Luke 4, 14-21

HYMNS FOR MORNING SERVICE

259 Hail to the Lord’s anointed
Psalm number 19, 1-6, sung by the Choir
45 As the deer pants for the water
648 The King is among us
202 Give thanks with a grateful heart
485 O for a thousand tongues to sing

There is no collection during this service. It currently costs around £50,000 a year to finance the general church activities and this does not include any restoration costs. If you would like to contribute, there is a plate at the back of the church. Alternatively, you can contact our treasurer about regular giving and Gift Aid – Jeremy Hyde, 7 Oates Way, Ramsey (tel: 01487 710735 or email gj@hyde7.fslife.co.uk]. We thank you for your valued contribution.

HYMNS FOR EVENSONG

225 God of grace and God of glory
590 Seek ye first the kingdom of God
438 Make way, make way, for Christ the King
359 Jesus shall reign where’er the sun
Psalm number 116, 1-7
Readings: Numbers 9, 15-end & 1 Corinthians 7, 17-24

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Notices for the week

Messages from the Rector

Welcome to our services today – 8am and 10am Holy Communion. This evening at 4.30pm we have a service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The service will be attended by other Christians from Ramsey and district. Please come and join us.

This week we have been meeting at lunchtime with Christians from other Churches to pray for unity. We have been using the booklet “You are witnesses” and we have had some encouraging services. Go on praying that the Lord’s people might be “one”.

This morning at St. Peter’s Upwood the Archdeacon, the Venerable Hugh McCurdy, is commissioning Gordon Slinn as a Lay Pastor within Upwood. We wish Gordon well as he undertakes this work.

Please note that there will be a wedding blessing next Saturday (30th) here in Church.

Setting the altar. Would anybody be interested in learning how the altar is set and what the items are called etc? It will only take 20 minutes following the 10am service on Sunday, 31st January.

Disbanding the Ramseys and Upwood Team. You may have seen a notice saying that the Team will be disbanded. This should make very little difference to our three Parishes. It simply acknowledges the fact that we have no team Vicar and are unlikely to have one. Very simply, we can’t be viewed as a Team with only a Team Rector. We will therefore become a United Benefice.

Parish website. Don’t forget to look at the Parish website (see address above). My blog can be found at www.walkforuganda.blogspot.com.

Fete, Saturday 5th June. We are looking for someone to lead the organisation of the Fete this year plus 3 or 4 helpers. If you can help in any way, please see Richard or one of the Churchwardens.

Lent Group meeting. You are invited to join us at the Rectory on Thursday mornings at 11am. We will be following an Ely Diocesan Lent Course entitled “Called to live”. There are five sessions as follows:
Called to belong on 18th February: God’s purpose on 25th February: Called by God? On 11th March: Working for God? On 18th March and Sent out on 25th March
There will not be a meeting on 4th March because of the Walk for Uganda. Contact June Darmody if you would like to come.

Advance Notice. The Women’s World Day of Prayer Service is on Friday, 5th March at 7.30pm and will be hosted by us at St. Thomas à Becket. Men and women are welcome.
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Thank you to those who have offered to make soups for the Frugal lunches. There is a list at the back of the church and if you can fill in the date that suits you and some idea of the flavour on offer that will be most helpful. All your efforts are greatly appreciated. Pat Stokes

COFFEE MORNING. The next Coffee Morning will be held at the home of Judith and Jeremy Hyde, 7 Oates Way on Wednesday, 10th February. Tickets are 50p and there will be a Bring and Buy sale, Raffle and Tombola. All welcome.

Is there anyone in the congregation who enjoys cake decorating? We have a cake that needs a decorator within the next six weeks. Intrigued? Please find out more from Moyra Muncer.

Jahaziel, a youth evangelist (MOBO award winner, hip hop artist) will be performing on Saturday, 6th February at 7.30pm at St. Thomas à Becket Church. See poster at the back of the church for more details.

The new date for ‘Sister Act’ is Saturday, 10th April and the cost is £55 (£45 for the ticket and £10 for the coach) for the matinee. We are likely to leave at lunch time – please let Kate Barker know if you are able to go.

SERVICES AND EVENTS

Church Toddlers 9.30am-10.30am, Monday, in Church (during term time)
Holy Communion at St. Thomas à Becket 7.30pm, Wednesday
Bell Ringing Practice 7.30pm, Tuesday
Choir Practice Friday: 6.15pm Junior Choir
6.45pm Main Choir

Next Sunday

8am Holy Communion
10am Holy Communion
4.30pm Evensong

Our prayers are asked for …………………..

• This parish and all who live and work in it
• Those who are ill
• Those who mourn

10th January 2010
First Sunday of Epiphany

Collect: Eternal Father, who at the baptism of Jesus revealed him to be your Son, anointing him with the Holy Spirit: grant to us, who are born again by water and the Spirit, that we may be faithful to our calling as your adopted children; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Readings: Isaiah 43, 1-7, Acts 8, 14-17 & Luke 3, 15-17, 21-22

HYMNS FOR MORNING SERVICE

57 Awake, awake: fling off the night!
Psalm number 27, 1-7, sung by the Choir
374 Just as I am, without one plea
527 On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry
506 O let the Son of God enfold you
281 He who would valiant be

There is no collection during this service. It currently costs around £50,000 a year to finance the general church activities and this does not include any restoration costs. If you would like to contribute, there is a plate at the back of the church. Alternatively, you can contact our treasurer about regular giving and Gift Aid – Jeremy Hyde, 7 Oates Way, Ramsey (tel: 01487 710735 or email gj@hyde7.fslife.co.uk]. We thank you for your valued contribution.

HYMNS FOR EVENSONG

70 Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart
292 How firm a foundation
541 O thou who camest from above
137 Crown Him with many crowns
Psalm number 33, 1-6
Readings: Isaiah 55m 1-11 and Romans 6, 1-11

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Notices for the week

Messages from the Rector

Welcome to our services today. We enter the season of Epiphany which means the shining out of Christ’s presence to nations. Today’s services are - Holy Communion at 8am, Parish Communion at 10am and Evensong at 4.30pm.

Thank you. A big thank you to all who worked so hard to make Christmas at Church such a success. The decorations looked wonderful and many people had a hand in making everything such a blessing.

M3 – those men who spoke to me about wanting to join a men’s group, please see me in the course of the day so we can plan a starting date.

Disbanding the Ramseys and Upwood Team. You may have seen a notice saying that the Team will be disbanded. This should make very little difference to our three Parishes. It simply acknowledges the fact that we have no team Vicar and are unlikely to have one. Very simply, we can’t be viewed as a Team with only a Team Rector. We will therefore become a United Benefice.

Collection at the Town Carol Service. This collection amounted to £650 and we have received a letter thanking us for such a wonderful contribution to the High Sheriff’s Award Scheme.

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Thank you to all those who took part in the Youth Service last Sunday, to all who helped and all who came to the service. I really appreciate everyone’s contribution and look forward to the one next month. Gita

Jahaziel, a youth evangelist (MOBO award winner, hip hop artist) will be performing on Saturday, 6th February at 7.30pm at St. Thomas à Becket Church. See poster at the back of the church for more details.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. This annual event calls us to pray for oneness amongst Christians. Each day there will be prayers held at the following times and places:
Monday, 18th January St. Thomas à Becket
Tuesday, 19th January Sacred Heart
Wednesday, 20th January Ramsey St. Mary’s
Thursday, 21st January Methodist Church
Friday, 22nd January St. Peter’s Upwood
These 5 services are from 12.30 to 12.45pm
Saturday, 23rd January The Beacon, Ramsey Hollow
from 12 noon to 12.15pm followed by lunch
Sunday, 24th January United Service at 4.30pm in
St. Thomas à Becket

The new date for ‘Sister Act’ is Saturday, 10th April and the cost is £55 (£45 for the ticket and £10 for the coach) for the matinee. We are likely to leave at lunch time – please let Kate Barker know if you are able to go.

Ready for your next adventure? THE LIGHTHOUSE is next Saturday in the Scout hut from 3pm. We will be thinking about “The Potter” and doing lots of activities with clay and dough and stuff! Might be good to bring an apron. Don’t miss out on The Lighthouse song and, of course, some food! C U there next Saturday. Under 5s with carer please. Pat Stokes

Can you help please? We have venues for the monthly Coffee Mornings organised for much of the year but not one for February! This will be on the 10th. If you are able to host this one, please speak to Judith Hyde (710735) asap as the tickets will need to go on sale this Wednesday! Many thanks.

COFFEE MORNING. The next Coffee Morning will be held at the home of Betty Gilbert, 23 Beville, Woodwalton on Wednesday, 13th January. Tickets are 50p and there will be a Bring and Buy sale, Raffle and Tombola. All welcome.

SERVICES AND EVENTS

Church Toddlers 9.30am-10.30am, Monday, in Church (during term time)
Holy Communion at St. Thomas à Becket 7.30pm, Wednesday
Bell Ringing Practice 7.30pm, Tuesday
Choir Practice Friday: 6.15pm Junior Choir
6.45pm Main Choir

Next Sunday

8am Holy Communion
10am Family Communion
2.30pm Baptisms
4.30pm Evensong

Our prayers are asked for …………………..

• This parish and all who live and work in it
• Those who are ill
• Those who mourn, especially the family and friends of Peggy Hart (funeral on Wednesday, 13th January at 12.45pm in Church) and Ernie Waters (funeral at Sacred Heart)

3rd January 2010
Epiphany

Collect: Almighty God, in the birth of your Son you have poured on us the new light of your incarnate Word, and shown us the fullness of your love:
help us to walk in his light and dwell in his love that we may know the fullness of his joy; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

HYMNS FOR MORNING SERVICE

243 Go tell it on the mountain
589 See Him lying on a bed of straw
49 As with gladness men of old
729 What child is this who, laid to rest
409 Lord for the years

There is no collection during this service. It currently costs around £50,000 a year to finance the general church activities and this does not include any restoration costs. If you would like to contribute, there is a plate at the back of the church. Alternatively, you can contact our treasurer about regular giving and Gift Aid – Jeremy Hyde, 7 Oates Way, Ramsey (tel: 01487 710735 or email gj@hyde7.fslife.co.uk]. We thank you for your valued contribution.

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Notices for the week

Messages from the Rector

Welcome to today’s services – Holy Communion at 8am, Praise for All at 10am and a Youth Service at 6.30pm.

Please note that there is no Wednesday Communion service now until 6th January.

On 24th January the Archdeacon is going to commission Gordon Slinn as the Pastoral Lay Minister for Upwood. Gordon will be the person in the village to contact for pastoral purposes. We will hold Gordon in our prayers as he begins this new phase in his ministry.

SAFETY. For security and to meet health and safety regulations, would a parent/carer please accompany and stay with their child whilst s/he is using the children’s corner. Thank you for your cooperation with this.
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A reminder that the Youth Service will be today at 6.30pm. Please arrive at least an hour early if you are taking part and bring your musical instruments. Remember, everyone is welcome. Love and prayers, Gita

Thanks to all those who purchased Biblelands Christmas cards. We made a profit of £64 for the Uganda Fund.

The Christmas Hamper raffle was won by Diana Hyde. We made a profit of £140 for the Re-ordering Fund.

Thank you for all your cards, gifts and good wishes; Jim and I really appreciate your generosity and friendship. We wish you all every blessing for 2010. Gita and Jim

The Flower Group would like to thank everyone who supported The Gentlemen of St. John’s Concert for a very successful evening. We also thank everyone for their generosity in keeping flowers in the church throughout the year and to wish you all a Happy and Peaceful New Year.

Lighthouse. The next Lighthouse meeting will be held on 16th January from 3-5pm. Please sign up on the notice board at the back before Christmas Eve as there is a cost of £7.50 involved for the pottery we will be doing.

From now on the children will be in the choir vestry for 10 minutes on Family Service mornings and sometimes on Family Communion mornings (1st and 3rd Sundays) during the talk. A rota is being put together now. We are looking for some more people prepared to be helpers with the children, maybe taking on more responsibility for the session later, if and when they feel confident. Please contact Pat Stokes on 01354 677229 if you can help in any way. Many hands make light work! Thank you.

COFFEE MORNING. The next Coffee Morning will be held at the home of Betty Gilbert, 23 Beville, Woodwalton on Wednesday, 13th January. Tickets are 50p and there will be a Bring and Buy sale, Raffle and Tombola. All welcome.

SERVICES AND EVENTS

Church Toddlers 9.30am-10.30am, Monday, in Church (during term time)
Holy Communion at St. Thomas à Becket 7.30pm, Wednesday
Bell Ringing Practice 7.30pm, Tuesday
Choir Practice Friday: 6.15pm Junior Choir
6.45pm Main Choir

Next Sunday

8am Holy Communion
10am Holy Communion
4.30pm Evensong

Our prayers are asked for …………………..

• This parish and all who live and work in it
• Those who are ill
• Those who mourn, especially the family and friends of Beryl Green and Joan Walker