EASTER 6

Today at St. Augustine’s, Rush Green we welcomed the Archdeacon of Barking, Dr. John Perumbalath to our Parish Mass and he concelebrated with Father Martin and preached the homily. Pamela led us in our Intercessions and, as our Organist & Choirmaster is taking a well-earned break I played the organ. In his homily Father John referred to the book “Is your God to Small” by J. B Philips. He said that God is a God of all people – he makes no distinction.. We make a mistake if we try to categorise Him – he can’t be contained. Nor can Jesus be confined to church premises because he is in our daily lives. Everything God wants to do He can but he would prefer to have our co-operation. However He is all powerful and will ultimately achieve His will. He is close to use at all times – take a breath and He is that close.

Father John joined us in the hall after Mass for refreshments so he could meet as many parishioners as possible.

The Flower Festival at St Augustines continues afternoon concluding with Evensong and Benediction at 6.00 p.m. and tomorrow opening at 11.00 a.m.

EASTER 5

Today Father Mervyn  officiated at St. Paul’s, Goodmayes who are in their interregnum. In his sermon, based on Today’s Gospel Father Mervyn stressed that Jesus is The Way, The Truth and The Life. It is only through following him that we can be saved. If we know Jesus we know God and it is through recognising Jesus we can recognise God himself. Jesus didn't leave us a handbook itemising every single thing that might happen; instead he gave us this guideline “the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE” During the Interregnum it was something to keep in the front of their minds.

 

We hope to see many people at St Augustine’s for our May Fayre and at our FLOWER FESTIVAL next week-end (during the Flower Festival there will be organ music.)

EASTER 4

Today I presided at the Solemn Concelebrated Mass at St. Alban’s, Ilford where there was an excellent congregation. I preached on the Gospel and talked about the Good Shepherd who cares for his sheep, protecting them and guarding them. After Mass refreshments were served and I had the chance to replenish my supply of marmalade which is made in the parish as part of their fund raising – and very good it is too.

HALLAL or KOSHER MEAT?

I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling some degree of discomfort about the lack of labelling of meat so that what I’m buying could be hallal. The supermarket chains are refusing to identify where their meat comes from and the government intend to take no action on this. The BBC reports in an article: How widespread is halal in the UK? A number of supermarkets including Marks and Spencer, Tesco, Morrisons, and the Co-op all sell halal lamb. Some Waitrose lamb products are given a Halal blessing, but are not supplied separately and are therefore not considered halal on the shelves, the chain said. The Sun newspaper prompted a debate after running a front page reporting that all chicken served at Pizza Express was halal and customers were not being told. The HFA estimates 15% of all meat slaughtered in the UK is halal compliant.”  I have no problem in eating either Kosher or Hallal and have done so many times both in the UK and when I’ve been abroad but surely, we have a right to know just what we are eating and to be able to make a choice whether or not we are happy to eat meat killed according to either Hallal or Kosher rules?

3rd SUNDAY OF EASTER

Today I presided at the Solemn Parish Mass at St. Augustine’s, Rush Green, and Father Martin concelebrated, preached and led our Intercessions. As it is the Bank Holiday week-end we wondered if our congregation would be somewhat reduced as we knew several families were going to be away. In the event, the church was pretty full. In his sermon Father Martin reminded us that we recognise saints by various means and mentioned his particular regard for St. Jude, the patron saint of lost causes, as he frequently misplaced his keys and glasses. The travellers on the road to Emmaus eventually recognised Jesus by the breaking of bread. Every time we attend Mass we have the chance to do the same: recognise Jesus in the breaking of bread; and if we are willing, to let him enter our hearts.