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.

LOW SUNDAY–2nd SUNDAY OF EASTER

Today Father Martin presided at the Parish Mass whilst I read the Gospel, preached, led our Intercessions and concelebrated. It was good to see quite a full church. In my sermon I commented on the fact revealed by the Gospel that that after the Crucifixion the disciples were in the Upper Room with the door locked because they were afraid. Jesus came and stood among them and gave them their commission to go out to the world. All except Thomas were there and he doubted the veracity of what the disciples told him until a week later when Thomas was present and Jesus appeared again. The conclusion of St. John’s Gospel reminds us that: "These signs are recorded so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing this you may have life through his name."

During the Intercessions we prayed for our brothers and sisters in the Roman Catholic Church as today they pronounced Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II Saints and we prayed that the day maybe hastened when we are united.

 

EASTER 2014

Our New Fire, Vigil, Renewal of Baptismal Promises took place at St Augustines at 5.30 a.m. and afterwards we all adjourned to the Parish Hall for a sumptuous breakfast of Cereals, fruit juices, eggs, sausages, toast, marmalade and coffee or tea. The sausages made by our local butcher Paul was fantastic. Father Martin presided I played the organ

At 10.00 a.m. it was time for the Solemn Mass of the day which was concelebrated; I presided and Father Martin preached and lead the Renewal of Baptism Promises with me do the my favourite job – the sprinkling.Pamela led us in our prayer. Our choir was augmented for the anthem by Ann and Ruth. At the end of Mass all the children were presented with an Easter Egg whilst all the adults had a smaller individual egg. I was surprised and delighted when I was presented with a huge Egg by Father Martin which I will really enjoy. All our chocolate eggs were by the Meaningful Chocolate Company which supports Fair Trade.

Easter Day finished with Solemn Evensong & Benediction at which Father Martin presided and for which I played the organ.

PALM SUNDAY 2014

Yesterday afternoon I was asked if I could help out at St. Mary’s, Ilford as their Vicar had been taken ill so this morning I was at St Mary’s for their Palm Sunday  Procession, Blessing of Palms and Solemn Mass, We started in the church car park where the Choir sang the Antiphons I blessed the Palms and read the Gospel. We then went out to the road in procession and round the nearby side road and back into the church. Local police were there to ensure our safety. The choir led the singing of “All Glory Laud and Honour” and at our entrance they sang another Antiphon before leading us in “Ride on Ride on in Majesty”

Led by three soloist, the Passion according to St. Matthew was sung by the choir. In my homily I talked about the tearing of the temple curtain. It had separated the congregation from the Holy of Holy’s but with the death of the sacrificial lamb of God, Jesus, we no longer had the need for animal sacrifices and heaven and earth were now joined so we didn’t separation.I really thought the Choir, led by their organist & choirmaster Ian, were suburb. It was a really wonderful service.

LET 5 Passion Sunday

Today I celebrated the Parish Mass at St. Paul’s, Goodmayes. The service began with The Asperges. In my sermon I highlighted the saying of Jesus “I am the Resurrection and the Life. If anyone believes in me, even though he dies he will live and whoever lives and believes in me will never die”. I pointed out how this verse had been an inspiration and gave an example in the life of Robert Schumann. Following the Angelus, during the Notices, volunteers for the Washing of Feet at the Maundy Solemn Mass were sought at which I am also presiding.

After Mass I headed back to St. Augustine’s for the well attended Annual Vestry and Parochial Meeting.