A warm welcome to you on this the Last Sunday before Lent. Please do join us after the service to share in a cup of tea or coffee. All ages are welcome at St. Mary’s, children included. There is also a crèche in the Octagon for the very young if you need it. If this is your first time with us, please do fill in the slip at the end of the newsletter, so that we can keep in touch with you. St Mary’s is fitted with a hearing loop system. Members of the congregation who have a hearing aid with a ‘T’ switch will find that they can hear better when it is switched to ‘T’.

During Lent (and at anytime!)
Please remember the word’s from Owen’s sermon a few weeks ago.
Before the service - talk to God
During the service - let God speak to you
After the service - talk to one another

Lent Appeal
As some of you may know Pennie has a connection with the Coventry Peace House. Last week she was shocked to see the desperate state of several young mothers who are expected to look after themselves and their children on very small amounts of money. The Peace House are always wanting baby toiletries (nappies, nappy sacks etc) and basic hygiene products for the mums. We thought we would ask for your help this Lent. Please bring any products that might be useful and they will be donated at Easter. Please also see Pennie’s longer article on the back of the Lent Course flier.

Photoboard
We have changed many of the photos on the photoboard, thanks to Les’ photographic efforts. Please do have a look and either bring in a photo if you are not on the board or have a word with Les Dakin who will happily ‘snap’ you.

Ash Wednesday
There will be services at both 10am and 8pm this coming Wednesday - which is Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent. Although we have forgotten to ask for Palm crosses this year, God got there before us and we have found some ash from a previous year in the office. If you can bring in a Palm Cross before Tuesday lunch time it would be helpful but alternatively save it for next year. We shall ‘ash’ both at 10am and 8pm.

Coffee Club
The next meetings of the Coffee Club are as follows: Wednesday 1st and 15th March all at 10.45 am.
All Welcome. Edna and Alan Robinson

Christian Aid - Bric A Brac Sale
Christian Aid are holding their annual Bric A Brac Sale on Saturday 4th March from 10.30 - 12.30 pm. This is being held at the Salvation Army Citadel. Any items that you may wish to donate (Not electrical equipment) should be brought to the Citadel after 9am on the day. Help is also needed on the day. Please help to make this a success.

Jam Jars
Can you please save all sizes of glass jars complete with lids, as I will need them later in the year when I make jams, pickles, etc. Thank you. Jean Hudson

Hidden Talents at Coventry Peace House - Sunday March 5th
Find out more about women who have made an impact on society but were not acknowledged for it. Time to share your own talents through art, dance, poetry or other creative means. This is part of the Women’s Festival.
Men are also welcome. 2 - 5 pm Tel: 7666 3031

Annual Parochial Church Meeting
The Annual Meetings this year will be on Sunday 2nd April 2006 after the service at 11.15am. Prior to that we need to review our electoral roll - effectively the church membership. Revision will take place from 5th February to 12th March. If you worship with us regularly, you should be on the electoral roll. Those who live outside the parish boundary must have worshipped with us for 6 months before joining the roll but Sheila Wick our Electoral Roll officer can provide more details. Being on the Electoral Roll allows you to participate at our Annual Parochial Meetings and to elect or stand for office on PCC. As ever we elect 2 churchwardens, 8 members of PCC and this year, because of Karen Hauler-Davies’ departure, we have a casual vacancy on Deanery Synod (for 2 years). Please do consider standing for office - details of how to do so will appear nearer the time.

The Historical Association
Come and Hear the Historical Association Centenary Lecture. Professor Holmes (well known for his TV War Walks) revisits “the footsteps of” Winston Spencer Churchill on Wednesday 15th March 7.30 pm at the Guy Nelson Hall, Warwick School. Admission by Ticket only. Contact J. Wilks, 01926 492221

The Sunday Next before Lent

Collect: Holy God, you know the disorder of our sinful lives: set straight our crooked hearts, and bend our wills to love your goodness and your glory in Jesus Christ our Lord.

First Reading 2 Kings 2. 1-12 Malcolm Tyler

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 4. 3-6 Samuel Liggins

Gospel Reading: Mark 9. 2-9 Freda Richards

Intercessor: Tony Thistlewood

Hymns: 242 327 497 53 533 30

Communion Prayer: Holy God, we see your glory in the face of Jesus Christ: may we who are partakers at his table reflect his life in word and deed,
that all the world may know his power to change and save. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.

This week beginning 26th February 2006

Sunday 8 am Holy Communion
10 am Parish Communion, Junior Church and Lazers
6.30 pm Evening Prayer
Monday 9 am Morning Prayer
7 pm Parish Office
7.30 pm PCC
Tuesday 9 am Morning Prayer
Ash Wednesday 10 am Holy Communion with Ashing
8 pm Holy Communion with Ashing
Thursday 9 am Morning Prayer
Saturday 9.30 am Morning Prayer

Sunday 5th March

8 am Holy Communion
10 am Worship For All
6.30 pm Evening Prayer