A warm welcome to you on this Sunday when we celebrate the Presentation of Christ in the Temple. 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’.

Farewell
Today we say farewell to Hilary Iredale who has been on placement here from theological college for the past 4 months. Hilary returns to her home parish in Rugby and continues her training for ordination which will be in June 2009. She has been generous enough to say how much she has enjoyed her time here. On a personal note I too have valued her presence with us and her insights into ministry here.

Trees in Churchyard
You do not need to be eagle-eyed to spot the avenue of trees has been pollarded (a severe prune) this week. Please let me assure you that this is a proper procedure carried out by qualified tree surgeons and does lengthen the life of the trees. Whilst they may look a little ugly at the moment the leaves will return and the branches will certainly grow back!

Lent Course
We shall be running a Lent Course based on the film ‘Chocolat’ this year. The story of the film is about a woman who comes to open a chocolate shop (chocolaterie) in an austere French village during Lent.
The course will run at two times, both on a Wednesday, starting on Wednesday 13th February. We shall hold a daytime course 10.30 am - 12 noon followed by soup and rolls and a 7.30 pm - 9 pm session followed by tea and biscuits.
The first session is particularly important as we shall watch the film together. As the film is 1¾ hr we shall start promptly at 7.30 pm - Be warned!

Coffee Club
The Coffee Club have decided to postpone their meetings now until after Lent. Therefore they will not start back until Wednesday 19th March at 10.45 am. (This is the Wednesday in Holy Week). All welcome.

Welcome and Collection Duties
I am just about to draw up the next rota of volunteers who welcome people to our 10am Sunday service, give out books and put them away afterwards and also take the collection during the service. It is a commitment every 8/10 weeks and it would be lovely to be able to include some new people, so if you would like to help, please have a word with me. Barbara Hancox

Verger
PCC have agreed to the appointment of Barry Walker as our new Verger.

Mission Notice Board
Please see the Mission notice board for the latest news from:

Coventry Myton Hospice.
A thank you letter from Myton Hospice for St Mary’s donation of £380 [part of our 2007 charitable giving] and news of the development of the new Coventry Myton Hospice on the side of the old Walsgrave Hospital.

Yeldall Manor.
A thank you letter from Yeldall for our donation of £380 [also part of St Mary’s 2007 charitable giving] and the work ahead in 2008.

Global Care A thank you card from Global Care for our ongoing support, in their 25th anniversary year.

Global Care’s 25th Anniversary Celebrations
Global Care are holding an early evening Thanksgiving Service at Coventry Cathedral to mark their 25th Anniversary on Saturday 8th March 6 - 7.30 pm. A great opportunity to hear speakers (including Baroness Caroline Cox, Fiona Castle and Bishop John) who each have a vital and powerful message for the Christian church today. All welcome. See poster for more details.

Presentation of Christ in the Temple

Collect: Lord Jesus Christ, light of the nations and glory of Israel: make your home among us, and present us pure and holy to your heavenly Father, your God, and our God.

First Reading: Malachi 3. 1-5 [8am only]

Second Reading: Hebrews 2. 14-18 [8am only]

Gospel Reading : Luke 2. 22-40 [8am only]

Post Communion Prayer: Lord, you fulfilled the hope of Simeon and Anna,
who lived to welcome the Messiah: may we, who have received these gifts beyond words, prepare to meet Christ Jesus when he comes to bring us to eternal life; for he is alive and reigns, now and for ever.

This week beginning 3rd February 2008

This Sunday 8 am Holy Communion
10 am “Worship for All”
6.30 pm Evening Prayer
Monday 9 am Morning Prayer
7 pm Parish Office
Tuesday 9 am Morning Prayer
7.30 pm Standing Committee
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 10th February

8 am Holy Communion
10 am Parish Communion, Junior church and Lazers
6.30 pm Evening Prayer