The Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev’d Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani has joined the Bishops of Gloucester, Norwich and Southwark in publishing a joint statement in response to the rise of antisemitism in Britain.
The statement can be read here: https://www.chelmsford.anglican.org/news/statement-in-response-to-the-rise-of-antisemitism-in-britain
Parish of St Mary the Virgin Wivenhoe
The Annual Parochial Church Meeting will be held in church on
Sunday 10th May 2026 at 12.30.
The election of Churchwardens; Deanery Synod Representatives; Parochial Church Council members and the appointment of the Independent Examiner will also take place at this meeting.
The Annual Meeting is not a tedious affair at all but a chance to hear an overview from Erwin about the events during 2025.
The Annual Report & Accounts for 2025 are available in hard copy from church or the church website via the Contact\Parochial Church Council tab.
All residents of Wivenhoe are welcome to attend the meeting, but only those on the Parish Electoral Roll may vote on some matters put before the meeting, but please don’t let that put you off from coming. It will be time well spent.
TRAILING THROUGH SIX EASTER REFLECTIONS
Revd Janet Driver’s initiative to create an Art trail for Easter found support from local artists.
Their work can now be seen in prints of the originals, displayed at locations from near The Cross down to West Quay.
LOCATION HINTS- in order of the Resurrection story.
Janet said: “These paintings are designed to encourage people to find, read and reflect.”
Each print carries a QR code that will connect to a page with the relevant Bible section.
The displays will stay up from Easter Day on 4 April until 12 April.
The Fundraising team are arranging this Pre-Loved event for all families on Saturday 21st March from 10 am – 1pm.
A sale of items for Babies and Children up to age 12.
The Town Mayor Jon Guy will be visiting.
There are only four stall spaces left if you have items to sell.
If you have items to donate like Children’s Books, Toys and Clothing (not furniture) please contact Heather by TEXT 07956 024041 or email the team on fundraisingwivstmarys@gmail.com
Start date Tuesday 24 February.
8 Tuesdays – 7-9pm in The Annexe.
Led by Jonas Lammens.
Please contact if joining: erwinlammens@btinternet.com
Sunday 5th July at 11.00am with Bishop Roger
St Mary’s Church, Wivenhoe
Aged between 11 and 17?
This may be for you!
Confirmation Preparation Taster
Sunday 8 February at 9.45am
led by Revd Emma Smith
Explore your faith with others and consider whether confirmation could be for you. If you decide to confirm your faith, further preparation will take place on:
Saturday 9th May at 10am-12pm in St Mary’s Annexe
Older than 17?
This may be for you!
You’re never too old to confirm your faith. If you would like to explore confirmation, please speak to Erwin or Emma and join us for an afternoon of confirmation preparation for adults:
Saturday 9thMay at 1:30-3:30pm in St Mary’s Annexe
Please be in touch to find out more or book your place:
Revd Erwin Lammens: erwinlammens@btinternet.com or 01206 822511
Tables are still available to book on our quiz night but hurry- they probably won’t be for long!
The quiz itself has had a bit of a face lift but the format is pretty similar:
you bring your own drink/snacks/glasses and £6 for each participant.
Maximun 6 people per table.
7 Rounds plus 3 table quizzes to keep you entertained.
Email wivstmaryscom@gmail.com to register your team.
Coffee and cake included in the price. And there will be a raffle.
The donations to St Mary’s church this year exceeded all previous years: together, you raised a phantastic £1,016 – an unprecedented sum for which the church is very grateful.
We sincerely thank everyone who contributed to this magnificent result, not forgetting the creator of the spectacle himself, with this reminder below of the entrance to the season’s feast for the eyes.
