Notices

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK starts today. Collectors packs for the last 10 streets are at the back of church. If you can help with these last few, please sign up on the list and take the relevant pack. Anyone who can help on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 6-7.45pm, please give me a ring on 386786. Many thanks. Tony Waller.

THE MONDAY TALKS continue tomorrow, Monday 12^th May, 7.30pm, in St Mary’s Church centre. ‘Nature’ – Speaker: Dr David Healey. Everyone welcome. No admission charge (retiring collection to cover expenses).

PARISH COFFEE MORNING This is an opportunity to come and have a cup of coffee and to enjoy a chat and fellowship with friends, old and new. It is open to everyone so please come along and have a cup of coffee in this relaxed and informal environment on Tuesday 13^th May 10.30 a.m. till 12 noon in St Mary’s Church Centre.

23 ENGINEER REGIMENT (AIR ASSAULT) – COMFORT BOXES A reminder in case you missed the handout a couple of weeks ago: I have agreed to ask everyone if they would be prepared to put together comfort boxes, to be sent out at regular intervals to our soldiers from the Barracks away in Afghanistan and Iraq. Several boxes have already been despatched and if you are interested in doing this, full instructions are available here or in the leaflet at the back of the church. KSM

SONGS OF PRAISE In recognition of our desire to maintain the links with St Thomas’s Church and to give us an opportunity to mark Father Tom’s retirement, there will be a joint Songs of Praise at St Thomas church at 6.30 pm on Sunday 1^st June. If you would like to select a hymn for the service and are happy to introduce it in a BBC "Songs of Praise" style, giving some indication of why you have chosen the hymn and its significance to you, then please complete the form below and then return it to St. Mary’s Parish office, St Mary’s Church Centre by Sunday 18^th May.

CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER – Sorry, but there will be no contemplative prayer meeting during May. The next meeting will therefore take place on Wednesday 11^th June at 8pm in the Church.

EMMAUS There are three groups meeting at the moment. All meet in the Seckford Room upstairs in St Mary’s House. The Monday group meets at 7pm, the Wednesday group at 10am and the Thursday group at 7.15pm. Forthcoming meetings: Wednesday 14^th May – Learning to Pray, and Monday 19^th May - Sharing Holy Communion. Please come along if you would like to join in any of the above.

ADVANCE NOTICE – SUNDAY 18^th MAY – 10KM ROUND THE TOWN CHARITY ROAD RACE The race starts at 12 noon and finishes at 1.15pm. In order that the runners can participate safely it is necessary that some of the roads are closed and, on others, motorists are asked to proceed with extreme caution. Those attending the 10am service are asked to note that Burkitt Road and New Street will be closed from 11.45am – 12.15pm and Market Hill, Church Street, Seckford Street, The Thoroughfare and part of Ipswich Road between John Grose and The Seal will be closed from 12 noon to 1.15pm.

PARISH LUNCH A Parish Lunch is being organised for Thursday 22^nd May, 12.30pm in St Mary’s Church Centre. Tickets will cost £4.50 and are available after 10am services or from the Church Shop. Lunch will comprise Fruit Juice, Quiche, Cold Meat, Salad, Dessert and Tea or Coffee. Any queries, please phone Margaret Lowe.

WOODBRIDGE IN VERSE Michael Clover's new book "Woodbridge in Verse" with a foreword by the Town Mayor is now on sale in the church shop, price £5. A big print version (text only) is available for £1.

OBERAMMERGAU 2010 Today is the last day to register an interest in the 8 day holiday to the Austrian Tyrol and the Passion Play at Oberammergau, departing 10^th August 2010. From tomorrow, Monday, 12^th May, any remaining places will be offered to the other churches in the town. Further details are displayed at the back of the Church. If you would like to receive a brochure and booking form, please sign the list today. Mary Parker.

ALIVE 08 St John's Woodbridge is organising a Christian conference and festival 24^th - 26^th May and has attracted many leading speakers including the American Christian writer, political activist and international commentator on ethics and public life, Jim Wallis and well-known Christian academic and president of Tearfund, Elaine Storkey. More details, www.alive08.org.uk. To book call 01394 383162 or online.