Safeguarding
We are committed to Safeguarding children and young people and vulnerable adults.
The PCC has adopted the Church of England's policies and best practice on safeguarding which may be found on the Church of England's website:
Church of England Safeguarding
or on the Safeguarding pages of the Chelmsford Diocese:
www.chelmsford.anglican.org/safeguarding
Details of our Parish Safeguarding Representative can be found on the noticeboard in church. Our Parish Safeguarding Representative Jenny Clifford can be contacted at St Nicholas Church on 01708 454221
The PCC has adopted the Church of England's policies and best practice on safeguarding which may be found on the Church of England's website:
Church of England Safeguarding
or on the Safeguarding pages of the Chelmsford Diocese:
www.chelmsford.anglican.org/safeguarding
Details of our Parish Safeguarding Representative can be found on the noticeboard in church. Our Parish Safeguarding Representative Jenny Clifford can be contacted at St Nicholas Church on 01708 454221
St Nicholas Church - Elm Park
Parish Church of
St Nicholas
Woodcote Avenue
Elm Park
Hornchurch
Essex
RM12 4PY
Latest News
Dear One and All,
We have waited to get in touch with you until we have had a briefing from the Diocese for the post Lockdown, Tier 2 world. Sadly, that has not arrived and so I will share with you our current understanding and will notify you if things change.
First, from Thursday 3rd December, we will return to our usual pattern of services in church, following the same restrictions we had in place before Lockdown 2. We will continue to stream all services. However, as yet, we are not sure what we will be able to do by way of Christmas services. Second, on Thursday evening therefore, the PCC standing committee will meet via Zoom to explore possibilities and options. One limitation is the need to either clean the church between services or air the church for 72 hours between services. Third, it appears that apart from the choir, no communal singing will be allowed for the foreseeable future. Options for an outdoor carol service will be explored. Fourth, we are having training in how to record services so that we can be sure that there will be a midnight service on line as well as a Christmas morning service. While some of you may be a little sceptical about the significance of online services, last Sundays Holy Communion Service has attracted nearly 1,000views and it is normal to have over fifty people viewing the Sunday Evening Prayers. Whatever happens, streaming is here to stay, so a big thank you to all who have, and continue, to make it possible for this to happen.
On a lighter note, please find attached the December parish magazine, masterfully put together by Ann and Pirong. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
We have waited to get in touch with you until we have had a briefing from the Diocese for the post Lockdown, Tier 2 world. Sadly, that has not arrived and so I will share with you our current understanding and will notify you if things change.
First, from Thursday 3rd December, we will return to our usual pattern of services in church, following the same restrictions we had in place before Lockdown 2. We will continue to stream all services. However, as yet, we are not sure what we will be able to do by way of Christmas services. Second, on Thursday evening therefore, the PCC standing committee will meet via Zoom to explore possibilities and options. One limitation is the need to either clean the church between services or air the church for 72 hours between services. Third, it appears that apart from the choir, no communal singing will be allowed for the foreseeable future. Options for an outdoor carol service will be explored. Fourth, we are having training in how to record services so that we can be sure that there will be a midnight service on line as well as a Christmas morning service. While some of you may be a little sceptical about the significance of online services, last Sundays Holy Communion Service has attracted nearly 1,000views and it is normal to have over fifty people viewing the Sunday Evening Prayers. Whatever happens, streaming is here to stay, so a big thank you to all who have, and continue, to make it possible for this to happen.
On a lighter note, please find attached the December parish magazine, masterfully put together by Ann and Pirong. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
With all good wishes and prayers,
Fr Tom
Fr Tom
Dear One and All,
From this Sunday we enter Advent, the start of the Church's year. We spend four weeks preparing for the birth of Jesus, not just in preparing the feasting, but in prayer and in doing good works. To that end many of us might light a candle and spend some time in prayer and reflection, giving thanks for the gifts received from God in the last year and repenting of our faults. Advent should be treated like Lent, and not the time for pre Christmas celebration (though the Tier 2 restrictions will limit that locally!). Here is an Advent scene to encourage you.: -
From this Sunday we enter Advent, the start of the Church's year. We spend four weeks preparing for the birth of Jesus, not just in preparing the feasting, but in prayer and in doing good works. To that end many of us might light a candle and spend some time in prayer and reflection, giving thanks for the gifts received from God in the last year and repenting of our faults. Advent should be treated like Lent, and not the time for pre Christmas celebration (though the Tier 2 restrictions will limit that locally!). Here is an Advent scene to encourage you.: -
As we have not been able to hold our usual bazaar, two fund raising ideas are here instead. First, Geoff has designed a Christmas Card for the parish. The suggestion is that instead of spending on cards and stamps, you email your Christmas greetings and attach this to the email. The money saved can then be given to the church.
The second is a walk-by sale of jams and marmalade from the garage double doors of the Vicarage opposite the church on 6th December, after the 9.30 am service. Please bring with you the correct money (£2.50 a jar) and a bag to take the goodies home. If the weather is unkind, we will have retreated under the garage door. There are around 200 jars in total. They will make excellent gifts for Christmas if not eaten at home.
Finally this week, a big thank you to Paul Theodore who despite having C-19, has been populating the new parish website. If you have access to ChurchDesk, go to Homepage on the drop down menu if you want an early peek. In due course this will take over from the current website which has been run so well by Janet and Graham.
With love and prayers from us all,
Rev'd Amanda, Fr David, Rev'd Amanda and Fr Tom
Finally this week, a big thank you to Paul Theodore who despite having C-19, has been populating the new parish website. If you have access to ChurchDesk, go to Homepage on the drop down menu if you want an early peek. In due course this will take over from the current website which has been run so well by Janet and Graham.
With love and prayers from us all,
Rev'd Amanda, Fr David, Rev'd Amanda and Fr Tom
A picture of the last years confirmands making their first Holy Communions:-
We look forward to the days when this can be rearranged and the necessary jollifications planned and prepared.
"Good Morning" Weekly Newsletter
Sunday 29th November
| good_morning-29_nov.pdf |
Thursday 3rd December
| good_morning-03_dec.pdf |
Two forms of prayers through which you can make a spiritual communion either on your own or with others in your household. The readings, collect, and post communion prayers on the Good Morning sheet will add to the prayers on the sheet(s) below.
I hope these are helpful and keep us praying together.
With prayers at this difficult time, Fr Tom
An Act of Spiritual Communion
An Act of Spiritual Communion is intended for those who cannot receive the Holy Sacrament due to unusual circumstances. Whilst it is not intended to be used as common practice, neither is it make-believe: just as God is able to make himself present in the bread and wine, so he is able to make himself present in our hearts.
| an_act_of_spiritual_communion_longer_form.pdf |
| act_of_spiritual_communion__a5_.pdf |
Streaming of Services
Please click on the link below for access to the streaming channel:
www.youtube.com/channel/UClz39YeNr6_YeIy-ibx0V7w?view_as=subscriber
www.youtube.com/channel/UClz39YeNr6_YeIy-ibx0V7w?view_as=subscriber
"Good Evening" Sheet:
Sunday 29th November
| good_evening-29_nov.pdf |
Parish Magazine
Dear One and All,
Please find attached another brilliantly designed magazine and with superlative content produced by our very own magazine team Ann and Pirong.
As the nights close in, something to help pass the time,
With love and prayers,
Fr Tom
Fr Tom
| magazine-december_2020.pdf |
Feedback to Anne is very welcome.
If you have any articles for inclusion in the next Parish Magazine, could you please let Ann have them by:-
Wednesday 30th December
Wednesday 30th December
or text, phone or by hand
Annual Report & Financial Statements for Year Ending 31 Dec 2019
| annual_report_and_financial_statements_year_ending_dec_2019_final.pdf |
Regular Services:-
Sunday 9.30 am Holy Communion with Sunday Club.
There will be no children's club until the autumn term at the earliest.
There will be no refreshments for the foreseeable future i.e. until the restrictions are eased.
Refreshments after the Service served in the Church Centre.
Sunday 6.30 pm Evening Prayer - Book of Common Prayer
Thursday 9.30 am Holy Communion.
There will be no refreshments for the foreseeable future i.e. until the restrictions are eased.
Refreshments after the Service served in the North Chapel.
Wall Hanging Fitted and Dedicated
A new wall hanging embroidered by Ann Del Canto has been fitted and looks absolutely fantastic. The wall hanging was dedicated on Sunday 9th June 2019 (Pentecost). Brian, Ronnie, Danny & Phil spent many hours of work making the frame and it took three hours to frame it!
Saturday 29th June 2019
Father David's Ordination Slideshow
Sunday 30th June 2019
Fr David's First Mass Slideshow
St Nicholas Diary of Forthcoming Events
Tuesday 8th December
Ladies Club - Brick Lane Old-Tyme Music Hall - Doors open 12.15 pm and show starts at 2.30 pm. A great show for the festive season. Join Vincent Hayes and special guests for all the fun of Christmas. The price of £60.00 includes: 3 course lunch served at 1.00 pm. Ticket for the show. Return coach fare from Elm Park at 11.15 am. £10.00 deposit on booking and pay £45.00 by 7th Sep. Book the trip with Jan on 01708 438023 or 07816 441689.
Confirmation Service - Sun 28th April 2019
Photo Slideshow
Thank you to Fr. Tom for submitting the photos from several sources.
Dedication of Standard
The dedication of a new standard for the Ranger Guides of 2nd Elm Park (St Nicholas) occurred on Mothering Sunday, 31st March, 2019, at the start of the Parade Service.
This is a very rare occurrence, and no one present had seen this done before. The standard was carried by Ranger Guide Jess Stalabrass with two Guides as escorts Hetty Brown, and Tallulah Brown not related both aged 10 forming the escort. Fr Tom Keighley, Assistant Priest at St Nicholas, Elm Park, pronounced the dedication. The standard was then hung from the altar for the rest of the service. Standards from the Guides, Brownies and Cubs were also carried at the event.
The congregation watched in rapt attention and burst in spontaneous applause when the dedication was presented. The standard will now join the other standards which are hung in St Nicholas Church.
Ranger Guides are a new section for girls aged 14-18 and replaces the Senior Section, this change was effective from the start of the academic year 2019/20. 2nd Elm Park (St. Nicholas) Senior Section but now referred to as Rangers, was formally registered as a unit September 2014, and their activities include various crafts, cooking, badges, weekends away, and badges to mark new skill acquisition.
Mrs Margaret Roberts (Kestrel) the Guide Leader, Julie Mugglestone (Hawk), Stella Rawlings (Falcon) said that they had waited a long time for this event and were thrilled to see the new standard. The Leaders are all named after birds of prey.
Photographs by Fern Denyer (Brownie Assistant Leader) see below.
For further comment please contact
Mrs Margaret Roberts 0790 069 4920
Easter Fayre 2019
Our Easter Fayre was held on Sunday 7th April 2019 and organised by Fern.
The Fayre was raising money for Christian Hope International and we raised £553.81. Thank you so much to everybody who supported the Fayre.
Thank you to Revd. Amanda for the photos.
The Fayre was raising money for Christian Hope International and we raised £553.81. Thank you so much to everybody who supported the Fayre.
Thank you to Revd. Amanda for the photos.
Church Cleaning Day - Saturday 13th April 2019
We had a very successful work day when over 20 people arrived at 10 am to clean, tidy and re-organise the Church and garden.
Thank you to all that attended.
The photos were taken by Sheila Jackson.
Thank you to all that attended.
The photos were taken by Sheila Jackson.
Good Friday 2019- Slideshow
Easter Day 2019 - Slideshow
Link to Our Facebook Page
Please follow the link to our Facebook page to discover more about the activities and parishioners
Some Photos of our Church Model - 10th March 2018
Graham Martin received an enquiry via the website. Graham subsequently picked up the Model of St Nicholas Church made by Karolina Garbacz and her Mummy. Karolina is a pupil at Benhurst Primary School. The model took Karolina and her Mummy many hours work. The model is on display in the Church. Thank you so much for the model.
Guides
Calling all girls aged between 10-14.
Are you twiddling your fingers on Friday evenings then why not pop along to Guides.
We meet in St Nicholas Church Centre, Ayhurst Ave 18.30 - 20.30.
Any further information Contact Margaret 01708 709805
Calling all girls aged between 10-14.
Are you twiddling your fingers on Friday evenings then why not pop along to Guides.
We meet in St Nicholas Church Centre, Ayhurst Ave 18.30 - 20.30.
Any further information Contact Margaret 01708 709805
Skeale's Court
Unfortunately our monthly service at Skeales Court has had to be cancelled. This will be reviewed on a monthly basis.
Services have continued to be held at Skeale's Court and have been much appreciated and looked forward to by the residents.
Some of the St Nicholas congregation have also been attending and we have been made most welcome, always finishing with a cup of tea and a chat.
A short Communion Service is held at 10.30 am on the first Thursday of each month and anyone is always welcome to join us.
You will be made very welcome by Christine and the residents.
Peter Mann
Services have continued to be held at Skeale's Court and have been much appreciated and looked forward to by the residents.
Some of the St Nicholas congregation have also been attending and we have been made most welcome, always finishing with a cup of tea and a chat.
A short Communion Service is held at 10.30 am on the first Thursday of each month and anyone is always welcome to join us.
You will be made very welcome by Christine and the residents.
Peter Mann
Updating the Website
Graham Martin and Michael Hancock have now taken over the website.
Please forward any interesting articles and photographs to Graham Martin or Michael Hancock.
Content can be handed to Graham or Michael or sent by e-mail. Copy and paste the link below into your e-mail system. Thank you.
g_t_martin@yahoo.co.uk
or
hancockmike5@yahoo.co.uk
Thank you.
Please forward any interesting articles and photographs to Graham Martin or Michael Hancock.
Content can be handed to Graham or Michael or sent by e-mail. Copy and paste the link below into your e-mail system. Thank you.
g_t_martin@yahoo.co.uk
or
hancockmike5@yahoo.co.uk
Thank you.
St Nicholas Church Choir
St Nicholas Church Choir are always looking for new members!
Do you enjoy singing? If you do, then why not join our Choir?
We have a weekly rehearsal during school terms as follows:
Juniors 5.45pm till 6.30pm
Adults 6.30pm till 7.30pm
If you are interested in finding out more then please speak to one of following:
Clive Harris (Organist)
or
Ann Del Canto (Adult Choir Leader)
or
Alison Denyer (Junior Choir Leader)
Thank you.
Do you enjoy singing? If you do, then why not join our Choir?
We have a weekly rehearsal during school terms as follows:
Juniors 5.45pm till 6.30pm
Adults 6.30pm till 7.30pm
If you are interested in finding out more then please speak to one of following:
Clive Harris (Organist)
or
Ann Del Canto (Adult Choir Leader)
or
Alison Denyer (Junior Choir Leader)
Thank you.
