This year, as Easter Sunday is on the fourth Sunday of the month, we are going to have our united service on the third Sunday of the month as we celebrate Palm Sunday and begin our journey into Holy Week.  (Our usual pattern is to gather together as a group of parishes in a united service on the fourth Sunday of the month, with the services being in St Thomas’ Church in the even-numbered months, and the services being in St Philip and St James’ Church in the odd-numbered months!).

Last year, as a result of a conversation with the late Sue McDonnell, who died from cancer in July 2014, we had, at our united service in March, had a special service at which we prayed for those who are undergoing treatment for cancer, and for all who are involved in the healing and care of people with cancer; for those undertaking research into the treatment and cure of cancer; and we gave thanks for the recovery of those who have survived cancer, and remembered those who have died from cancer.   Afterwards, there was a coffee morning in aid of the Irish Cancer Society in the parish hall, and there was a Bring-and-Buy Stall in aid of the Irish Cancer Society at the coffee morning.

The response to the service was significant; for many it was very important, so we decided that it would become an annual event.  As mentioned above, with Easter Day falling on the third Sunday of March, we are having our united service today at which we will be praying for all those affected by cancer, in any way, and this will be  followed by our Daffodil Coffee Morning with a Bring-and-Buy Stall.

Please note that there are no 10.00 or 11.30 services today.

Gillian