This Week's News: 15th February 2026

Sunday 15th February - Sunday Next before Lent

• 8.30am Holy Communion – a quiet service without hymns (Lady Chapel)
• 10am Holy Communion with Junior Church, followed by refreshments
• 11.30am Pancake Race

What's On This Week

Tuesday 17th February

• 11am–1pm Mary and Isabel's Compassionate Cafe at the Parish Centre Hall Grove. All are welcome.

Wednesday 18th February – Ash Wednesday

• 10.30am Midweek Communion with distribution of ashes, followed by refreshments

Sunday 22nd February – First Sunday of Lent

• 10am Holy Communion with Junior Church, followed by refreshments. Please note there will be no 8.30am service on 22nd February.

Pancake Race – Today, 11.30am

On this Sunday before Shrove Tuesday we are inviting our local community to join us for a pancake race after church. We'll be providing the pancakes, the pans and prizes for the winners. Please support this event by coming along and joining in. Please also invite your friends and acquaintances in the community.

Meal with our Local Iranian Community – Thursday 26th February, 6pm

In response to the horrors of current events in Iran, Maryam is starting a fortnightly group in church for the local Iranian community, giving them a space to gather and share their grief and concern for loved ones back in Iran.

The first evening will be a traditional Iranian meal in church, open to anyone in our congregation who wishes to attend to show their support. To RSVP, please email nicholas.castle@st-mary-magdalene.org.uk.

Parish Lunch – Sunday 22nd February, 12pm at The Chieftain

On the last Sunday of each month we will have a parish lunch at The Chieftain after church, to give us a chance to deepen our relationships with each other. You are most welcome to join us.

• If you can offer a lift or would like one, please speak to Caroline, Ann or Nick.
• To indicate interest, sign up on the sheet at the back of church – there's no obligation to come.
• Due to lots of people signing up, we need to pre-order our food. Please tell Caroline what you would like to order. The menu is available at the back of church.
• We can have up to 24 people at the Parish Lunch; we currently have two slots remaining.

Lent Fellowship Groups – Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7.30–9pm

During Lent we're trying something a little different: two weekly fellowship groups as an alternative to a traditional Lent course. Each evening will include time to catch up, share our lives, pray together, and explore the Christian faith. We will read and discuss short extracts from a book together; you don't need to prepare in advance.

Tuesday Group, 7.30–9pm - we'll explore Rowan Williams' Being Disciples:

• 24 Feb – Chapter 1: Being Disciples – Ryan's office in church
• 3 Mar – Chapter 2: Faith, Hope and Love – Godfrey and Julia's, Knebworth
• 10 Mar – Chapter 3: Forgiveness – Joan and Tony's, Welwyn
• 17 Mar – Chapter 4: Holiness – Danny and Clare's, Welwyn
• 31 Mar – Chapter 5: Faith in Society – Ryan's office in church

If you would like a lift please speak with Ryan.

Thursday Group, 7.30–9pm - we'll discuss Rowan Williams' Being Christian and Being Disciples. We will meet in Ryan's office in church:

• 26 Feb – Being Christian, Chapter 1: Baptism
• 5 Mar – Being Christian, Chapter 2: Bible
• 12 Mar – Being Christian, Chapter 3: Eucharist
• 19 Mar – Being Christian, Chapter 4: Prayer
• 26 Mar – Being Disciples, Chapter 1: Being Disciples

To join, please add your name to the sign-up sheet at the back of church, speak to Ryan, or email ryan@st-mary-magdalene.org.uk.

Beware of Email Scams!

Sadly there is an increase of email scams targeting members of church congregations. If you receive an email that appears to be from Ryan or anyone else in the church asking you to buy them a gift card, please don't do it because it will be a scam.

Foodbank Donations

New Zion Christian Fellowship food bank is open every Wednesday 9-11am. You may drop items in from 8am on Wednesdays at 140 Cole Green Lane AL7 3JE. Please use the food bank based at the back of church if you wish to give items.

Items that are particularly in need currently are:

• Long life milk
• Cereals
• Variety of tinned meat (meatballs, hotdogs, chicken curry or chicken in white sauce)
• Cleaning products
• Toiletries including sanitary products

For Your Prayers...

• For peace in the Holy Land.
• For Mary and Isabel's Compassionate Cafe, and Isabel Hospice as we work in partnership together.
• For all refugees and those fleeing their homes, especially those now living in our parish. For those persecuted for their faith. For refugees facing homelessness after receiving permission to reside in the UK.
• For people in Iran, for their protection and freedom.
• For growth in the mission, ministry and worship of St Mary Magdalene Church.

Those who are unwell:

Jean, Sam, Brett, Daisy, Noah, Martin, Brian, June, Heather, Penny, Craig, Peter, Anna, Azizeh, Victoria, Naomi, and Lorna.

For the growth of St Mary Magdalene Church

God of Mission, Who alone brings growth to your Church of St Mary Magdalene, Send your Holy Spirit to give Vision to our planning, Wisdom to our actions, And power to our witness. Help our church to grow in numbers, In spiritual commitment to you, And in service to our local community, Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

If you would like to request that we pray as a church for someone known to you, please first make every attempt to ensure that they would like to be prayed for by those at St Mary Magdalene. We will be conducting a monthly review of our Prayer List. If there is anyone who should come off the list or go on the list, please notify the churchwardens, Nick and Godfrey.