Newsletters

Eighth Sunday after Trinity

St Mary’s and St Andrew’s Worshipping Together

A very warm welcome to all

Readings: 2 Kings 4: 42-44;  Psalm 145: 10-19;  Ephesians 3: 14-21

Gospel: John 6: 1-21

In today’s Gospel

We sometimes imagine that a cheap, non-polluting energy source would be the ultimate achievement for humankind. But in Jesus’ day, where most people were subsistence farmers, finding a labour-free, inexhaustible food supply would be considered the prize. And that’s the drawing power of Jesus’ miracle of the loaves and fishes, feeding 5,000 men, plus women and children. Perhaps that’s why it’s Jesus’ only miracle that appears in all four gospels. In one sense, however, today’s Gospel reading is more a lesson for the disciples’ and believers’ benefit than for the crowds that were fed.

Letters of Support

As previously mentioned, we are in the process of several funding applications, one of which is partly enhanced by the support of testimonials from members of the congregation and other people who use the church. I would therefore ask each of you to consider providing a short letter of support for the ongoing maintenance of St Mary’s, and how pivotal it is that having a physically sound church building is so important to you. You may also wish to outline how long you have worshipped at St Mary’s. If you are prepared to do this, the preference is that you do it electronically and email it to me. If, however, you do not have access to, or even use a computer, then, a clearly handwritten alternative would be fine. If possible, I would ask if this could be done at your earliest convenience.

Poem Competition

Until Sunday the 17^th of October, when we shall celebrate the Harvest Thanksgiving, I challenge all of you to compose a short poem, no longer than 2 verses (although some flexibility will be allowed) between 4-6 lines per verse (all your own work). It can be about anything and not necessarily connected with the Church. Please send your entries to the church email address either via our website at www.stmaryscardenplace.org.uk or direct to the email address at stmaryschurchcardenplace@gmail.com As per our last competition, we ask for a donation of £2 per entry, and you can submit as many as you wish. Please either use the ‘Donate’ function at the foot of the website home page (preferred option) where there is also an opportunity to note what the donation is for, or speak to our Treasurer, Mrs Lydia Ross for alternative arrangements. I will assume (unless advised to the contrary) that everyone who submits an entry gives their permission to have it published on our website. The rules are also available via the homepage on St Mary’s Website

The Blessed Virgin Mary’s Day – 15th August

Sunday the 15^th of August is The Blessed Virgin Mary’s Day; and therefore our Patronal Festival. In our continuing stewardship campaign, we propose to hold a ‘Gift Day’. Some of you may recall that this was initially introduced as a method to assist in our fundraising campaigns. Recently, we have asked our congregation to review their weekly/monthly/annual giving and to consider whether it could be increased. I would still urge you to do this if you haven’t already done so, but only if you can afford it. To those who have recently increased their giving, I am deeply grateful for your continued support and generosity. However, the proposed ‘Gift Day’ on August the 15^th is another opportunity to make a gift donation to St Mary’s, which will be put towards our continuing Repair and Refurbishment program. There will be more information forthcoming via newsletters and other material which I will soon distribute. The St Mary’s website will also provide some information soon.

Services/Events at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral w/c Sunday the 25th of July 2021

• Sunday 25th July at 8 am – Said Holy Communion (Cn Terry-1970)
• Sunday 25^th July at 10 am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry – 1982)
• Monday 26^th July – Cn Terry – Day off
• Wednesday 28th  July 10 am Holy Communion (1970) (Cn Terry)
• Sunday 1st August at 8 am – Holy Communion (1970) (Cn Terry)
• Sunday 1st August at 10 am – Holy Communion (1982) (Cn Terry)

“The will of the Father, the will of the Son, and the will of the Spirit must be one; it is a perverse forgetfulness of the unity of the Godhead to suppose otherwise.”

(Charles Spurgeon)

Blessings Always

Rev Canon Terry Taggart

terry_t_2000_uk@yahoo.co.uk

01224588776/07768219984

Seventh Sunday after Trinity

St Mary’s and St Andrew’s Worshipping Together

A very warm welcome to all

Readings: Jeremiah 23: 1-6; Psalm 23; Ephesians 2: 11-22

Gospel: Mark 6: 30-34, 53-56

In today’s Gospel

As we listen to our Gospel reading today we discover that when Jesus looks at you and I, he has compassion for us. He feels our pain, our sorrow, our frustration, and our worry. He suffers with us in our broken relationships, our need to make ends meet, and our deep desire to be right with God. He sees us running around like sheep without a shepherd, and he calls to us to walk with him, as he walks with us.

Poem Competition

You will recall that I proposed a short poem competition. What I would like to do is keep some sort of fund-raising activity on the go which could be entered on our website, as was previously the case with our very successful photograph competition.   So, in view of that I propose the following:  from today’s date until Sunday the 17^th of October, when we shall celebrate the Harvest Thanksgiving, I challenge all of you to compose a short poem, no longer than 2 verses, between 4-6 lines per verse (all your own work). It can be about anything and not necessarily connected with the Church. Please send your entries to the church email address either via our website at www.stmaryscardenplace.org.uk or direct to the email address at stmaryschurchcardenplace@gmail.com. As per our last competition, we ask for a donation of £2 per entry, and you can submit as many as you wish. Please either use the ‘Donate’ function at the foot of the website home page (preferred option) or speak to our Treasurer, Mrs Lydia Ross for alternative arrangements. I will assume (unless advised to the contrary) that everyone who submits an entry gives their permission to have it published on our website. The rules are also available via the homepage on St Mary’s Website.

Diocesan Newsletter

The Diocesan Newsletter is now available to download and view via the following link: https://aoepiscopal.scot/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Diocesan-newsletter-42-14-July-2021.pdf You can also access this link via the St Mary’s website.

Provincial Advisory Group update

The Provincial Advisory Group has revised its FAQs to take account of the reduced physical distancing requirement (1m), which will come into force from Monday the 19^th of July The new edition is available at: https://www.scotland.anglican.org/wp-content/uploads/Frequently-Asked-Questions-Version-9-July-2021-14.07.21.pdf

Guided Prayer Walk – Saturday 24th July

At 11am next Saturday the 24^th of July, there will be a Guided Prayer Walk. This will commence from St Mary on-the Rock in Ellon (1 South Rd, AB41 9NP). There is sufficient parking space at the Church and the walk will be alongside the scenic River Ythan. The walk is in two parts; the first part being totally accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The second part involves some inclines and steps. No matter what your level of physical fitness and ability is, everyone should be able to participate. Further details can be obtained from me, just ask!

The Blessed Virgin Mary’s Day – 15th August

Sunday the 15^th of August is The Blessed Virgin Mary’s Day; and therefore our Patronal Festival. In our continuing stewardship campaign, we propose to hold a ‘Gift Day’. Some of you may recall that this was initially introduced as a method to assist in our fundraising campaigns. Recently, we have asked our congregation to review their weekly/monthly/annual giving and to consider whether it could be increased. I would still urge you to do this if you haven’t already done so, but only if you can afford it. To those who have recently increased their giving, I am deeply grateful for your continued support and generosity. However, the proposed ‘Gift Day’ on August the 15^th is another opportunity to make a gift donation to St Mary’s, which will be put towards our continuing Repair and Refurbishment programme. There will be more information forthcoming via newsletters and other material which I will soon distribute. The St Mary’s website will also provide some information soon.

Services/Events at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral w/c Sunday the 18th of July 2021

• Sunday 18th July at 8 am – Said Holy Communion (Cn Terry-1970)
• Sunday 18^th July at 10 am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry – 1982)
• Monday 19^th July – Cn Terry – Day off
• Wednesday 21^st  July 10 am Holy Communion (1970) (Cn Terry)
• Wednesday 21^st July at 7.30 pm – Vestry Meeting
• Sunday 25^th July at 8 am – Holy Communion (1970) (Cn Terry)
• Sunday 25^th July at 10 am – Holy Communion (1982) (Cn Terry)

“There is one God and Father, one Only-Begotten Son, and one Holy Spirit. We declare each Person to be unique, and if we must use numbers, we will not let a stupid arithmetic lead us astray to the idea of many gods.”

(Basil of Caesarea)

Blessings Always

Rev Canon Terry Taggart

terry_t_2000_uk@yahoo.co.uk

01224588776/07768219984

Sixth Sunday after Trinity

St Mary’s and St Andrew’s Worshipping Together

A very warm welcome to all

Readings: Amos 7: 7-15; Psalm 85: 8-13; Ephesians 1: 3-14

Gospel: Mark 6: 14-29

In today’s Gospel

Repentance isn’t a practice that most people enjoy. And it’s certainly not something people want to be told they need to do. In a world that cheers personal autonomy and self-expression, the suggestion that someone’s way of life is something that needs to be repented of is largely considered out of bounds. We might well look at the man or woman in the street wearing the placards which say “Repent, the end is nigh”. We might just make a mental note of it as we pass by and think, “he/she has a point there, but please don’t ram it down my throat, I am capable of making my own decisions in my own good time”. But as Christians, we recognize the call to repentance is a primary part of the message of the Gospel. It’s only when we repent of our sins and turn to Jesus that we can be forgiven and saved from the wrath of God. As we come to today’s Gospel from Mark, we encounter a group of people who are fully committed to living for themselves.

Proposal for west end garden re-development

You will recall last week that I spoke regarding the proposed re-development of the area at the front of the car park. Please see attached, a letter to you all as promised, outlining our proposal which as mentioned, is in pursuance of the requirements of Canon 35. You now have four weeks to respond if you wish. All of the St Mary’s congregation, who access email, will have received an email from me on behalf of our Vestry concerning ideas for developing the front end of the car park where the trees and benches are situated. The general consensus is for a garden with a designed slabbed area within to be installed. To fund this we are currently in the application process for a grant from the Provincial Recovery and Renewal fund, which if successful, would go some way to covering the costs for this venture. I look forward to hearing responses.

Poem Competition

You will recall that I proposed a short poem competition. What I would like to do is keep some sort of fund-raising activity on the go which could be entered on our website, as was previously the case with our very successful photograph competition.  So, in view of that I propose the following:  From today’s date until Sunday the 17^th of October, when we shall celebrate the Harvest Thanksgiving, I challenge all of you to compose a short poem, no longer than 2 verses, between 4-6 lines per verse (all your own work). It can be about anything and not necessarily connected with the Church. Please send your entries to the church email address either via our website at www.stmaryscardenplace.org.uk or direct to the email address at stmaryschurchcardenplace@gmail.com As per our last competition, we ask for a donation of £2 per entry, and you can submit as many as you wish. Please either use the ‘Donate’ function at the foot of the website home page (preferred option) or speak to our Treasurer, Mrs Lydia Ross for alternative arrangements. I will assume (unless advised to the contrary) that everyone who submits an entry gives their permission to have it published on our website. 

Guided Prayer Walk

At 11am on the Saturday the 24^th of July there will be a Guided Prayer Walk. This will commence from St Mary on-the Rock in Ellon (1 South Rd, AB41 9NP). There is sufficient parking space at the Church and the walk will be alongside the scenic River Ythan. The walk is in two parts; the first part being totally accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The second part involves some inclines and steps. No matter what your level of physical fitness and ability is, everyone should be able to participate. Further details can be obtained from me, just ask!

The Blessed Virgin Mary’s Day – 15th August

Sunday the 15^th of August is The Blessed Virgin Mary’s Day; and therefore our Patronal Festival. In our continuing stewardship campaign, we propose to hold a ‘Gift Day’. Some of you may recall that this was initially introduced as a method to assist in our fundraising campaigns. Recently, we have asked our congregation to review their weekly/monthly/annual giving and to consider whether it could be increased. I would still urge you to do this if you haven’t already done so, but only if you can afford it. To those who have recently increased their giving, I am deeply grateful for your continued support and generosity. However, the proposed ‘Gift Day’ on August the 15^th is another opportunity to make a gift donation to St Mary’s, which will be put towards our continuing Repair and Refurbishment programme. There will be more information forthcoming via newsletters and other material which I will soon distribute. The St Mary’s website will also provide some information soon.

Services/Events at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral w/c Sunday the 11th of July 2021

• Sunday 11th July at 8 am – Said Holy Communion (Cn Terry-1970)
• Sunday 11^th July at 10 am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry – 1982)
• Monday 12^th July – Cn Terry – Day off
• Wednesday 14^th July 10 am Holy Communion (1970) (Cn Terry)
• Sunday 11^th July at 8 am – Holy Communion (1970) (Cn Terry)
• Sunday 11^th July at 10 am – Holy Communion (1982) (Cn Terry)

“Eternal Trinity… mystery deep as the sea, You could give me no greater gift than the gift of Yourself. For You are a fire ever burning and never consumed, which itself consumes all the selfish love that fills my being”
(St Catherine of Siena)

Blessings Always

Rev Canon Terry Taggart

terry_t_2000_uk@yahoo.co.uk

01224588776/07768219984

Fifth Sunday after Trinity

St Mary’s and St Andrew’s Worshipping Together

A very warm welcome to all

Readings: Ezekiel 2: 1-5;  Psalm 123;  2 Corinthians 12: 2-10

Gospel: Mark 6: 1-13

In today’s Gospel

In today’s Gospel from Mark, Jesus gives some very specific directions to his disciples. He tells them what to take, and what not to take with them on their journey. It’s clear that Jesus wants his followers to go out in his name, completely depending on God to provide for their needs through the hospitality of others. Jesus knows that they will probably face rejection in at least some of the towns they visit. They saw the way he left Nazareth and went into the nearby villages to keep preaching and healing. Now he tells them to shake the dust off their feet as they leave any place that does not receive them or their message. If you can’t win at home, maybe it’s time for an away game, but even there, the chances are that you are going to be challenged and face rejection.

The 4th of July

Today is the 4^th of July, and for our brothers and sisters in the United States it is Independence Day. The day, in 1776, the signing and passage of the declaration of independence by the Continental Congress was made law. The day that, after nearly 2 years of revolution against the Colonial rulers from Great Britain, America was free to self-determine their own lives and future of that vast country. Of course, the civil war that followed just under 100 years later gives us the United States we now see.  Out of these events come great change and inspiration. Great writers and innovators open our minds and educate us. We begin to see how people become identified as one nation or another. In between the American war of Independence and the American Civil war, the French had a revolution (1789-99) that would see abolishment of Monarchy and the emergence of a Republic. Now, this is by no means a history lesson, but the significance of these events, and many others like them, define how great swathes of humanity can change and think. 2000 years ago, one man, on his own, did the same thing. 

Provincial Recovery & Renewal Fund

All of the St Mary’s congregation, who access email, will have received an email from myself on behalf of our Vestry concerning ideas for developing the front end of the car park where the trees and benches are situated. We would like to create an external and possibly therapeutic focal point for those who pass by or those who stop to take lunch in the nice weather. We are also hopeful that it would enhance our community outreach in standing with our current status as Pro-Cathedral. The general consensus is for a garden with a designed slabbed area within to be installed. To fund this we are currently in the application process for a grant from the Provincial Recovery and Renewal fund, which if successful, would go some way to covering the costs for this venture. Thank you for all of your responses to this enquiry.

Concert by Aberdeen Vocal Ensemble on Saturday 10th July

At 7.30pm on Saturday the 10^th of July St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral will host an Aberdeen Vocal Ensemble conducted and arranged by Mr Sam Paul. This will be a socially distanced 45 minute recital of light music ranging from the 16^th to the 21^st Century. Any donations towards the upkeep of St Mary’s will be gratefully appreciated.  Due to current Covid regulations, numbers are restricted. Please message me should you wish to attend and I will add you to my list accordingly. Sooner rather than later.

Guided Prayer Walk

At 11am on the Saturday the 24^th of July there will be a Guided Prayer Walk. This will commence from St Mary on-the Rock in Ellon (1 South Rd, AB41 9NP). There is sufficient parking space at the Church and the walk will be alongside the scenic River Ythan. The walk is in two parts; the first part being totally accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The second part involves some inclines and steps. No matter what your level of physical fitness and ability is, everyone should be able to participate. Further details can be obtained from me, just ask!

The Blessed Virgin Mary’s Day – 15th August

Sunday the 15^th of August is The Blessed Virgin Mary’s Day; and therefore our Patronal Festival. In our continuing stewardship campaign, we propose to hold a ‘Gift Day’. Some of you may recall that this was initially introduced as a method to assist in our fundraising campaigns. Recently, we have asked our congregation to review their weekly/monthly/annual giving and to consider whether it could be increased. I would still urge you to do this if you haven’t already done so, but only if you can afford it. To those who have recently increased their giving, I am deeply grateful for your continued support and generosity. However, the proposed ‘Gift Day’ on August the 15^th is another opportunity to make a gift donation to St Mary’s, which will be put towards our continuing Repair and Refurbishment programme. There will be more information forthcoming via newsletters and other material which I will soon distribute. The St Mary’s website will also provide some information soon.

Services/Events at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral w/c Sunday the 4th of July 2021

• Sunday 4th July at 8 am – Said Holy Communion (Cn Terry-1970)
• Sunday 4^th July at 10 am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry – 1982)
• Monday 5^th July – Cn Terry – Day off
• Wednesday 7^th July 10 am Holy Communion (1970) (Cn Terry)
• Saturday 10^th July at 7.30 pm – Aberdeen Vocal Ensemble (Mr Sam Paul)
• Sunday 11^th July at 8 am – Holy Communion (1970) (Cn Terry)
• Sunday 11^th July at 10 am – Holy Communion (1982) (Cn Terry)

“It was the whole Trinity, which at the beginning of creation said, “Let us make man” (Gen. 1:26). It was the whole Trinity again, which at the beginning of the Gospel seemed to say, “Let us save man” (Mt. 3:16-17.)”
(J.C. Ryle)

Blessings Always

Rev Canon Terry Taggart

terry_t_2000_uk@yahoo.co.uk

01224588776/07768219984

Fourth Sunday after Trinity

St Mary’s and St Andrew’s Worshipping Together

A very warm welcome to all

Readings: Wisdom 1: 13-15, 2: 23-24;  Psalm 30;  2 Corinthians 8: 7-15

Gospel: Mark 5: 21-43

In today’s Gospel

Do you ever feel like the bucket of your life has a hole in it? That it leaks faster than you can fill it? No matter what you do, how hard you work, where you go, what you try, you just can’t fill it up. Work, play, friends, and family all leave you feeling empty, restless and searching. You can’t seem to get enough. The outflow is greater than the inflow. Think of times when this related or maybe still does, to your finances, more going out than coming in.  You are left drained of life: tired and weak, frustrated and hopeless, angry and resentful, sorrowful and grieving, fearful that you will never have the life you want. If you know what that is like, perhaps you know the haemorrhaging woman in today’s gospel.

Photograph Competition

The winners of our photograph competition have been revealed as follows:

1. (4) ‘Sun on the water’: Aberdeen Harbour with bright sunshine glistening on the River Dee and the ship Jura just emerging from the Victoria Dock. Submitted by David Rose
2. (22) A lunchtime walk along the Lochside estate duck pond. Submitted by Kevin McKinnon
3. (67) ‘Mither Tap’ submitted by Dr Martin Mills

The winner of the Under 18 section was:

• (62) “Sunset in Cults”. Submitted by Miss Elizabeth Mills.

Well done to our winners and to everyone who submitted a photograph, also my thanks go to Bishop Anne who judged for us. Can I remind those who participated to ensure you have paid the £2 per photograph via the website donations option on the Home page as outlined. I will make arrangements for the prizes to be awarded in due course.

Another Challenge

I would like to think that we can continue to keep some sort of competition running on the website, and with this in mind, I am suggesting a short poem. The rules will be similar to the photograph competition with each entry being set at £2 per poem no more than two verses long and all your own work. I will work out the finer details in time for next week’s newsletter, get your creative thinking caps on and watch this space.

General Synod

The Scottish Episcopal Church General Synod took place between Thursday the 10^th and Friday the 11^th of June inclusive.

• From a Clergy perspective, the Faith and Order Board/Liturgy Committee, outlined the use of alternative Eucharistic Prayers to reflect the changes in the English usage that have come about since 1982, and to improve on, and make changes to gendered language permitted since 2010. The proposal that these alternative prayers be added to Canon 22, be read for the first time was carried.
• A further motion to include Jane Haining in the Scottish Episcopal Calendar was also carried. Jane Haining was a Church of Scotland Missionary in Budapest, Hungary. She refused to return to Scotland at the outbreak of World War II, choosing to remain with the children in her charge. She was transported to Auschwitz where she later died. She is the only Scot known to have died in this concentration camp. The celebration of Ms Haining’s life will now take place annually on July the 17^th.
• There was breakout room discussion regarding approval of  the St Andrew Declaration ‘Our Common Calling’, which isa call to recognise that The Scottish Episcopal Church and the Church of Scotland share very similar ideology, and that the unity, as yet imperfect, is a foundation for recognition that a fuller cohesion of our two Churches may be realised. For more details concerning the ‘St Andrew’s Declaration’, please see me and I will endeavour to furnish you with more information. The Declaration was approved by a majority vote after lengthy discussion
• There also followed some discussion regarding Clergy Stipend, Clergy time off, and disciplinary procedures to which several amendments were added.

Our Lay Representative, Dr Nicola Mills, will provide the Lay update in our forthcoming quarterly magazine which is due to be published mid to late July.

Quartet for Service of 27th June

There will be a ‘Quartet’ singing for us at our 10 am service today. This has been organised by Matthew our Organist. 

Extra Services

You will note some extra services this coming week, on Tuesday morning and Saturday morning. If you are free, why not pop along

Quarterly Magazine

Nicola Mills is beginning to put together the next issue of our Quarterly Magazine, which is due for release in mid-July. Should anyone who wishes to contribute to this, would you please approach Nicola who will be only too happy to accept copy up until and no later than the 12^th of July.

The Blessed Virgin Mary’s Day – 15th August

Sunday the 15^th of August is The Blessed Virgin Mary’s Day; and therefore our Patronal Festival. In our continuing stewardship campaign, we propose to hold a ‘Gift Day’. Some of you may recall that this was initially introduced as a method to assist in our fundraising campaigns. Recently, we have asked our congregation to review their weekly/monthly/annual giving and to consider whether it could be increased. I would still urge you to do this if you haven’t already done so, but only if you can afford it. To those who have recently increased their giving, I am deeply grateful for your continued support and generosity. However, the proposed ‘Gift Day’ on August the 15^th is another opportunity to make a gift donation to St Mary’s, which will be put towards our continuing Repair and Refurbishment programme. There will be more information forthcoming via newsletters and other material which I will soon distribute. The St Mary’s website will also provide some information soon.

Services/Events at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral w/c Sunday the 27th of June 2021

• Sunday 27th June at 8 am – Said Holy Communion (Cn Terry-1970)
• Sunday 27^th June at 10 am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry – 1982)
• Monday 28th June – Cn Terry – Day off
• Tuesday 29th June at 10 am – Holy Communion (Peter & Paul Apostles – Cn Terry – 1982)
• Wednesday 30th June 10 am – Holy Communion (1970) (Cn Terry)
• Saturday 3rd July at 10 am – Holy Communion (Thomas the Apostle – Cn Terry – 1982)
• Sunday 4^th July at 8 am – Holy Communion (1970) (Cn Terry)
• Sunday 27^th July at 10 am – Holy Communion (1982) (Cn Terry)

“The Best ideal is the true and other truth is none. All glory be ascribed to the holy Three in One.”

(Gerard Manley Hopkins)

Blessings Always

Rev Canon Terry Taggart

terry_t_2000_uk@yahoo.co.uk

01224588776/07768219984