Newsletters

A very warm welcome to all

Refrain for Psalm 36:

“We feast on the abundance of God’s house.”

Second Sunday after Epiphany

Readings: Isaiah 62: 1-5; 1 Corinthians 12: 1-11
Gospel: John 2: 1-11

In our Gospel today

In the Church’s calendar we catch our breath after Christmastide, but we continue the thought of Epiphany by contemplating the different ways in which Jesus Christ manifested (epiphainein) his divinity.

Today we encounter three very different portions of Scripture. These readings from Isaiah, Corinthians and the Gospel of John though diverse share a theme of transformation. God is not far off but breaking into our lives here and now.

In Isaiah we hear a passionate declaration from God. The Lord will not remain silent and will not rest until Zion’s righteousness shines out like the dawn.

In Corinthians Paul reminds us that varied gifts have been planted within each one of us. These are not for personal use but for the common good that together we be built up and transformed.

In John we find Jesus at a wedding in Cana. His glory is revealed as water is turned into wine. Not just any wine but the best wine. This speaks to us of change, renewal and abundance from God in our everyday lives.

Three Cathedrals Service

This year’s Three Cathedrals Service, a part of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, will be held at St Mary’s RC Cathedral, Huntly Street, at 4:30pm on Sunday 26th January. We are warmly welcome to join with worshippers from St Mary’s Cathedral and The Cathedral Church of St Machar as we celebrate and pursue our unity in Christ.

Thursday @ 7

Thursday @ 7 is re-starting from 30th January. For five consecutive weeks we will be looking at Luke’s gospel which is key book for this year’s lectionary. Bible and prayer in small group discussion for an hour followed by a cuppa if you have time to stay. Venue is the Crypt – enter church by side door, through kitchen, down the stairs. Each week’s material is free-standing so it is fine if you can only join us for one or more weeks. Revd Roger Dyer (Assistant Priest).

Advent to Candlemas Course

If you are looking for spiritual focus during Advent, Christmas and Epiphany you might like to try the Diocesan ‘Advent to Candlemas’ course that has been prepared by our friend Revd Canon Dr Jenny Holden the Diocesan Advisor for Christian Life. There is a little something to stimulate thought and prayer each day. The link to this from the Diocesan website is below. I warmly commend this to you. Revd Roger Dyer (Assistant Priest).
https://aoepiscopal.scot/diocesan-advent-to-candlemas-course-2025/

Tin Christmas Tree

Thank you very much to everyone that donated tinned food for our Tin Christmas Tree in 2024. We’ve decided to keep the tin tree going until Candlemas, so if you are still interested in providing a donation please do so up until 2nd February. Thank you!

St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral Annual General Meeting

St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral Annual General Meeting will take place after the 10am Service on Sunday 2nd February. Bishop Anne Dyer will be with us for the service and the AGM. Reports for the AGM should be available to send to the Diocesan Office about one week before the AGM.

New Ordinary Vestry Members Required

The Vestry are looking for a few new Ordinary Members as some existing members complete their period of service and because we’ve been running a little low on members for some time now. If you would like to know what’s involved or are keen to be nominated, please speak to the Vestry Secretary, David Rose. Nomination forms for Vestry membership and other Vestry offices are available at the back of church. Or please speak to David Rose if you would like an electronic copy.

Services and events commencing this Sunday and for the coming week

Sunday 19th January 8am Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Roger Dyer
Sunday 19th January 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Kate Gibson
Wednesday 22nd January 10am Holy Communion: Revd Roger Dyer
Friday 24th January 6pm Compline: Revd Dyer
Sunday 26th January 8am Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Ferdinand von Prondzynski
Sunday 26th January 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Ferdinand von Prondzynski

Next Sunday’s readings: Nehemiah 8: 1-3, 5-6, 8-10; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 12: 12-31a
Gospel: Luke 4: 14-21

“Changing is not just changing the things outside of us.”
(Thich Nhat Hanh)

For any pastoral matters please contact our Assistant Priest Revd Roger Dyer on 07719 458571 or revrogdyer@btinternet.com

A very warm welcome to all

Refrain for Psalm 29:

“The Lord shall give his people the blessing of peace.”

First Sunday after Epiphany

Readings: Isaiah 43: 1-7; Acts 8: 14-17
Gospel: Luke 3: 15-17, 21-22

In our Gospel today

In the Isaiah reading we hear God’s call to us to ‘not fear’ but rest in God’s redeeming love. We read ‘I have called you by name. You are mine.’ This speaks of God’s personal care and attention to each one of us. How do we let go of the fears that hold us back from embracing our worth and loving boldly?

At his baptism Jesus is named ‘Beloved’ by God. We too are invited to live within the security of the call and identity that came to us at our baptism to be beloved children of God. How do we embrace our identity and let it shape how we see ourselves and treat others?

Three Cathedrals Service

This year’s Three Cathedrals Service, a part of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, will be held at St Mary’s RC Cathedral, Huntly Street, at 4:30pm on Sunday 26th January. We are warmly welcome to join with worshippers from St Mary’s Cathedral and The Cathedral Church of St Machar as we celebrate and pursue our unity in Christ.

Thursday @ 7

Thursday @ 7 is re-starting from 30th January. For five consecutive weeks we will be looking at Luke’s gospel which is key book for this year’s lectionary. Bible and prayer in small group discussion for an hour followed by a cuppa if you have time to stay. Venue is the Crypt – enter church by side door, through kitchen, down the stairs. Each week’s material is free-standing so it is fine if you can only join us for one or more weeks. Revd Roger Dyer (Assistant Priest).

Advent to Candlemas Course

If you are looking for spiritual focus during Advent, Christmas and Epiphany you might like to try the Diocesan ‘Advent to Candlemas’ course that has been prepared by our friend Revd Canon Dr Jenny Holden the Diocesan Advisor for Christian Life. There is a little something to stimulate thought and prayer each day. The link to this from the Diocesan website is below. I warmly commend this to you. Revd Roger Dyer (Assistant Priest).
https://aoepiscopal.scot/diocesan-advent-to-candlemas-course-2025/

Tin Christmas Tree

Thank you very much to everyone that donated tinned food for our Tin Christmas Tree in 2024. We’ve decided to keep the tin tree going until Candlemas, so if you are still interested in providing a donation please do so up until 2nd February. Thank you!

St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral Annual General Meeting

St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral Annual General Meeting will take place after the 10am Service on Sunday 2nd February. Bishop Anne Dyer will be with us for the service and the AGM. Reports for the AGM should be available to send to the Diocesan Office about one week before the AGM.

New Ordinary Vestry Members Required

The Vestry are looking for a few new Ordinary Members as some existing members complete their period of service and because we’ve been running a little low on members for some time now. If you would like to know what’s involved or are keen to be nominated, please speak to the Vestry Secretary, David Rose. Nomination forms for Vestry membership and other Vestry offices are available at the back of church. Or please speak to David Rose if you would like an electronic copy.

Services and events commencing this Sunday and for the coming week

Sunday 12th January No 8am Service
Sunday 12th January 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Kate Gibson
Wednesday 15th January 10am Holy Communion: Revd Ferdinand von Prondzynski
Friday 17th January 6pm Compline: Revd Roger Dyer
Sunday 19th January 8am Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Roger Dyer
Sunday 19th January 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Kate Gibson

Next Sunday’s readings: Isaiah 62: 1-5; Psalm 36: 5-10; 1 Corinthians 12: 1-11
Gospel: John 2: 1-11

“To grow in holiness does not mean you now talk in hushed tones and every third sentence quotes the Bible. It means you live in more clear-minded hope.”
(David Powlison)

For any pastoral matters please contact our Assistant Priest Revd Roger Dyer on 07719 458571 or revrogdyer@btinternet.com

A very warm welcome to all

Refrain for Psalm 72: “Give the King your judgements, O God.”

Second Sunday after Christmas

Readings: Isaiah 60: 1-6; Ephesians 3: 1-12
Gospel: Matthew 2: 1-12

In our Gospel today

The Feast of the Epiphany is one of the major festivals of the Church, although its significance is not always well understood. The story of the three “wise men”, or ‘Magi”, is of course a somewhat mysterious one. Who were they, and what were they seeking, and why? Often, we are distracted by the narrative of Herod’s deviousness (and indeed cruelty, as we saw with the Holy Innocents). But what is really at the heart of the evangelist’s intention with his story?

In about a month we will be reminded, at the Feast of Candlemass, that Jesus is “a light to lighten the Gentiles”, which has a resonance in the account of the star that the Magi were following. But perhaps one thing we can focus on particularly is what has for centuries been suggested in the Collect for the Epiphany: that now we know God “by faith”, and that our destiny is to come to know God completely, as we may believe the Magi did. So let us enter into this new year with renewed faith, even as we continue to seek God in God’s continuing revelation to us in our lives. The Epiphany is a feast of Revelation.

Advent to Candlemas Course

If you are looking for spiritual focus during Advent, Christmas and Epiphany you might like to try the Diocesan ‘Advent to Candlemas’ course that has been prepared by our friend Revd Canon Dr Jenny Holden the Diocesan Advisor for Christian Life. There is a little something to stimulate thought and prayer each day. The link to this from the Diocesan website is below. I warmly commend this to you. Revd Roger Dyer (Assistant Priest).
https://aoepiscopal.scot/diocesan-advent-to-candlemas-course-2025/

Christmas Selection Box Collection

A very big thank you to all who donated Christmas Selection Boxes. These were donated to Barnardo’s the week before Christmas and were very much appreciated.

Tin Christmas Tree

Thank you very much to everyone that donated tinned food for our Tin Christmas Tree in 2024. The tins will be distributed to local charities or foodbanks.

East Garden Project

Good news! We have received formal approvals for Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent for the formation of the new East Garden Project at St Mary’s. We can now concentrate on funding applications in the new year.

St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral Annual General Meeting

St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral Annual General Meeting will take place after the 10am Service on Sunday 2nd February. Bishop Anne Dyer will be with us for the service and the AGM. Reports for the AGM should be available to send to the Diocesan Office about one week before the AGM.

New Ordinary Vestry Members Required

The Vestry are looking for a few new Ordinary Members as some existing members complete their period of service and because we’ve been running a little low on members for some time now. If you would like to know what’s involved or are keen to be nominated, please speak to the Vestry Secretary, David Rose. Nomination forms for Vestry membership and other Vestry offices are available at the back of church. Or please speak to David Rose if you would like an electronic copy.

Next Vestry Meeting

The next meeting of the Vestry is scheduled for Tuesday 7th January at 7:30pm. Please let the Vestry Secretary or Wardens know if you would like to bring anything to the attention of the Vestry.

Services and events commencing this Sunday and for the coming week

Sunday 5th January 8am Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Ferdinand von Prondzynski
Sunday 5th January 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Ferdinand von Prondzynski
Wednesday 8th January 10am Holy Communion: Revd Kate Gibson
Friday 10th January 6pm Compline: Iain Stewart
Sunday 12th January No 8am Service
Sunday 12th January 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Kate Gibson

Next Sunday’s readings: Isaiah 43: 1-7; Psalm 29; Acts 8: 14-17
Gospel: Luke 3: 15-17, 21-22

“All the great works of art, the cathedrals – the Gothic cathedrals and the splendid Baroque churches – are a luminous sign of God, and thus are truly a manifestation, an epiphany of God.”
(Benedict XVI)

For any pastoral matters please contact our Assistant Priest Revd Roger Dyer on 07719 458571 or revrogdyer@btinternet.com

A very warm welcome to all

Refrain for Psalm 148: “Praise, O praise the name of the Lord.”

First Sunday after Christmas

Readings: 1 Samuel 2: 18-20, 26; Colossians 3: 12-17
Gospel: Luke 2: 41-52

In our Gospel today

On Wednesday we marked the birth of Jesus, the Messiah and our Saviour and today’s Gospel, we meet him aged 12 years old. In today’s Gospel, Jesus and his family have been to the temple and Jesus has stayed behind. Despite being told by angels, visiting Shepherds, Kings and family friends that Jesus will be the saviour and Messiah the revelations come as a surprise, even a shock to his parents in this reading from Luke. We see in this account of this part of Jesus’ life that Jesus has divine wisdom way beyond that of his peers and elders. So, in this reading we see both the divine and human parts of Jesus – fully human and fully God – truly God with Us, Emmanuel, even before his earthly ministry as an adult begins.

There are clear parallels between our reading from Samuel and the Gospel – two boys in the temple, fulfilling their mission and continuing to grow in faith. Our Psalm is full of praise for the awesomeness of God, whilst in Colossians we are reminded that ‘the word of Christ now dwells within us’.

Advent to Candlemas Course

If you are looking for spiritual focus during Advent, Christmas and Epiphany you might like to try the Diocesan ‘Advent to Candlemas’ course that has been prepared by our friend Revd Canon Dr Jenny Holden the Diocesan Advisor for Christian Life. There is a little something to stimulate thought and prayer each day. The link to this from the Diocesan website is below. I warmly commend this to you. Revd Roger Dyer (Assistant Priest).
https://aoepiscopal.scot/diocesan-advent-to-candlemas-course-2025/

Christmas Services

Please note the following date for your diaries:

• Crossover Service: 11:15pm Tuesday 31st December, St James

Christmas Selection Box Collection

A very big thank you to all who donated Christmas Selection Boxes. These were donated to Barnardo’s this week and were very much appreciated.

Tin Christmas Tree

This year we are hoping to build a Tin Christmas Tree from donated tins of soup and other food stuffs. Our building efforts will go on throughout December (1st to 31st). Please note we’re looking for standard tins, like a Heinz tomato soup tin – not little ones or oddly shaped ones, for the integrity of construction! Please think about donating any form of tinned food and have fun building a Tin Christmas Tree. The tins will be distributed to local charities or foodbanks. Thank you in advance for your donations!

Church Calendar 2025

Still looking for a Hogmanay gift? Our 2025 Calendar could be the perfect new year present. Calendars are £10 each. All donations go to church funds.

East Garden Project

Good news! We have received formal approvals for Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent for the formation of the new East Garden Project at St Mary’s. We can now concentrate on funding applications in the new year.

Services and events commencing this Sunday and for the coming week

Sunday 29th December No 8am Service
Sunday 29th December 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Canon Dr Jenny Holden
Wednesday 1st January No Service
Friday 3rd January 6pm Compline: Revd Roger Dyer
Sunday 5th January 8am Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Ferdinand von Prondzynski Sunday 5th January 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Ferdinand von Prondzynski

Next Sunday’s readings: Isaiah 60: 1-6; Psalm 72: 1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3: 1-12
Gospel: Matthew 2: 1-12

“God simply told us to think of Jesus as Immanuel, which means ‘God with us.’ How amazing that one of the main ways God wants us to think about the person of Jesus is as ‘a sharing, an embrace of life by Life, a total identification of God with the object of his love.”
(Holly Sprink)

For any pastoral matters please contact our Assistant Priest Revd Roger Dyer on 07719 458571 or revrogdyer@btinternet.com

A very warm welcome to all

Refrain for Psalm 80: “Turn us again, O God of hosts;
show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.”

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Readings: Micah 5: 2-5a; Hebrews 10: 5-10
Gospel: Luke 1: 39-45, (46-55)

In our Gospel today

God might have chosen many ways in which to take human form and become known to us. By inhabiting the womb of Mary a very clear message is made about where God’s priorities lie. There is no bias towards respectability, wealth, prestige, indeed all the things which we might value seem to have been deliberately avoided.

Imagine today an unmarried peasant girl praising God for honouring her with a child in this way, would any of us listen? Perhaps one of the things which we need to learn from Christmas is to expect God in unlikely places.

Advent to Candlemas Course

If you are looking for spiritual focus during Advent, Christmas and Epiphany you might like to try the Diocesan ‘Advent to Candlemas’ course that has been prepared by our friend Revd Canon Dr Jenny Holden the Diocesan Advisor for Christian Life. There is a little something to stimulate thought and prayer each day. The link to this from the Diocesan website is below. I warmly commend this to you. Revd Roger Dyer (Assistant Priest).
https://aoepiscopal.scot/diocesan-advent-to-candlemas-course-2025/

Christmas Services

Please note the following dates for your diaries:
Carol Service: 6pm Sunday 22nd December, St Mary’s
Nativity Crib Service: 6pm Tuesday 24th December, St Johns
Christmas Eve Midnight Service: 11:30pm Tuesday 24th December, St Clements
Christmas Day Holy Communion: 10am Wednesday 25th December, St Mary’s
Crossover Service: 11:15pm Tuesday 31st December, St James

Christmas Selection Box Collection

A very big thank you to all who donated Christmas Selection Boxes. These were donated to Barnardos this week and were very much appreciated.

Tin Christmas Tree

This year we are hoping to build a Tin Christmas Tree from donated tins of soup and other food stuffs. Our building efforts will go on throughout December (1st to 31st). Please note we’re looking for standard tins, like a Heinz tomato soup tin – not little ones or oddly shaped ones, for the integrity of construction! Please think about donating any form of tinned food and have fun building a Tin Christmas Tree. The tins will be distributed to local charities or foodbanks. Thank you in advance for your donations!

Church Calendar and Christmas Cards

Our 2025 Calendars have now arrived and a new batch of Christmas Cards with three new views of St Mary’s in the snow. Calendars are £10 each and a pack of six Christmas Cards is £5. All donations go to church funds.

East Garden Project

Good news! We have received formal approvals for Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent for the formation of the new East Garden Project at St Mary’s. We can now concentrate on funding applications in the new year.

Services and events commencing this Sunday and for the coming week

Sunday 22nd December 8am Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Roger Dyer
Sunday 22nd December 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Kate Gibson
Sunday 22nd December 6pm Carol Service: Revd Jason Hobbs
Wednesday 25th December 10am Sung Eucharist: Bishop Anne Dyer
Friday 27th December No Compline
Sunday 29th December No 8am Service
Sunday 29th December 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Canon Dr Jenny Holden

Next Sunday’s readings: 1 Samuel 2: 18-20, 26; Psalm 148; Colossians 3: 12-17
Gospel: Luke 2: 41-52

“God is not ashamed of human lowliness but goes right into the middle of it.”
(Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

For any pastoral matters please contact our Assistant Priest Revd Roger Dyer on 07719 458571 or revrogdyer@btinternet.com