Newsletters

A very warm welcome to all

Psalm 95: “O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!”

Christ the King

Readings: Ezekiel 34: 11-16, 20-24; Ephesians 1: 15-23
Gospel: Matthew 25: 31-46

In our Gospel today

The annual cycle of the Church’s year comes to an end with the Feast of Christ the King. The year that begins with the hope of the coming Messiah ends with the proclamation of Jesus’ universal sovereignty.

The ascension has revealed that Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, and final judgement is one of his proper purposes. But what type of King is this? This king is also a shepherd. A shepherd working amongst the flock getting dirty and sweaty as the goats are sorted out from the sheep. In our gospel reading we learn the basis upon which this judgement will be made. We are to be judged by how we treat others.

Revd Canon Dr Jenny Holden

This week Revd Dr Jenny Holden was elected to the Cathedral Chapter by the clergy of the Diocese. Well done, Jenny! The Chapter is constituted to give ‘godly advice to the Bishop’. Jenny’s formal title is now Revd Canon Dr Jenny Holden.

Christmas Worship

Reverend Roger Dyer recently contacted Bishop Dorsey McConnell about Christmas worship at St Mary’s. The good news is that +Dorsey has offered to be with us for our 11:30pm Midnight Service on Christmas Eve and again at 10am on Christmas Day.

Calendar 2024

The St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral Calendar for 2024 is now available in church. Single copies can be purchased at the price of £10. If you’d like to purchase more than one, we will offer a 10% discount on the total payable.

Collecting Christmas Selection Boxes

We started collecting Christmas Selection Boxes from Sunday 19th November. Thank you to all that have already contributed. We already have a nice pile of selection boxes. These will be distributed to charities such as Barnardos and Cyrenians.

Gin & Whisky Bottle Appeal

Many thanks to all that contributed nice gin and whisky bottles to our yearly appeal. Over 100 bottles have now been collected by the candle company Tipsy House, with a promise of a donation in return before Christmas. The company has recently changed hands with a new manufacturing unit now in Kemnay and is up and running with retail units in Union Square and the Bon Accord Centre. Chris Webster, the new Director, said “I am really grateful that you have kept the contact with Tipsy, and hopefully we will be able to have a lasting relationship going forward.”

Services/Events Commencing Sunday the 26th November 2023

Sunday 26th November No 8am Service
Sunday 26th November 10am Christ the King (1982 Liturgy): Revd Kate Gibson Tuesday 28th November 10am Morning Prayer: Revd Roger Dyer
Wednesday 29th November 10am Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Roger Dyer
Thursday 30th November 10am (Feast of St Andrew): Revd Roger Dyer
Friday 1st December 6pm Compline: Revd Roger Dyer
Sunday 3rd December 8am said Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Canon Dr Jenny Holden
Sunday 3rd December 10am Christ the King (1982 Liturgy): Revd Canon Dr Jenny Holden

Sunday 3rd December readings: Isaiah 64: 1-9; Psalm 80: 1-7, 17-19;
1 Corinthians 1: 3-9
Gospel: Mark 13: 24-37

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing.”
(Edmund Burke)

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

“Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, you are very great.”

Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

Readings: Zephaniah 1: 7, 12-18; 1 Thessalonians 5: 1-11
Gospel: Matthew 25: 14-30

In our Gospel today

The prophet Zephaniah calls for renewal, that the nation returns to right relationship with God and each other, during the reign of Josiah (640-609 BCE). He speaks of the ‘Day of the Lord’, a terrible day of judgement that is to come.

Two decades after Jesus’ death and resurrection Paul still clearly indicates his conviction that Jesus will return soon. He uses the same phrase calling this the ‘Day of the Lord’. Paul is addressing the understandably growing complacency, even scepticism, with Jesus’ return delayed.

In our gospel reading Jesus teaches that we are to use the talents given to us wisely for there is to be a reckoning before God and judgement will be delivered with some entering into joy and others being cast into outer darkness.

Christmas Worship

Reverend Roger Dyer contacted Bishop Dorsey McConnell this week about Christmas worship at St Mary’s. The good news is that +Dorsey has offered to be with us for our 11:30pm Midnight Service on Christmas Eve and again at 10am on Christmas Day.

Vestry Meeting

The Vestry are meeting on Tuesday evening (21st November at 7pm) and Bishop Dorsey McConnell will be present. Dave Chouman, our architect, has also been invited to make a short presentation on our Quinquennial Reports.

Calendar 2024

The St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral Calendar for 2024 is now available in church. Single copies can be purchased at the price of £10. If you’d like to purchase more than one, we will offer a 10% discount on the total payable.

Collecting Christmas Selection Boxes

We plan to start collecting Christmas Selection Boxes from this Sunday 19th November. In fact, some congregation members started giving early and we already have a small pile of selection boxes. These will be distributed to charities such as Barnardos and Cyrenians.

Gin & whisky bottle appeal

Many thanks to all that contributed nice gin and whisky bottles to our yearly appeal. Over 100 bottles have now been collected by the candle company Tipsy House, with a promise of a donation in return before Christmas. The company has recently changed hands with a new manufacturing unit now in Kemnay and is up and running with retail units in Union Square and the Bon Accord Centre. Chris Webster, the new Director, said “I am really grateful that you have kept the contact with Tipsy, and hopefully we will be able to have a lasting relationship going forward.”

Services/Events Commencing Sunday the 19th November 2023

Sunday 19th November 8am Said Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Roger Dyer
Sunday 19th November 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Roger Dyer
Tuesday 21st November 10am Morning Prayer: Revd Roger Dyer
Wednesday 22nd November 10am Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Roger Dyer
Friday 24th November 6pm Compline: Revd Roger Dyer
Sunday 26th November No 8am Service
Sunday 26th November 10am Christ the King (1982 Liturgy): Revd Kate Gibson

Sunday 26th November readings: Ezekiel 34: 11-16, 20-24; Psalm 95: 1-7a;
Ephesians 1: 15-23
Gospel: Matthew 25: 31-46

BBC Prom 13 Verdi’s Requiem – Dies Irae & Tuba Mirum

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

“O Lord my God, in you I take refuge.”

Remembrance Sunday

Readings: Job 19: 21-27; 1 Corinthians 15: 51-57
Gospel: John 6: 37-40

In our Gospel today

The readings for Remembrance Sunday speak of suffering, redemption and eternal life. In Job we hear Job, who has endured great suffering, expresses his deep longing for a Redeemer or advocate. He believes that his Redeemer lives and will stand on the earth in the last days. Job’s faith in God’s ultimate justice and salvation is evident as he hopes for a future reconciliation with his Redeemer. In our Gospel reading Jesus assures his followers that all who come to him will not be rejected. He emphasizes that it is God’s will for him to lose none of those who believe in him, and they will have eternal life. Jesus emphasizes that the faithful will be raised up on the last day.

Calendar 2024

Our St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral Calendar for 2024 are available in church now. Single copies can be purchased at the price of £10. If you’d like to purchase more than one, we will offer a 10% discount on the total payable.

Collecting Christmas Selection Boxes

We plan to start collecting Christmas Selection Boxes from Sunday 19th November. These will be distributed to charities such as Barnardos and Cyrenians

Mexican Night – Friday 17th November at 7pm

On Friday 17th November we plan to have a Bring & Share Mexican Evening in the Choir Vestry. Please sign up on the sheet at the back of church if you are coming along to the Mexican Evening and add what you are planning to bring. Please remember to bring your own drinks! Here are some suggestions: chilli, vegetarian chilli, guacamole, sour cream, Mexican sauce, tortillas, tortilla chips, nachos, grated cheddar cheese, Mexican black beans, etc.

Many thanks to the Gardening Gangs that have done such a great job on the weeding in the church grounds over the last few weeks. It would be great to keep the effort going for another few weeks if the weather is fair to clear the east end of the grounds – at least as best we can!

Services/Events Commencing Sunday the 12th November 2023

Sunday 12th November 8am Remembrance Sunday Said Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Dr Jenny Holden
Sunday 12th November 10am Remembrance Sunday Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Dr Jenny Holden
Tuesday 14th November 10am Morning Prayer: Revd Roger Dyer
Wednesday 15th November 10am Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Roger Dyer
Thursday 16th November 10am (Saint Margaret) Holy Communion: Revd Roger Dyer
Friday 17th November 6pm Compline: Revd Roger Dyer
Friday17th November 7pm Mexican Evening
Sunday 19th November 8am Said Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Roger Dyer
Sunday 19th November 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Roger Dyer

Sunday 19th November readings: Zephaniah 1: 7, 12-18; Psalm 104: 1-7, 24-30; 1 Thessalonians 5: 1-11
Gospel: Matthew 25: 14-30

“They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them.”
(Laurence Binyon)

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

“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.”

Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost

Readings: Micah 3: 5-12; 1 Thessalonians 2: 9-13
Gospel: Matthew 23: 1-12

In our Gospel today

If we see a ‘Beware of the Dog’ sign in front of a house, we know to stay away. In our gospel reading Jesus gives us a ‘Beware of False Teachers’ sign.

We find Jesus at his fiercest in the words recorded in Matthew chapter 23. He hated religious hypocrites and warned the crowds about them. The scribes and Pharisees were hypocrites; they did not do what they taught. And in this passage Jesus tells us the tell-tale signs by which we can identify such hypocrites – they love to be seen and they love honour.

We would do well to heed this warning from Jesus not only in relation to religious leaders but also for ourselves. The hypocrite is a deceiver of other people. What counts to the hypocrite is not what they are really like but what others think they are like. Jesus, of course, is interested only in the inner person (and its congruence with the outer person).

Calendar 2024

Hopefully, by the time we are all in church on Sunday 5th November we will have the St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral Calendar for 2024. Copies should be available for purchase from that day and the price for one is £10. If you’d like to purchase more than one, we will offer a 10% discount on the total payable.

Collecting Christmas Selection Boxes

We plan to start collecting Christmas Selection Boxes from Sunday 19th November. These will be distributed to charities such as Barnardos and Cyrenians

Mexican Night – Friday 17th November

On Friday 17th November we plan to have a Bring & Share Mexican Evening in the Choir Vestry. The idea is to bring along Mexican food and drinks to share. So please start thinking about your Mexican recipes and drinks and dust off your sombreros!

Gardening Gangs

Many thanks to the Gardening Gangs that have done such a great job on the weeding in the church grounds over the last few weeks. It would be great to keep the effort going for another few weeks if the weather is fair to clear the east end of the grounds – at least as best we can!

Bottle Appeal

We ask everyone to consider donating attractive (and empty) gin or whisky bottles for our ‘Bottle Appeal’. This is an ongoing fundraising initiative and we ask you to keep your eyes open.

Services/Events Commencing Sunday the 5th November 2023

Sunday 5th November 8am Said Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy) Revd Dr Jenny Holden
Sunday 5th November 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Presiding Revd Dr Jenny Holden and preaching Dr Nicola Mills
Tuesday 7th November 10am Morning Prayer: Revd Roger Dyer
Wednesday 8th November 10am Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Roger Dyer
Friday 10th November 6pm Compline: Iain Stewart
Sunday 12th November 8am Said Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Dr Jenny Holden
Sunday 12th November 10:45am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Dr Jenny Holden

Sunday 12th November readings: Solomon 6: 17-20; Psalm 70; 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18
Gospel: Matthew 25: 1-13

“He preaches well that lives well.”
(Cervantes, Don Quixote)

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

“The Lord knows the way of the righteous.”

Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost

Readings: Leviticus 19: 1-2, 15-18; 1 Thessalonians 2: 1-8
Gospel: Matthew 22: 34-46

In our Gospel today

How can I get through the day without a little G-R-U-D-G-E B-E-A-R-I-N-G!!! That is a good question! How can we go through life avoiding the bad things that Jesus wants us to avoid—and doing the good things that he wants us to do? How can we keep from saying bad things about our neighbour—especially when our neighbour deserves it? How can we control our feelings? How can we keep from hating a bad neighbour?

The answer is that we can’t—at least not on our own. I can tell myself every day not to hate my neighbour and end up hating myself for hating my neighbour. I can try really hard not to engage in grudge bearing, but it probably isn’t going to work.

If I am going to love my neighbour, I must first love God— and then be willing to let God help me to love my neighbour. The lawyer asked Jesus for one great commandment, but Jesus gave him two—love God— love your neighbour. The two go together. Each leans on the other and helps to support it.

It is hard to show our love for God, because God isn’t really needy—so God gave us a neighbour. The idea is that, when we help our neighbour, it is as if we are helping God.

We might find it impossible to love our neighbour, but it becomes possible when we first love God. God not only tells us to love our neighbour—God re-shapes our hearts to make it possible.

So, these two loves go together—love of God and love of neighbour. We can’t really love our neighbour unless we first love God, and we can’t really demonstrate our love for God without our neighbour.

All Souls, Thursday 2nd November 7pm

A Service to Remember the Faithful Departed. At this service there will be an opportunity to light a candle in memory of a loved one who has died. If you would like names of those who have died to be read out during this service, please place their names on the sign-up sheet available in church or email to revrogdyer@btinternet.com
Please do invite any family, friends, or neighbours for whom you think this service might be helpful.

Diocesan Library – we need your help

Thank you very much to those of you that have expressed your views on the future of the Diocesan Library so far. The Vestry would like to continue canvas the views of the congregation, so if you’d like to share your views and ideas, please talk to a Vestry member, or email us at stmaryscardenplace@gmail.com.

Mexican Night – Friday 17th November

On Friday 17th November we plan to have a Bring & Share Mexican Evening in the Choir Vestry. The idea is to bring along Mexican food and drinks to share. So please start thinking about your Mexican recipes and drinks and dust off your sombreros!

Gardening Gangs

Many thanks to the Gardening Gangs that have done such a great job on the weeding in the church grounds over the last few weeks. It would be great to keep the effort going for another few weeks if the weather is fair to clear the east end of the grounds – at least as best we can!

Bottle Appeal

We ask everyone to consider donating attractive (and empty) gin or whisky bottles for our ‘Bottle Appeal’. This is an ongoing fundraising initiative and we ask you to keep your eyes open.

Services/Events Commencing Sunday the 29th October 2023

Sunday 29th October 8am Said Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy) Revd Jason Hobbs
Sunday 29th October 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Jason Hobbs
Tuesday 31st October 10am Morning Prayer: Revd Roger Dyer
Wednesday 1st November 10am All Saints Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Roger Dyer
Thursday 2nd November All Souls Commemoration of the Faithful Departed: Revd Roger Dyer and Revd Jason Hobbs
Friday 3rd November 6pm Compline: Iain Stewart
Sunday 5th November 8am Said Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Dr Jenny Holden
Sunday 5th November 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Presiding Revd Dr Jenny Holden and preaching Dr Nicola Mills

Sunday 5th November readings: Micah 3: 5-12; Psalm 43; 1 Thessalonians 2: 9-13
Gospel: Matthew 23: 1-12

“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

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