Newsletters

Newsletter – Sunday 24th October 2021

23/10/2021 by Reverend Canon Terry Taggart

Celebrating the Harvest

St Mary’s and St Andrew’s Worshipping Together

A very warm welcome to all

Readings: Jeremiah 31: 7-9; Psalm 126; Hebrews 7: 23-28

Gospel: Mark 10: 46-52

In today’s Gospel

In our Gospel reading today, we hear about the story of Blind Bartimaeus, which sort of acts as a bookend in Mark’s Gospel. It closes out a long section that began back in chapter eight, when Jesus healed another blind man – only that time, Jesus had to spit twice before the man could see. This whole section has come to its climax here in chapter ten, where we’ve been walking with Jesus this month. The itinerary Jesus and his disciples have been following, as they travel from Galilee to Jerusalem, has been pretty … eventful.

All Souls Service

Our ‘All Souls’ Service will take place here at 7pm on Tuesday the 2nd of November. During this time, we will remember the souls of the dearly departed. The members of our family whom we have lost and miss so very much. Those friends we grew up with, those work colleagues. We will remember them all in prayer with some appropriate musical accompaniment. Should you wish a loved one’s name to be read out during the service, please either email, call, text, or speak with me prior to the service. There will also be a sheet at the back of the church for those who wish to place names thereon.

Harvest Donations

On Wednesday, our Sacristan Anne Farquhar and I bagged up the food donations from last week’s Harvest Festival celebrations. I was then able to speak to the Aberdeen Cyrenians, whom we have had a past association with, and arranged for them to collect the food. There were 16 full bags of tinned and dry food which proved to be a very substantial amount. Thank you all so much for your marvellous generosity which will go a long way to helping other people who are in a greater need.

Travel

Sam and I will be travelling down south on Thursday to see the granddaughters. I will be returning on Monday the 1st of November, however Sam may remain for a while longer. This will mean that there will be no pre-recorded service being provided from St Mary’s on the 31st and for those who watch online, I would direct you to the Provincial service which is usually broadcast at 11 am

Service Cancellations

There will also be no 8 am service or Zoom Brunch on Sunday the 31st of October, I have however, arranged for more than suitable Clergy cover for the Sung Eucharist at 10 am which will celebrate All Saints day.

SECMA

The Scottish Episcopal Church Mission Association (SECMA) Magazines are here. This Church has always given generously towards this wonderful and hard-working arm of the SEC and between now and the end of October, I would ask you to consider, if you are able, to make your SECMA donation separate as part of the retiring collection (in a separate plate or appropriately marked envelope). This can be cash/cheque.

Christmas Cards

As I have ben mentioning recently, there’s no time like the present to prepare for Christmas. With that in mind, the St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral Christmas cards are now available. You will find them at the rear of the Church as you leave and also in the Choir Vestry if you are joining us for a cuppa after the service. All we ask is the same as last year; £1 per card, or £5 for a pack of six. They are lovely cards, professionally designed by Mr Stuart Smith at Alt 10 Interactive, the local company who built our website.

Confirmation

I would like to put out a call to all of those who have yet to be confirmed in the Scottish Episcopal Church and are considering taking on this further commitment in faith. I urge you to get in touch so we can talk about it and delve deeper with a view to experiencing this momentous step in your Christian lives. Feel free to either email, text or call me; or even give me the nod when we conclude our worship and I will ensure space in my diary

Services/Events at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral w/c Sunday the 24th of October 2021

Sunday 24th October at 8 am – Said Holy Communion (Cn Terry-1970)

Sunday 24th October at 10 am Sung Eucharist (Cn Terry-1982)

Monday 25^th October Cn Terry – Admin day at home

Tuesday 26^th October at 10 am Morning Prayers (Cn Terry)

Wednesday 27^th October at 10 am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry – 1970) Followed by Tea / Coffee

Sunday 31st October at 10 am – Sung Eucharist – All Saints Day (1982 – Followed by Tea and Coffee)

“Like the doctrine of the Holy Trinity and the miraculous birth of our Saviour, the truth of election must be received with simple, unquestioning faith”

(A.W. Pink)

Blessings Always

Rev Canon Terry Taggart

terry_t_2000_uk@yahoo.co.uk

01224588776/07768219984

Newsletter – Sunday 17th October 2021

16/10/2021 by Reverend Canon Terry Taggart

Celebrating the Harvest

St Mary’s and St Andrew’s Worshipping Together

A very warm welcome to all

Readings: Joel 2: 21-27; Psalm 100; Philippians 4: 4-9

Gospel: John 6: 25-35

In today’s Gospel

In our Gospel reading today, this lesson speaks against a simple “Thank you God for the harvest” message for Thanksgiving. It reminds us that we have deeper hungers and thirsts that bread alone does not satisfy. It calls us to make our relationship with Jesus as really real as bread is. The challenge for us is NOT that we see Jesus with our eyes and believe in IDEAS about Jesus. The challenge for us is to SEE which things perish and which things endure, and to embed ourselves – to abide in, to focus our living on – the things that endure. Because only the things that endure truly satisfy, and only the things that endure bring true life. The challenge for us is to BOND with Jesus in a way that is as real as eating real bread.

Evensong

There will be an Evensong service later today (Sunday) commencing at 4pm. We shall have a small choir, who with Matthew our Organist and Mr Sam Paul, have worked very hard to bring this to us here at St Mary’s. I sincerely hope that some of you can find time to attend this service, which I can guarantee you will feel much the better for having experienced it.

Zoom Brunch

There will be no 1pm ‘Zoom Brunch’ today. This is to allow all of us some small amount of breathing space between each of the three services provided today. Normal service all be resumed on Sunday the 24th October. There will also be no recorded service provided for the 17th as I have some pressing commitments on the Friday morning. I would therefore guide those who normally watch this service to the Provincial service which is usually broadcast at 11 am each Sunday.

All Souls Service

Our ‘All Souls’ Service will take place here at 7pm on Tuesday the 2nd of November. During this time, we will remember the souls of the dearly departed. The members of our family whom we have lost and miss so very much. Those friends we grew up with, those work colleagues. We will remember them all in prayer with some appropriate musical accompaniment. Should you wish a lot one’s are to be read out during the service, please either email, call, text or speak with me prior to the service. There will also be a sheet at the back of the church for those who wish to place names thereon.

SECMA

Christmas Cards

Confirmation

Memorial Service

I am looking at providing a service of memorial and thanksgiving for those who suffered loss during the height of the Corona Virus pandemic, and also to give thanks to the wonderful and dedicated members of our NHS who worked, and continue to do so, in the battle to keep on top of this devastating virus. I am hoping that it can be an ecumenical event with contributions from different faiths and denominations. Please watch this space.

Last Day of Poem Competition

Today is the last day when you can submit your poem for our competition. I have challenged 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. I also urge any of our children who attend our services to think about entering as well. 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 stmaryscardenplace@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.

Services/Events at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral w/c Sunday the 17th of October 2021

Sunday 17th October at 8 am – Said Holy Communion (Cn Terry-1970)

Sunday 17th October at 10 am Sung Eucharist (Cn Terry-1982)

Sunday 17^th October at 4pm – Choral Evensong (CnTerry, Mr Matthew McVey, Mr Sam Paul and Choir

Monday 18^th October Cn Terry – Day off

Tuesday 19^th October at 10 am Morning Prayers (Cn Terry)

Wednesday 20^th October at 10 am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry – 1970) Followed by Tea / Coffee

Friday 22nd October at 10 am – Pre – recording service with Mr Matthew McVey

Sunday 24^th October at 8 am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry – 1970)

Sunday 24th October at 10 am – Sung Eucharist (Cn Terry – 1982)

Sunday 24th October at 1pm – Zoom Brunch

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant.”

(Robert Louis Stevenson)

Blessings Always

Rev Canon Terry Taggart

terry_t_2000_uk@yahoo.co.uk

01224588776/07768219984

Newsletter – Sunday 10th October 2021

09/10/2021 by Reverend Canon Terry Taggart

Trinity 19th

St Mary’s and St Andrew’s Worshipping Together

A very warm welcome to all

Readings: Amos 5: 6-7, 10-15; Psalm 90: 12-17; Hebrews 4: 12-16

Gospel: Mark 10: 17-31

In today’s Gospel

In our Gospel reading today, we usually hear this text as being all about our money and our wealth, and it reveals just how easily we confuse our wealth and possessions with our life. That’s why it is so hard “for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God.” I think that’s also why Jesus answered the man by talking about money. Too many of us are looking for what, I have heard described, as a “hearse with a trailer hook attached.” We want to take it all with us.

Harvest Festival

Next Sunday the 17^th of October, we will celebrate the Harvest. As I mentioned in last week’s newsletter, I would like to see if we can gather up as much non-perishable foodstuff as we can to be taken to a local food-bank, where, hopefully, it can be re-distributed to others who find themselves in much less fortunate circumstances than ourselves. So effectively I am asking for donations of tinned and unopened dry foods with a fairly long use-by date. This can be delivered to Church, or if not, let me know and I will pick it up from your home address. All of the food donated will be on display here for the service where it will be blessed before it is taken to the food bank. Thank you all in advance for your continued generosity.

Evensong at St Mary’s

On the subject of next Sunday, there will be an Evensong at 4pm. As promised, this replaces the one that had to be cancelled recently at short notice, and it is significant that we have it happening on our day of Harvest celebration. Matthew has worked very hard and has managed to get a small choir together for this service, which he has prepared for in full. We hope you will enjoy it and feel spiritually refreshed when you depart.

Zoom Brunch and Pre-Recorded Service

As a result of three services taking place next Sunday, (8am, 10am, 4pm), there will be no 1pm ‘Zoom Brunch’ that day. This is to allow all of us involved some small amount of breathing space between each event. Normal service all be resumed on Sunday the 24th October. There will also be no recorded service provided for the 17th as I have some pressing commitments on the Friday morning. I would therefore guide those who normally watch this service to the Provincial service which is usually broadcast at 11 am each Sunday.

SECMA

The Scottish Episcopal Church Mission Association (SECMA) Magazine will be with you soon. This Church has always given generously towards this wonderful and hard-working arm of the SEC and between now and the end of October, I would ask you to consider, if you are able, to make your SECMA donation separate as part of the retiring collection (in a separate plate). This can be cash/cheque in an envelope or otherwise highlighting SECMA.

Christmas Cards

As I mentioned last week, there’s no time like the present to prepare for Christmas. With that in mind, the St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral Christmas cards are now available. You will find them at the rear of the Church as you leave and also in the Choir Vestry if you are joining us for a cuppa after the service. All we ask is the same as last year; £1 per card, or £5 for a pack of six. They are lovely cards, professionally designed by Mr Stuart Smith at Alt 10 Interactive, the local company who built our website.

Choir Vestry Upgrade

St Mary’s Vestry Committee have voted to change the carpet and lighting in the Choir Vestry. It was proposed and carried that the carpet would be replaced with engineered wood flooring, thereby allowing a more hygienic and easier to clean floor. It was also proposed and carried that the current lighting system is replaced, like for like, which should also have a dimmer capacity therein. In accordance with Canon 35 (resolution 5) ‘Of the Structure, Furniture and Monuments of Churches, and the due care thereof’, I am required to allow a consultation period to receive comments/objections to said proposals. This period was actioned on the 12^th of September and will therefore expire today the 10^th of October.

Confirmation

Remembering in our prayers

For those of you who know the Rev’d Jean Soutar, please remember her in your prayers as she continues a course of chemotherapy for cancer of the liver.

Memorial Service

Last Day of Poem Competition

All Souls Service

There will be an early evening service on Tuesday the 2nd of November for All souls Day, when we will remember those who have passed into God’s Glory. Please let me know should there be anyone whose name you wish to be read out at the service. You can do this either by email, text or telephone, or even by getting my attention after a service when I can make a note of it. Due to Covid restrictions I would rather not put a document out for people to write on it, I am sure you understand my reticence in this matter.

Services/Events at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral w/c Sunday the 10th of October 2021

Sunday 10th October at 8 am – Said Holy Communion (Cn Terry-1970)

Sunday 10th October at 10 am Sung Eucharist (Cn Terry-1982)

Sunday 10th October at 1 pm – St Mary’s Zoom Brunch

Monday 11^th October – Cn Terry – Day off

Tuesday 12^th October at 10 am – Morning Prayer

Wednesday 13^th October at 10 am Holy Communion (1970) (Cn Terry)

Followed by Tea and Coffee

Sunday 17^th October at 8 am – Holy Communion (1970) (Cn Terry)

Sunday 17^th October at 10 am – Sung Eucharist (1982) (Cn Terry) Followed by Teas and Coffee.

Sunday 17^th October at 4pm – Choral Evensong (Cn Terry/ Matthew McVey + Choir)

“You never have to advertise a fire. Everyone comes running when there’s a fire. Likewise, if your church is on fire, you will not have to advertise it. The community will already know it.”

(Leonard Ravenhill)

Blessings Always

Rev Canon Terry Taggart

terry_t_2000_uk@yahoo.co.uk

01224588776/07768219984

Newsletter – Sunday 3rd October 2021

02/10/2021 by David Rose

Trinity 18th

St Mary’s and St Andrew’s Worshipping Together

A very warm welcome to all

Readings: Genesis 2: 18-24; Psalm 8; Hebrews 1: 1-4; 2: 5-12

Gospel: Mark 10: 2-16

In today’s Gospel

In our Gospel reading today, we hear about divorce. In today’s high-paced and stress-filled world, it’s harder to have a healthy marriage than ever. Yet, in spite of all the obstacles, God ordained the covenant of marriage for our benefit. Ideally, we’re not to live alone, but in loving and committed relationships, and in an ideal world, there would be no such thing as divorce. We don’t live in an ideal world. We live in a fallen world in which human nature always comes up short of the glory of God. That means, like it or not, divorce is a reality we simply have to live with.

Harvest Festival

On Sunday the 17^th of October, we will celebrate the Harvest. I would like, over the next two weeks, to see if we can gather up as much non-perishable foodstuff as we can to be taken to a local food-bank, where, hopefully, it can be re-distributed to others who find themselves in much less fortunate circumstances than ourselves. So effectively I am asking for donations of tinned and unopened dry foods with a fairly long use-by date. This can be delivered to Church, or if not, let me know and I will pick it up from your home address. All of the food donated will be on display here for the service where it will be blessed before it is taken to the food bank. Thank you all in advance for your continued generosity.

Senior Organ Scholar at University of Aberdeen

It gives me great pleasure to announce that our Organist, Mr Matthew McVey, has been awarded the role of Senior Organ Scholar at Aberdeen University. This will provide Matthew with playing, directing and administrative experience at Kings College Chapel as he continues with his studies. This is a significant recognition of Matthew’s burgeoning skills and I am sure I speak for us all when I congratulate him for achieving this position. Matthew played at his first service on Wednesday and messaged me the following. “To be able to play in such a setting as the University Chapel, to hear the four-part harmony of the Chapel Choir rising, was such a restoring experience”

Christmas Cards

As I mentioned last week, there’s no time like the present to prepare for Christmas. With that in mind, the St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral Christmas cards are now available. You will find them at the rear of the Church as you leave and also in the Choir Vestry if you are joining us for a cuppa after the service. All we ask is the same as last year; £1 per card, or £5 for a pack of six. They are lovely cards, professionally designed by Mr Stuart Smith at Alt 10 Interactive, the local company who built our website.

Choir Vestry upgrades

St Mary’s Vestry Committee have voted to change the carpet and lighting in the Choir Vestry. It was proposed and carried that the carpet would be replaced with engineered wood flooring, thereby allowing a more hygienic and easier to clean floor. It was also proposed and carried that the current lighting system is replaced, like for like, which should also have a dimmer capacity therein. In accordance with Canon 35 (resolution 5) ‘Of the Structure, Furniture and Monuments of Churches, and the due care thereof’, I am required to allow a consultation period to receive comments/objections to said proposals. This period was auctioned on the 12^th of September and will therefore expire on the 10^th of October. All communications need to be in writing, either by email or letter.

Confirmation

Remembering Reverend Jean Soutar

For those of you who know the Rev’d Jean Soutar, please remember her in your prayers as she continues a course of chemotherapy for cancer of the liver.

Memorial / Thanksgiving Service

I am looking at providing a service of memorial and thanksgiving for those who suffered loss during the height of the Corona Virus pandemic, and also to give thanks to the wonderful and dedicated members of our NHS who worked, and continue to do so, in the battle to keep on top of this devastating virus. I am hoping that it can be an ecumenical event with contributions from different faiths and denominations. Please watch this space.

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 stmaryscardenplace@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

Services/Events at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral w/c Sunday the 3rd of October 2021

Sunday 3^rd October at 8 am – Said Holy Communion (Cn Terry-1970)

Sunday 3^rd October at 10 am Sung Eucharist (Cn Terry-1982)

Sunday 3^rd October at 1 pm – St Mary’s Zoom Brunch

Monday 4^th October – Cn Terry – Day off

Tuesday 5^th October at 10 am – Morning Prayer

Wednesday 6^th October at 10 am Holy Communion (1970) (Cn Terry)

Followed by Tea and Coffee

Friday 8^th October at 10 am – Pre-Recording service (Cn Terry)

Sunday 10^th October at 8 am – Holy Communion (1970) (Cn Terry)

Sunday 10^th October at 10 am – Sung Eucharist (1982) (Cn Terry) Followed by Teas and Coffee.

Sunday 10^th October at 1 pm – St Mary’s Zoom Brunch

“That’s what I consider true generosity: You give your all, and yet you always feel as if it costs you nothing”

(Simone de Beauvoir)

Blessings Always

Rev Canon Terry Taggart

terry_t_2000_uk@yahoo.co.uk

01224588776/07768219984

Newsletter – Sunday 26th September 2021

25/09/2021 by Reverend Canon Terry Taggart

Trinity 17th

St Mary’s and St Andrew’s Worshipping Together

A very warm welcome to all

Readings: Numbers 11: 4-6, 10-16, 24-29; Psalm 19: 7-14; James 5: 13-20

Gospel: Mark 9: 38-50

In today’s Gospel

In our Gospel reading today, I don’t believe that Jesus wants us to take him literally when he talks about gouging out an eye or cutting off a hand, but I think he wants us to take him seriously. We certainly are obsessed with physical appearance – maintaining good health, eating the right things, and getting exercise. Jesus wants us to remember that the spiritual dimension of our life is just as important as the physical.

“I am the bread of life,” Jesus said, not once but twice. “I am the bread of life.” When was the last time you ate the bread of life? I’m not asking about the Holy Eucharist because I don’t think that is what Jesus is talking about in today’s gospel. I’m not denying that the Eucharist can be and is bread of life but maybe it’s just one slice in a larger loaf of bread. Maybe the bread of life is the Eucharist and more than the Eucharist. Maybe you and I are to become the bread of life, just like Jesus.Thank You

Notification of Work

St Mary’s Vestry Committee has voted to change the carpet and lighting in the Choir Vestry. It was proposed and carried that the carpet would be replaced with engineered wood flooring, thereby allowing a more hygienic and easier to clean floor. It was also proposed and carried that the current lighting system is replaced, like for like, which should also have a dimmer capacity therein. In accordance with Canon 35 (resolution 5) ‘Of the Structure, Furniture and Monuments of Churches, and the due care thereof’, I am required to allow a consultation period to receive comments/objections to said proposals. This period will last for 4 weeks from today’s date and will therefore expire on the 10^th of October. All communications need to be in writing, either by email or letter.

Cancellation of Choral Evensong

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Choral Evensong that was due to take place at St Mary’s on Sunday the 26^th of September (this Sunday) commencing at 4 pm, has had to be postponed. Please accept my most humble apologies in this instance and rest assured that a new date and time is being arranged for the very near future. Please spread the word on my behalf if you have made arrangements with others to attend.

Christmas Cards

Guess what, the first Sunday of Advent is only 9 weeks away! So, there’s no time like the present to prepare for what culminates after it. With that in mind, the St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral Christmas cards are now available. You will find them at the rear of the Church as you leave and also in the Choir Vestry if you are joining us for a cuppa after the service. All we ask is the same as last year; £1 per card, or £5 for a pack of six. They are lovely cards, professionally designed by Mr Stuart Smith at Alt 10 Interactive, the local company who built our website.

Confirmation

I continue to put out a call to all of those who have yet to be confirmed in the Scottish Episcopal Church and are considering taking on this further commitment in faith. I urge you to get in touch so we can talk about it and delve deeper with a view to experiencing this momentous step in your Christian lives. Feel free to either email, text or call me; or even give me the nod when we conclude our worship and I will ensure space in my diary.

Prayer Request

For those of you who know the Rev’d Jean Soutar, please remember her in your prayers as she continues a course of chemotherapy for cancer of the liver.

Memorial / Thanksgiving Service

Poem Competition

Drip-Feed

You will notice a certain repetitiveness in some of the newsletter items. I have a tendency to drip-feed information over an extended period in order to ensure that everyone is aware of what is, and what might be taking place at St Mary’s over the next few months or so. It is also useful, if you are able, to refer to our website at www.stmaryscardenplace.org.uk where you will also find other information.

Services/Events at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral w/c Sunday the 26th of September 2021

Sunday 26th September at 8 am – Said Holy Communion (Cn Terry-1970)
Sunday 26th September at 10 am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry – 1982)
Sunday 26th September at 11 am – Provincial Online Service from St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral (Cn Terry)
Sunday 26th September at 1 pm – St Mary’s Zoom Brunch
Monday 27th September – Cn Terry – Day off
Tuesday 28th September – at 11 am – Morning Prayer
Wednesday 29th September at 10 am – Holy Communion (1970) (Cn Terry) Followed by Tea and Coffee
Friday 1st October at 10 am – Pre-Recording Sunday Service
Sunday 3rd October at 8 am – Holy Communion (1970) (Cn Terry)
Sunday 3rd October at 10 am – Sung Eucharist (1982) (Cn Terry) Followed by Tea and Coffee
Sunday 3rd October at 1 pm – St Mary’s Zoom Brunch

“God writes the Gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars”

(Martin Luther)

Blessings Always

Rev Canon Terry Taggart

terry_t_2000_uk@yahoo.co.uk

01224588776/07768219984