Newsletters

Sixth Sunday of Easter

St Mary’s and St Andrew’s Worshipping Together

A very warm welcome to all

Readings:
Acts 10: 44-48; Psalm 98; 1 John 5: 1-6; Gospel: John 15: 9-17

In our Gospel today

In our Gospel today, in these privileged final days of Eastertide, we listen once again to the words of Jesus at the Last Supper, as handed on to the Church by the Beloved Disciple. The language of this discourse is perfectly simple; the style repetitive. The thought moves in circles, or, perhaps better, in spirals. Yet it’s all divinely revealed wisdom. Here is unveiled for us the theology of the Holy Trinity, and the meaning and purpose of human life, and the height of Christian mysticism. We can never come to an end of reading these words of Jesus, meditating on them, wondering at them, rejoicing in them: for they are life for us, and our glory.

Missing pews return

As you will now be aware, we have ‘returned the missing pews’ that were moved to accommodate our social distancing over the past several months. You will note that they are replaced in such a position so as to continue to encourage social distancing, whilst at the same time, freeing up the Choir Vestry to get it ready for use in hopefully the very near future.  I would like to publicly thank Mrs Freddie Stephens and Family for not only setting up the previous pew arrangement, but for also moving them for the recent election process and afterwards putting all back in place. 

Photograph Competition

St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, Carden Place, Aberdeen, is holding a Photograph competition as part of our on-going fund-raising initiatives. The competition will run, until Trinity Sunday the 30^th of May inclusive. We are asking that anyone who wants to enter should submit their photograph(s) to Mr David Rose via the St Mary’s email address at stmaryscardenplace@gmail.com.  More details regarding this can be found on our website at www.stmaryscardenplace.org.uk

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.

Scottish Episcopal Institute Magazine

The May edition of the Scottish Episcopal Institute (SEI) Magazine is now available to view on the Provincial Website at www.scotland.anglican.org

Midweek Services

You will note that there are two midweek services next week. Wednesday is our usual Said Eucharist and Thursday commemorates Ascension Day. I am unable to provide a further service for Matthias the Apostle on Friday as we will be recording and I have other commitments to attend to later that day.

My diary

Next week, as well as my rest day on Monday, I would like to take Tuesday off. Please know that I am always contactable via the usual means, and if it cannot wait, then do not hesitate to get in touch.

Services/Events at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral week commencing 9th May 2021

• Sunday 9th May at 10 am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry)
• Monday 10^th May – Fr Terry – Day Off
• Tuesday 11^th May – Fr Terry – Annual leave day
• Wednesday 12th May 10 am Holy Communion (1970)
• Thursday 13^th May 10 am – Holy Communion – Ascension Day
• Friday 14^th May at 10 am – -Pre-Recording for online Sunday service
• Sunday 16th May at 10 am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry)

“With the coming of spring, I am calm again.”

(Gustav Mahler)

Blessings Always

Rev Canon Terry Taggart

terry_t_2000_uk@yahoo.co.uk

01224588776/07768219984

Fifth Sunday of Easter

St Mary’s and St Andrew’s Worshipping Together

A very warm welcome to all

Readings:
Acts 8: 26-40; Psalm 22: 24-30; 1 John 4: 7-21; Gospel: John 15: 1-8

In our Gospel today

In our Gospel today from John, Jesus made pronouncement statements. They are commonly referred to as the “I am” statements. They are 1. Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. No one who comes to me will ever be hungry again. Those who believe in me will never thirst” (John 6:35 NLT). 2. Jesus said to the people, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life” (John 8:12 NLT). 3. Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. Wherever they go, they will find green pastures (John 10:9 NLT). 4. Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again” (John 11:25 NLT). 5. Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NLT). The last is a part of our text for today, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.” In the verses for the Fifth Sunday of Easter Jesus instructs his disciples on three important relationships. First, disciples are to be related to Jesus in the right way. Second, they are to be related to the world in the same way. Finally, they are to remain faithful and help one another.

Photograph Competition

St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, Carden Place, Aberdeen, is holding a Photograph competition as part of our on-going fund-raising initiatives. The competition will run, until Trinity Sunday the 30^th of May inclusive. We are asking that anyone who wants to enter should submit their photograph(s) to Mr David Rose via the St Mary’s email address at stmaryscardenplace@gmail.com  More details regarding this can be found on our website at www.stmaryscardenplace.org.uk

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.

Moving the pews

Later on today (Sunday), the pews from one side of the church will be moved across to the other side in order to accommodate the Election Officials for the Election on Thursday the 6^th of May. Therefore, access to St Mary’s after this service, will be restricted from Tuesday, and only limited to those registered to vote here on Thursday the 6^th. The pews will be back in place for our Sunday worship. I will attend the Church at 5.45 am on Thursday Morning in order to allow access to the Polling station officials. I will re-attend at 9.55 pm in order to ensure the Church is secure when voting ceases at 10 pm.

Choir Vestry pews

As mentioned last Sunday, I have suggested that we should now consider bringing back the pews from the Choir vestry. This was discussed at a recent Vestry meeting and it was agreed that in doing this, it would eventually free up the hall for other uses. It was also agreed that when the pews are returned they will be set out in a particular way so as to continue encouraging social distancing. As always, we progress with caution and adherence to the regulations on the day.

Diocesan Newsletter

The Diocesan Newsletter is now available and can be accessed via the following link to the Diocesan Website: https://aoepiscopal.scot/diocesan-newsletter-28-april-2021/ The Newsletter can also be accessed via our own website at www.stmaryscardenplace.org.uk

Services/Events at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral week commencing 2nd May 2021

• Sunday 2nd May at 10 am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry)
• Tuesday 4^th May at 4 pm – Church being set up as Polling Station
• No Wednesday 10 am Service
• Thursday 6^th May at 6 am – 10 pm inc – Church open only as a Polling station
• Friday 7^th May at 10 am – -Pre-Recording for online Sunday service
• Sunday 9th May at 10 am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry)

“I am the vine, you are the branches”

(John 15:5)

Blessings Always

Rev Canon Terry Taggart

terry_t_2000_uk@yahoo.co.uk

01224588776/07768219984

Fourth Sunday of Easter

St Mary’s and St Andrew’s Worshipping Together

A very warm welcome to all

Readings:
Acts 4: 5-12; Psalm 23; 1 John 3: 16-24; Gospel: John 10: 11-18

In our Gospel today

In our Gospel today, we hear Jesus’ statement about bringing abundant life.  Last year when we heard the first half, Jesus’ statement about bringing abundant life was the conclusion. It was the ending point. Abundant life is the goal. Today his statement about abundant life is the beginning. It’s his purpose statement. It underlies everything he will say today. 

Further relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions

On Monday 26th April, we see a further relaxation of the restrictions we have been living with for many months. This is obviously very welcome news, especially for those many businesses, who, have been closed for some time. I for one support the Scottish Government’s cautious approach to this emergence from lockdown and I hope and pray that lessons have been learned regarding the need to remain careful and aware that the virus could return. 

Photograph Competition

St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, Carden Place, Aberdeen, is holding a Photograph competition as part of our on-going fund-raising initiatives. The competition will run, until Trinity Sunday the 30^th of May inclusive. We are asking that anyone who wants to enter should submit their photograph(s) to Mr David Rose via the St Mary’s email address at stmaryscardenplace@gmail.com  More details regarding this can be found on our website at www.stmaryscardenplace.org.uk

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.

People’s Warden Vacancy

I am still hopeful to recruit a People’s Warden for St Mary’s. Should anyone feel called to this important ministry in our Church, please let me know and I will be only too happy to discuss.

Readers/Intercessions Rota

As previously mentioned, I also need a volunteer to take on the role of preparing our readers / Intercessions rota. These rotas are prepared in advance for everyone involved and are necessary to ensure we have readers from across both St Mary’s and St Andrew’s congregations who know when they are required to read/intercede. Again, as above, please speak to me if you would like to offer your assistance.

No pre-recorded service next Sunday

There will be no pre-recorded service provided next Sunday. The Provincial Service is being recorded at St Mary’s on Tuesday and will be screened at 11 am on Sunday next.  I therefore direct you to the Provincial website at https://www.scotland.anglican.org

Vestry Meeting – Wednesday 28th April

There will be a Vestry Meeting held via Zoom at 7.30 pm on Wednesday the 28^th of April. Apologies please, to our Vestry Secretary Ms Elizabeth Smyth.  The previous minutes, together with the agenda and Rector’s Report will be circulated prior to the meeting.

Services/Events at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral week commencing 18th April 2021

• Sunday 25^th April at 10 am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry)
• Tuesday 27^th April AM – Assisting + Anne with recording of Provincial Service
• Wednesday 28^th  April at 10 am – Said Holy Communion (1970) (Cn Terry)
• Wednesday 28^th April at 7.30 pm – Vestry Meeting via Zoom
• Sunday 2^nd May at 10 am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry)

“The closer we are to the shepherd, the safer we are from the wolves.“

Blessings Always

Rev Canon Terry Taggart

terry_t_2000_uk@yahoo.co.uk

01224588776/07768219984

Third Sunday of Easter

St Mary’s and St Andrew’s Worshipping Together

A very warm welcome to all

Readings:
Acts 3: 12-19; Psalm 4; 1 John 3: 1-7; Gospel: Luke 24: 36b-48

In today’s Gospel

In our Gospel today, we hear another episode of the Risen Christ appearing to his disciples. Jesus appeared to them and said, “Peace be with you.” They thought they were seeing a ghost and were scared half to death. But he reassured them, “Don’t be upset, and don’t let all these doubting questions take over. Look – my hands; look at my feet – it’s really me. Touch me. Take my hand. Look me over from head to toe. A ghost doesn’t have muscle and bone like this.” As he said this, he showed them his hands and feet. Jesus was still Jesus.

Pre-recorded services

I hope that those who needed to, were able to make alternative arrangements for watching a pre-recorded service this Sunday. Apart from the SEC Provincial recorded service, there are a plethora of other services that can be accessed. As I said last week, I intend to provide a pre-recorded service for as long as I believe it is necessary, in fact, it may well be a permanent feature in our calendar.

Photograph Competition

St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, Carden Place, Aberdeen, is holding a Photograph competition as part of our on-going fund-raising initiatives. The competition will run, until Trinity Sunday the 30^th of May inclusive. We are asking that anyone who wants to enter should submit their photograph(s) to Mr David Rose via the St Mary’s email address at stmaryscardenplace@gmail.com  More details regarding this can be found on our website at www.stmaryscardenplace.org.uk As  a matter of interest, we have already had some entries, so I’m pleased that we are now officially up and running.

Vestry Meeting 28th April

There will be a Vestry meeting on Wednesday the 28th of April via Zoom. This will commence at 7.30 pm and the Rector’s report accompanied by the previous minutes will be circulated before the meeting. Any apologies please, to be directed to our Vestry Secretary Ms Elizabeth Smyth or myself.

Wednesday Holy Communion Service

I am resuming the Wednesday 10 am Said (Low Mass) Holy Communion Service at St Mary’s with effect Wednesday the 21^st of April. Pre-Booking will not be required, however, I will still need to record names on the day. We need to walk before we can run, and this slow, but hopefully steady return to normal services is a positive move. I hope to gradually re-introduce some morning and evening prayer services when logistics and practicalities allow.

The Blessed Virgin Mary’s Day

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 week commencing 18th April 2021

• Sunday 18^th April at 10 am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry)
• Wednesday 21^st April at 10 am – Said Holy Communion (Cn Terry)
• Friday 23^rd April at 10 am – Recording Service for Sunday (Cn Terry)
• Sunday 25^th April at 10 am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry)

“Blessed are those who have not seen and have yet believed.”

Blessings Always

Rev Canon Terry Taggart

terry_t_2000_uk@yahoo.co.uk

01224588776/07768219984

Second Sunday of Easter

St Mary’s and St Andrew’s Worshipping Together

A very warm welcome to all

Readings:
Acts 4: 32-35; Psalm 133; 1 John 1: 1-22; Gospel: John 20: 19-31

In today’s Gospel

In our Gospel reading today from John, it’s strange when you think about it – the disciples spend the evening of Easter Day behind locked doors.  Peter and another disciple have seen the empty tomb.  Mary Magdalene has spoken with the risen Christ, and she has told the disciples about it.  You’d think they would be off celebrating, announcing to anyone who would listen that Jesus is alive again.  Instead, they hide.  They act like disciples whose leader is dead. But we now know different!

Photograph Competition

St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, Carden Place, Aberdeen, is holding a Photograph Competition as part of our on-going fund-raising initiatives. The competition will run from Easter Sunday until Trinity Sunday the 30^th of May inclusive. We are asking that anyone who wants to enter should submit their photograph(s) to Mr David Rose via the St Mary’s email address at stmaryscardenplace@gmail.com  More details regarding this can be found on the What’s On page our website at www.stmaryscardenplace.org.uk in the news and notices section.

An update on my plans this coming week

On Tuesday I shall travel by train, down to Lincolnshire, for my Father in Law’s funeral. Sam and I will return by car afternoon of Thursday the 15th. Due to the fact that we will be getting home around 1-2am on Friday morning, I have decided that there will not be a pre-recorded service next week. I therefore ask those who usually tune in to look to the Provincial service instead. Subsequently there will be no morning or evening prayers next week, but hopefully there will be more provision of said services the following week. I thank all of you for your patience and prayers at this time.

Research on Response of Scottish Church to COVID-19

I recently took part in the ACTS/SCLF research into the response of the Scottish Church to the COVID-19 Pandemic at the end of 2020. The final report, which can be accessed at  https://www.brendanresearch.com/projects/sclf-acts-covid19 concluded the following: The report demonstrates that the Scottish Church has been faithful to its calling, preaching the Word in season and out of season, and witnessing to the love and faithfulness of God at a time of unprecedented disruption and suffering. From everyone’s responses, based on the key findings, the recommendations to the Scottish Church are:

1. Online worship is here to stay and must be adequately resourced
2. Online worship must be adequately reflected upon
3. The Scottish Church should not rush back to pre-lockdown ministry and mission
4. Cross-denominational partnership in mission should be better understood and extended
5. Further research into the social capital generated by the churches should be undertaken

Services/Events at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral week commencing 11th April 2021

Sunday 11^th April 10 am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry)

Sunday 18^th April 10 am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry)

“Christ has not only spoken to us by his life, but has also spoken for us by his death.”

(Soren Kierkegaard)

Blessings Always

Rev Canon Terry Taggart

terry_t_2000_uk@yahoo.co.uk

01224588776/07768219984