Newsletters

Trinity 6

Readings:
Genesis 28: 10-19a; Psalm 139: 1-11; Romans 8: 12-25
Gospel: Matthew 13: 24-30, 36-43

“Where did these weeds come from?”

When you read today’s Gospel from Matthew, think on the following as you do so, and consider why you might want to ask the question – “Where did these weeds come from”. Who of us has not at some point asked that question? You may not have used those exact words and you may not have spoken them aloud, but I’ll bet everyone has, at one time or another asked the question. Maybe you’ve read or watched the news and wondered ‘How did our world get in this shape? How did it get to this point?’ It’s one headline after another isn’t it. War, Global terrorism, Immigration, Covid 19 and many more. Maybe life’s circumstances have left you asking yourself ‘How did my life get like this? What has become of me?’ We could all easily list the hurts and wounds of life, the betrayals and resentments, the addictions, fears and loneliness. On and on the list goes. Perhaps you have faced the death of a loved one, a devastating illness, or other tragedy, and want to know ‘Why, if God is Good and loving, did this happen?’ “Where then did these weeds come from?” We often live with the assumption that if we do good, work hard and be nice, everything should by all accounts, work out as we would want it to do. That is the illusion with which the slaves in today’s gospel live. “Master” they ask the farmer, “Did you not sow good seed in your field?” Of course he did. They know he did. That is why they are so surprised when they discover the weeds. The weeds have shattered their illusion. This isn’t supposed to happen. Where then, did these weeds come from?”

The re-opening of our Churches

Things are moving swiftly as far as the re-opening of our Churches is concerned. The recent change of tack by the Scottish Government to bring forward the option for places of worship to open from the 15^th of July is indeed welcome news. For several weeks, St Mary’s Vestry has been working extremely hard in an effort to ensure that all of our efforts will be properly risk-assessed before we decide to open for Worship Services. At the time of writing this, and after a detailed discussion with Vestry, I am hoping to re-open on Sunday the 2^nd of August. This is not set in stone and it may yet be delayed, but is provisional, depending on whether we are able to ensure everything is in place before we can allow people into the Church. We need to physically adjust some of the seating arrangements inside in order to comply with the SEC and Government guidelines, and there will be significant signage to help those who attend any of our future services. Your patience is very much appreciated.

Returning to Church

I would like to thank those who have responded to my request in last Sunday’s newsletter concerning the question whether you would be returning to Church at the first opportunity. Quite a few of you have decided that the time is not right and will continue to take advantage of other means to sustain your spiritual needs. And that is exactly why I asked this question. No one should feel pressured into coming back, we should address our priorities accordingly and do what our hearts and minds think is best.  Please be assured that all of you are in my prayers, and when the day comes when everyone feels ready to come back, there will be great rejoicing.

The future from a Clergy perspective

Speaking of returning to Church, Provost Isaac Poobalan and I continue to have weekly meetings to discuss the future from a Clergy perspective. In order to supplement the ‘Live Streaming’ services that we anticipate will be a feature after the Cathedral Church of St Andrew’s move to St Mary’s at the end of September, we have both agreed that our main Sung Eucharist service time will be brought forward to 10am. This is to assist with the fact that a live stream of services across the Province will be transmitted every Sunday at 10am and therefore we will adapt and improvise. This will not take effect until the 27^th of September and main Sunday services up to, but not including that date, will continue to begin at 10.15am. As far as the provision of an 8am service is concerned, please be assured that I am working on that and everyone will be updated accordingly as soon as the proper arrangements have been put in place.

Finances

As I have mentioned in previous newsletters, St Mary’s still has to attend to its many financial obligations despite the Church being closed, and it is more important than ever to ensure we have the resources to honour those commitments.  Some of you have sent me cheques/envelopes for your weekly giving donations and for that I am extremely grateful. I would encourage those who may be saving their envelopes up until a full return to normal Sunday services, to consider making a direct payment into St Mary’s Church bank account. I can provide the necessary information if you contact me on the details below. It is my utmost desire to ensure that we are able to observe all opportunities to cut down the risk of infection. However, if that method is not suitable and you would still like to contribute your envelopes, or make a donation, again, just contact me and I can make alternative arrangements to pick it up. Your continued support is so very much appreciated in these trying times.

I arise today, through
The strength of heaven,
The light of the sun,
The radiance of the moon,
The splendour of fire,
The speed of lightning,
The swiftness of wind,
The depth of the sea,
The stability of the earth,
The firmness of rock.

(An Irish Blessing)

Blessings Always

Fr Terry Taggart
Rector

Trinity 5

Readings:
Genesis 25: 19-end; Psalm 119: 105-112; Romans 8: 1-11
Gospel: Matthew 13: 1-9, 25, 18-23

A sower went out to sow

“A sower went out to sow: (Matthew 13:3). Who is the sower? God? Yes. Jesus? Yes. Those are the usual answers and they are certainly not wrong. God is always sowing God’s life in ours. Genesis 1:26 tells us that we are created in the image of God and according to God’s likeness. The kingdom of God is within you St Luke tells us in Luke 17:21. In today’s Epistle St Paul says “The Spirit of God dwells in you” (Romans 8:9, 11). Normally, in a few minutes we would hear Jesus’ words “ Take, eat. This is my Body, which is given for you,” and “Drink this all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Our prayers are often a request or desire for the ‘divine sower’ to spread some seed. Our thanksgivings are recognition of God’s sowing in our own lives. There are thousands of ways in which God, in and through Jesus, shares God’s self with us, sows God’s life in us. So the answer is Yes, God and Jesus are the sowers of seed.

Announcement by the Scottish Government

No doubt most of you will have heard the announcement by the Scottish Government, that Places of Worship were being allowed to open for formal gatherings with effect from the 15^th of July. The previous advice was given as the 23^rd of July, and the Advisory Group of the Scottish Episcopal Church had intended to issue revised guidance on Phase 3 of the Scottish Government Route Map out of lockdown following the corona virus pandemic. However, the Group had expected that the Scottish Government would announce a limit on attendance at services of worship within church buildings. The Group understands that a limit on numbers remains the intention of the Scottish Government, but the actual figure will not be confirmed until next week. In light of that development, the Advisory Group will defer publication of revised SEC guidance until after the attendance limit is announced. The Advisory Group is aware of the demand for clarity over Friday’s announcement by the Scottish Government that the easing of restrictions on worship has been brought forward to 15 July, and will make a further announcement as soon as the necessary information is made available to it.

St Mary’s Vestry

On the subject of the above, St Mary’s Vestry has been liaising regularly over the past weeks in an effort to prepare for re-opening and I can assure you that there is much to be considered and done. I would like to thank Mrs Anne Farquhar our Sacristan and Server, who has been attending the Church periodically, to attend to cleaning. As we look forward to gathering together again after such an extended period apart, I have to be realistic in how this will happen. There are certain criteria that must be complied with as we risk assess the opening of St Mary’s. This risk assessment must be in place and ratified by Bishop Anne before we open the doors. Of course, many of you will be aware of the restrictions that will need to be observed as we meet, and this is glaringly obvious when I have to consider numbers attending. As stated above, we await further advice regarding the maximum allowed to gather at any one time in Church, but I ask every one of you to consider the following questions. Will you be rushing back to Church when the green light is given to do so? Will your return to Church buildings be more reticent? Will you wait until even more restrictions have been lifted before you even consider it? I imagine that these, in my opinion, are the main concerns that are foremost in everyone’s thoughts. I would then ask you now to consider letting me know what your future intentions may be. My reason for asking this is practical more than personal. I need to gauge and estimate how many people I could expect to turn up for our first (and other) worship services once we progress as the maximum numbers allowed may well restrict how many I can allow in. In order to avoid any friction in the future, I would be grateful to hear your thoughts and intentions. Please feel free to contact me on the details below at your earliest convenience. This, unfortunately, is only a fraction of the many considerations that need to be observed as we journey towards the ‘New Normal’. What I would add is that I intend to live stream, if possible, our services once we are up and running.

Pro- Cathedral of the Diocese

I continue to liaise and pray regularly with The Very Rev’d Isaac Poobalan, Provost of St Andrew’s Cathedral Church, as we discuss and plan for the 27^th of September as St Mary’s takes on the role of Pro- Cathedral of this Diocese. These meetings are really important as we work to develop our personal and professional relationship and to plan how best to provide for both congregations as we prepare for the future.

Donations

Some of you continue to send me cheques/envelopes for your weekly giving donations. I would encourage others who may be saving their envelopes up until a full return to normal Sunday services, to consider making a direct payment into St Mary’s Church bank account. I can provide the necessary details if you contact me on the details below. If that method is not suitable and you would still like to contribute your envelopes, or make a donation, again, just contact me and I can make alternative arrangements to pick it up. Your continued support is so very much appreciated in these trying times.

Zoom Breakfasts

Our ‘Zoom Breakfast’ continues on Sunday at 10 am and I look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible. Should you wish to join us, please contact me on the details below and I shall let you have all of the access details you will require. The reasons why I don’t publish those details on this document are twofold; (a) This document is put onto the Face book social Website which is accessible by anyone, anywhere, (b) We can negate the possibility of anyone who would join us for more nefarious reasons.

‘May the nourishment of the earth be yours,
May the clarity of light be yours,
May the fluency of the ocean be yours,
May the protection of the ancestors be yours.’

(John O’Donohue, from ‘Benedictus: A Book of Blessings’ )

Blessings Always

Fr Terry Taggart
Rector

Trinity 4

Readings:
Genesis 24: 34-38, 42-49, 58-end; Psalm 45: 10-end; Romans 7: 15-25
Gospel: Matthew 11: 16-19, 25-end

Jesus’ ‘reproach of the cities’

In today’s Gospel, Matthew calls this Jesus’ ‘reproach of the cities’. That’s basically just a nicer way of saying that Jesus is pretty annoyed and he’s telling them how it is. The lectionary actually omits this section. We don’t much like ‘reproach’. We don’t like it in our lives and we don’t like it in our scriptures. Most would rather skip quickly on to the good part that part about the humble and gentle Jesus who we think is going to make life easy for us. But we need to hear these words of reproach. They are important words, so I commend you to read the whole of the reading Matthew 16: 1-30. Reproach in Jesus is not rejection. It is the other side of care and concern. I wonder what Jesus would say to us today as individuals, as a Charge, as a Nation. Are we different from Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum? How have we responded to Christ and his Gospel?

Our imminent change to Pro Cathedral in September

This week I have had 4 meetings via the Zoom app, all of which have been connected to our imminent change to Pro Cathedral in September. It would be misleading to say that everything is slotting easily into place. I am acutely aware that this transition will throw up many challenges, both for us at St Mary’s and for everyone at the Cathedral Church of St Andrew’s. These challenges are being met head on and I am deeply humbled by the determination of everyone involved from both St Mary’s and St Andrew’s to ensure we can reach unanimous agreement on all of the areas we have discussions about. I promise to keep everyone updated as future developments take place.

Risk assessment

I am currently compiling a risk assessment to be submitted to Bishop Anne for approval in order to allow St Mary’s to open up for a few hours on specified days of the week for private prayer. There is much to consider and do before I can officially open the doors so please be patient as the Vestry and I work to make this happen. At the time of writing this I have received guidance from the Province on the forthcoming phase three ‘return to church’ document for the SEC. The full guideline, which will be published next week, will heavily influence the decision to open our doors, and when I say ‘open our doors’ please understand this to be a tentative and dynamic description of how we intend to move forward. There will be many things to observe if we are to allow people into our Churches to pray and indeed to worship. We will not rush into anything, and as Clergy, we are not being pressurised to do so. Together with the Vestry of St Mary’s, it is my desire that when we begin to allow people back in, it is within an environment that is as safe and sterile as we can possibly make it.

Donations

Some of you have very kindly sent me cheques/envelopes for your weekly giving donations. I would encourage others who may be saving their envelopes up until a full return to normal Sunday services, to consider making a direct payment into St Mary’s Church bank account. I can provide the necessary details if you contact me on the details below. If that method is not suitable and you would still like to contribute your envelopes, or make a donation, again, just contact me and I can make alternative arrangements to pick it up. Your continued support is so very much appreciated in these trying times.

Zoom Breakfasts

Our ‘Zoom Breakfast’ resumes on Sunday at 10 am and I look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible. Should you wish to join us, please contact me on the details below and I shall let you have all of the access details you will require. The reasons why I don’t publish those details on this document are twofold; (a) This document is put onto the Face book social Website which is accessible by anyone, anywhere, (b) We can negate the possibility of anyone who would join us for more nefarious reasons.

Be ye our angel unawares
If after Kirk ye bide a wee,
There’s some would like to speak to ye,
If after Kirk ye rise and flee
We’ all seem cauld and still to ye.
The one that’s in the seat with ye
Is stranger here than ye, maybe.
All here have got their fears and cares,
Add ye your soul unto our prayers,
Be ye our angel unawares?

(Scottish Blessing)

Blessings Always

Fr Terry Taggart
Rector

Trinity 3

Readings:
Genesis 22: 1-14; Psalm 13;  Romans 6: 12-end
Gospel: Matthew 10: 40-end

Today’s Gospel reading

In today’s Gospel reading when Jesus promises rewards to those who welcome/receive a prophet or a righteous person, the context is high-risk, it is a spiritual war-zone. The prophet and righteous person are taking risks for Christ, and those who help them assume similar risks. In addition to providing food, clothing, shelter, and money, they are demonstrating personal support for Christ and his Church—and are serving as encouragers of those who stand on the front lines in the war against evil. And there are costs associated with receiving prophets, righteous persons, and little ones: One cost is financial. It is no small matter to attend to the needs of other people. Another cost is personal. To invite someone to live in our home is stressful. Most of our homes have just enough room for our families. Guests invade our personal space and limit our privacy. For those of us who are set in our ways, such changes are difficult. Another cost may be danger to oneself and one’s family. Jesus warned the disciples that they could expect opposition—persecution. Host families can find themselves caught in the crossfire. We tend to imagine that great Christians will receive great mansions in the kingdom, while the rest of us will receive lesser mansions. The idea is questionable, because salvation is a gift rather than something earned. However, our Gospel lesson implies that there might be differing rewards for prophets, righteous persons, and little ones—and differing rewards for those who receive them. However, Jesus assures us that those of us who have not seen him in his human incarnation are at no disadvantage. Secondly, Jesus assures us that modest circumstances do not limit potential rewards and we are not required to be prophets to receive a prophet’s reward, but have only to receive a prophet. Those of us who are engaged in the Lord’s work are assured that those who help us are promised a reward.

Looking forward

I have been making a round of telephone calls this last week and I am pleased to report that everyone I have spoken to tell me that all is well and that there is much to be happy about as we witness the eventual relaxation of social restrictions. There has been much discussion about the move of the congregation of the Cathedral Church of St Andrew’s and it is so encouraging to hear that everyone at St Mary’s is determined to ensure that the transition will be as gentle and as sensitive as everyone can possibly manage. If you read today’s Gospel you will find striking similarities to the events that we are soon to see occur at both St Mary’s and St Andrew’s.

The Link

You will see attached, for those who have received this newsletter by email, the front page to The Link. For reasons unknown to me I have been unable, in the past, to include it with my own write up, however, hey presto! here it is. The problem that stopped this from happening has now disappeared as strangely as it appeared.

Final degree marks

Lots of people are currently in receipt of their final degree marks and we should remember them in our prayers. The amount of work they have put in; the sacrifice of what might be termed as a normal social life in order to study, the preparation of essays into the wee small hours and the nervousness of a major exam; all of these are exhausting and can define an individual for the rest of their academic and working lives. Three of my nieces have completed degrees and have recently received their results. The whole of the extended Taggart family could not be more proud and delighted for them, and when we get a chance to celebrate properly we most certainly will.

Ppening up St Mary’s for private prayer

I have been mulling over the possibility of opening up St Mary’s for private prayer. You might recall that I said I would not do this until the restrictions were relaxed even more, but I am now sorely tempted to open up for a few hours during the week. Of course, I will need to ensure that all of the social distancing / cleansing criteria etc, is in place and I will ensure that this is addressed before I make a final decision. I will also need to consult with Vestry before a final decision is made.

St Andrew’s Congregation and Clergy

I have had several meetings last week, all of which were connected to the temporary move of St Andrew’s Congregation and Clergy to St Mary’s here at Carden Place in September. It is important that I am able to share some of the tasks that are steadily beginning to take shape. Of course, some of these tasks are specifically related to individual Vestry roles, but there are other areas out-with the Vestry that will require more help as we progress over the next three months and I hope that there will not be a shortage of volunteers when specific responsibilities are better defined.

A week away

In a few weeks time, my wife Sam and I are hoping to travel down to Kettering to visit our granddaughter, whom we haven’t seen physically since October last year. We hope to have a week away to help my daughter and her husband get their new house in order and to connect with them after such a long time away. I am sure that this may well be the case for many of us as the restrictions on both travel and social contact are steadily relaxed.

Zoom Breakfasts

Our ‘Zoom Breakfast’ continues to be a popular get together every Sunday at 10am. I would encourage those who are able to access a computer or suitably equipped mobile phone to join us if you can. The catch-up can also be joined by your landline and if that is your preference, please get in touch with me and I can ensure you have the necessary details required to join us. The same principle applies to those who wish to take part via the Zoom video app, just contact me and I will give you the login information.

May God give you…
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.

Blessings Always

Fr Terry Taggart
Rector

Trinity 2

Readings:
Isaiah 21: 8-21; Psalm 86: 1-10 &16-end Romans 6: 1b-11
Gospel: Matthew 10: 24-39

‘Who would you be if you ever became fully yourself?’

‘Who would you be if you ever became fully yourself?’ (Adapted from Chittester ‘Between the Dark and the Daylight’ p.123) What new possibilities might arise? How would your relationships change? What fears would disappear? How do you imagine your life would be different? I’m not talking about a selfish attitude towards others and the world. I am talking about living into our better and truer selves, being real and authentic, experiencing wholeness and integrity within ourselves; and then taking all of that, all that we are and all that we have, and offering it to our relationships, to the world, to Christ. So I ask you again, who would you be if you ever became fully yourself? I think that is the question that lies beneath today’s Gospel, and I think it points to something we all long for and struggle with.

Pro-Cathedral for the Diocese

During the past seven days, I have had several meetings concerning the recent announcement that St Mary’s will become the Pro Cathedral for this Diocese. I have met with Bishop Anne, the Provost, The Very Rev’d Isaac Poobalan and the Dean, The Very Rev’d Dennis Berk. I have also been involved in a meeting with the combined Warden(s), Treasurers, Secretaries and PVG Officers of both St Mary’s Vestry and Trustees of the Cathedral Church of St Andrew’s.  This second meeting was held in order to open up lines of communication between those who hold particular roles within both of our Churches and to initially get to know each other and to share any concerns that may well arise as we move forward. I was absolutely delighted to hear the contribution made by all concerned regarding both of our futures and I can confirm that the ground work has now begun in earnest as we work together to do God’s bidding in an atmosphere of love and harmony. As time moves forward, we hope to widen this circle and invite many others to become involved in assisting with the task ahead. I have also begun sharing our newsletter with Fr Isaac in order that he can be regularly appraised of what we at St Mary’s are praying for and offering to do.

Pastoral visits

During the next seven days, I will be making a round of telephone calls to as many of you as possible in order to see if anyone would like a Pastoral visit. Obviously we would need to observe all of the criteria set out to do this (facemasks/social distancing) and I hope I can come and see some of you. The current amended guidelines released last week by the Province will only allow me to visit one household per day, and this meeting must take place outdoors, so it could be a fairly lengthy process. Nevertheless, it is clearly progress and I am deeply thankful for that.

Zoom breakfasts

Our Zoom breakfasts continue each Sunday at 10am and it is nice to see more and more people join us for a chat and a catch-up. Should any of you wish to join us by either telephone or via the Zoom application on your computer/phone, please let me know by contacting me on any of the details below and I will provide you with the login information required.

Digital recordings

In last Sunday’s newsletter I referred to some digital recordings I received from Mr Colin Simpson, son of the late Mr Brian Simpson, whose funeral I mistakenly stated I officiated at last year at St Mary’s. It was of course Mr George Simpson, Brian’s brother, whose funeral I took. I have been in touch with Brian’s wife Mrs Sylvia Simpson who has very graciously forgiven me for this error.

Statement from Bishop Mark Strange

The following is a Statement from Bishop Mark Strange, Primus, on behalf of the College of Bishops of the Scottish Episcopal Church (18 June, 2020):

Today the First Minister of Scotland has announced moving the communities of Scotland into Phase 2 of the Route Map out of Lockdown, with aspects of easing taking place on different dates .There are many things which people will now need to work on to ensure that these changes are carried through carefully and safely. It is good to be moving forward. The Scottish Episcopal Church can now plan for some of its churches to open for Individual prayer following the guidelines carefully worked out by our own Advisory Group. Our Phase 2 Guidance, issued last week, now takes effect from Monday 22 June 2020. We also recognise that in Phase 2 for various reasons some faith groups will still not be able to use any of their places of worship and we will continue to work and walk alongside them at this time. We move forward today in the knowledge that we will together continue to have opportunities to discuss and shape the route back towards the full re-opening of the places of worship of all faith communities in Scotland. It is also important to recognise the work that has been done throughout the lockdown by the regular meetings of the Scottish Government with faith leaders and the various faith group secretariats. We thank the Government for its commitment to working together with the faith communities of Scotland. The Advisory Group will continue its work towards the preparation of Phase 3 guidance.

Bishop Mark Strange, Primus, on behalf of the College of Bishops of the Scottish Episcopal Church

Vacancies on the Vestry Committee

As I mentioned last week about vacancies on the Vestry Committee. We now have one vacancy, that of Peoples Warden, the role recently vacated by Mr Graham Thomson. Should anyone wish to put themselves forward for this or would like to explore what the post requires, please contact me and I will endeavour to assist. The ordinary Vestry member vacancy has now been filled and I am absolutely delighted to announce that Mrs Jenny Cruickshank will fill that spot. I look forward to working with Jenny, particularly as we all experience the changes ahead.

Finances

We as a church still have financial commitments to honour and therefore our stream of income needs to continue. Many of you give by way of standing order / direct debit and I am extremely thankful for this. Many of you have increased your giving as a result of our recent stewardship campaign for which I am eternally grateful. I would urge those who have not responded to my mail drop of several weeks ago, to give consideration to this, only if you are able. Many of you donate by envelope, and should you wish these to be collected, please get in touch with me and I will arrange an opportunity to do so soon. My details are at the bottom of this newsletter. There is however, one alternative you might wish to consider and that is, making your payments direct to our Church account. Should you wish to do that, particularly during this period, let me know and I can provide the necessary bank details required. This could be considered should you not wish to give by envelope during the restrictions.

Take us and use us
to love and serve you, and all people,
in the power of your Spirit
and in the name of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Blessings Always

Fr Terry Taggart
Rector