A very warm welcome to all
“My God, how wonderful you are.”
Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost
Readings: Ezekiel 33: 7-11; Romans 13: 8-14
Gospel: Matthew 18: 15-20
In our Gospel today
It is a difficult thing in our city who’s economy is built around the oil and gas sector to get our heads around the need to transition to a non-carbon based economy. Has our industry not brought benefit and blessing? Do you not know that oil will still be needed? Do you want everyone out of work? Do you want to go back to the stone-age? Yes, Yes, No and No!
And yet there is also a pressing need for change in how we live our lives, how we power our economies and how we share the resources of the planet with equity. All around us the effects of climate change and degradation are becoming increasingly clear. Mobilising for this transformation involves all of us. This work is not simply about achieving new scientific breakthroughs but is also a moral task. Behaviour, individual and corporate, flows from what we believe about God, ourselves and our place within creation.
This week’s readings tell us that it is time to wake up. We are to draw strength and courage from our our life of worship and speak up. We are to encourage each other to lead changed lives. Together with love of God we are to love our neighbour.
Season of Creation
During the four Sundays of September, we plan to use the Season of Creation (Creationtide) theme. This is an ecumenical idea that has been growing over recent years and seeks to raise the profile of our understanding (and action) about climate and biodiversity issues as Christians. The series culminates with the service of Harvest.
Photograph Competition 2023
Just another 20 days to go before we close the Photograph Competition for 2023. Please have a look at the entries and see if they inspire you to get the camera or mobile ‘phone out! We are looking for any nice seasonal photographs that can be reproduced in our 2024 Calendar. The photograph entries and competition rules can be found here: https://stmaryscardenplace.org.uk/photograph-competition-2023/
Social Ladies’ and Gents’ evenings
The Ladies’ Night Out at Number 10 Restaurant has been booked for 12 ladies on Thursday 28th September at 6:30pm. The restaurant has asked for a £10 deposit from everyone. Please pay this as soon as possible to either Lydia Ross or Anne Farquhar.
The Gents’ Night Out will take place on Saturday 30th September at the 8848 Nepalese Restaurant. So far five gents are signed up. Please put your name on the sheet at the back of the church if you would like to join us.
Harvest Festival
On Sunday 1st October we will celebrate the Harvest Festival with a Bring & Share Lunch. We plan to invite all of the trades people that were involved in the Peace Garden to the service and lunch that day.
Planters needing plants!
You may have noticed that we have placed the two large planters that were previously close to the Rowan trees either side of the two planters at the front door. We’re looking for some help to plant these up. Anyone who has spare plants or wishes to contribute to new plants please contact Freddie Stephens or David Rose of our Buildings Committee.
Gardening Gang
Continuing with the gardening theme. We are wondering if we can arrange a Garden Gang to tackle some of the weeds around the church, particularly at the east end of the church. Fancy a bit of exercise in the process? We were thinking of a Saturday morning early in October – maybe even the first two weekends – 7th and 14th – starting at 10am for an hour or so. Please sign up on the sheet at the back of the church.
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 10th September 2023
Sunday 10th September 8am No service
Sunday 10th September 10am (Season of Creation Week 2) Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Kate Gibson
Tuesday 12th September 10am Morning Prayer: Revd Roger Dyer
Wednesday 13th September 10am Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Roger Dyer
Friday 15th September 6pm Compline: Revd Roger Dyer
Sunday 17th September 10am Said Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Jason Hobbs
Sunday 17th September 10am (Season of Creation Week 3) Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Jason Hobbs
Sunday 10th September readings: Ezekiel 33: 7-11; Psalm 119: 33-40; Romans 13: 8-14
Gospel: Matthew 18: 15-20
“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children”
(Native American Proverb)
For any pastoral matters please contact our Assistant Priest Revd. Roger Dyer on 07719 458571
or revrogdyer@btinternet.com