A very warm welcome to all
“The earth is full of the loving-kindness of the Lord.”
Second Sunday after Pentecost
Readings: Hosea 5:15-6:6; Romans 4: 13-25
Gospel: Matthew 9: 9-13, 18-26
In our Gospel today
Today’s Gospel brings us to two miracles of Jesus. The first in which a woman considered unclean because of an irregular haemorrhage which had lasted for more than twelve years was healed. In the second a girl who had just died is brought back to life.
According to the thinking of that time, the person who touched blood or a dead body was considered unclean and whoever touched that person became unclean. These two women were marginalized people, excluded from participation in the community. Whoever touched them became unclean and could not participate in the community or (in their understanding) relate with God. In order to be admitted to participate fully in the community, it was necessary to go through the rite of purification prescribed by the law.
Jesus touches these people – they are not ‘unclean’ and Jesus does not become unclean. They are healed by faith; Jesus opens a new path toward God which does not depend anymore on the rites of purification. In resurrecting the girl, Jesus conquers the power of death and opens a new horizon on life.
May God the Holy Spirit help us to reach out with love and courage knowing that none are unclean. May our families, churches and society mirror the mercy and love of God.
St Mary’s in Vacancy
With St Mary’s now in vacancy following the resignation of the Rector, cover will be arranged to ensure that the regular pattern of worship continues. This week the General Synod of the Scottish Episcopal Church takes place in Edinburgh from 8 to 10 June, which means our recent regular cover provided by Rev Roger Dyer and Rev Dr Jenny Holden will not be possible, with both in attendance at General Synod. On Friday 9 June, Compline at St Mary’s will be led by Fr Jason Hobbs, starting at 6pm. Then on Sunday 11 June, there will be no 8am service, while the 10am service will be a Service of the Word led by Godwin Chimara, with Ferdinand von Prondzynski preaching.
Prayers for Ukraine
As the Ukrainian counter-offensive begins in earnest, please continue to offer prayers for our brothers and sisters caught up in the tragic Russia-Ukraine war.
Bring & Buy Bake Sale 18th June
On Sunday 18th June we will be having a Bring & Buy Bake Sale after the 10am service. Please, if you are able, start to think about baking suitable items for sale in the Choir Vestry on that Sunday.
Photograph Competition 2023
Our Photograph Competition for 2023 has been launched and will be our third such competition and will run until 30th September. Details of the competition rules can be found here: https://stmaryscardenplace.org.uk/notices/photograph-competition-2023/
Cheese & Wine with Silent Auction
Our next big fundraising and social event will be the Cheese and Wine with Silent Auction evening, which is now scheduled for Friday 16th June at 7:30pm. Please think about any nice quality items which you may like to donate for the Silent Auction. For this event we’ve chosen to request suitable donations rather than set a ticket price. Tickets are now available from anyone in the Fundraising Team.
Poetry Competition 2023
Our Short Poetry Competition continues until 30th June. Further entries can be sent to our email address stmaryscardenplace@gmail.com or delivered in paper copy to any members of the Fundraising & Social Team.
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 I ask you to keep your eyes open.
Services/Events Commencing Sunday the 11th of June 2023
Sunday 11th May no 8am Service
Sunday 11th May at 10am – Service of the Word led by Godwin Chimara and Ferdinand von Prondzynski preaching.
Tuesday 13th May at 10am – Morning Prayer: Revd. Jenny Holden
Wednesday 14th May 10am – Holy Communion: Revd. Kate Gibson
Friday 16th June 7pm Compline: Revd. Jenny Holden
Sunday 18th June No 8am service & 10am service: Revd. Jenny Holden
Sunday 18th June readings: Exodus 19:2-8a; Psalm 116:1-2,12-19; Romans 5: 1-8
Gospel: Matthew 9: 35-10:8
“God’s love is like an ocean. You can see its beginning, but not its end.”
(Rick Warren)
For any pastoral matters please contact our Assistant Priest Revd. Roger Dyer on 07719 458571
or revrogdyer@btinternet.com