A very warm welcome to all
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Readings: Acts 17: 22-31; 1 Peter 3: 13-22
Gospel: John 14: 15-21
In our Gospel today
In our Gospel today Jesus continues to prepare his disciples for his departure. He has given them a special commandment: to “love one another” just as he has loved them ( 13:34). Love requires obedience and (v. 21) those who love him are those who obey. Keeping Jesus’ commandments makes possible the continuance of their relationship with him – but how? The Father will send them “another” (v. 16) representative of God, also in God, as their “Advocate” or champion: one who will support, help and intercede for them. This is the Holy Spirit, the “Spirit of truth” (v. 17), of faith, of revealed doctrine. He is neither perceivable nor knowable by unbelievers, so they have no access to him. But “you” both recognize (“know”) him, because he will be within you and will remain (abide ) in you. Jesus will come to you in the Spirit (v. 18). After Jesus’ death, unbelievers will not perceive him, but you will; because he lives (in a special way), so will you (v. 19). When he returns at the end of this era (v. 20), you will recognize that you have been taken into intimate association with both the Father and the Son. But (v. 21) this will only be so for followers who have divine love and show it by obeying me. Only to them will Jesus, the risen Christ, appear. [Adapted from Notes by Chris Haslam for the Diocese of Montreal].
Prayers for Ukraine
As we move in to the fifteenth month of the Russia-Ukraine War, please continue to offer prayers for our brothers and sisters caught up in this tragic struggle.
SECMA
Message from the Scottish Episcopal Church Mission Association – SECMA: After nearly 150 years of SECMA the decision has been made to dissolve the Association. Membership has declined and costs/rent have increased making the way forward very difficult. All projects currently funded by SECMA will be notified and funds remaining dispersed to other organisations which share SECMA’s aims, e.g., Tearfund. Gill Campbell, Convenor, thanks everyone for their support in the past, but says it’s now time to ‘pass on the baton’. Gillian Rose
All Saints Club
All Saints Club will be meeting on Sunday 21st May: come and learn about God’s love for us! Bible stories – games – craft – food for ages 4 to 12 (up to P7). Venue: St James’s at 3:30 to 5:00 pm.
Photograph Competition 2023
Our Photograph Competition for 2023 has been launched and will be our third such competition and will run until 30th September. As previously the subject of your photographs is entirely up to you. Anything really that depicts life at any season of the year. We would like each photograph to come with a caption which again can be whatever you think is appropriate, perhaps some details about the photograph, or it could even be the line from a hymn.
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.
Christian Aid Book & Music Sale at Queen’s Cross
A note for your diaries that there will be a Christian Aid Book & Music Sale at Queen’s Cross Main Hall & Garden Room on the following dates and times:
• Thursday, 18th May 2pm to 8pm
• Friday 19th May 10am to 8pm
• Saturday 20th May 10am to 5pm
• Sunday 21st May 12noon to 4pm
Please note purchases are cash only and you’ll need to bring your own bag(s)!
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 14th of May 2023
- Sunday 14th May at 8am – Said Eucharist (1970 Liturgy): Revd. Dr Jenny Holden
- Sunday 14th May at 10am – Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd. Dr Jenny Holden
- Tuesday 16th May at 10am – Morning Prayer: Revd. Roger Dyer
- Wednesday 17th May 10am – Holy Communion: Revd. Roger Dyer
- Thursday 18th May 7pm Ascension Day Holy Communion (no incense): Revd. Dr Jenny Holden
Sunday 21st May readings: Acts 1: 6-14; Psalm 68: 1-10,32-35; 1 Peter 4: 12-14; 5: 6-11
Gospel: John 17: 1-11
“Love each other dearly always. There is scarcely anything else in the world but that: to love one another.”
(Victor Hugo)
Whilst Fr Terry is having time-off for any pastoral matters please contact our Assistant Priest
Rev’d Roger Dyer on 07719 458571or revrogdyer@btinternet.com