A very warm welcome to all
“To you, O Lord, shall all flesh come and you will blot out their sins.”
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Readings: Isaiah 55: 10-13; Romans 8: 1-11
Gospel: Matthew 13: 1-9, 18-23
In our Gospel today
The readings this Sunday all talk about how our relationship with God help us to grow and allow our lives to bear fruit. Our reading from Isaiah explains that God’s Word is like rain, falling on the earth and making it fertile. In the Gospel Jesus tells the parable of the sower, in this parable there is a sower scattering seeds which fall on different types of soil. Some seeds produced abundant fruit, while others were hindered by thorns, rocky ground, or birds. Jesus explains the meaning of each element, highlighting the importance of receptive hearts for the growth and understanding of God’s teachings.
Prayers for Ukraine
As the Ukrainian counter-offensive continues, please continue to offer prayers for our brothers and sisters caught up in the tragic Russia-Ukraine war.
Peace Garden
Work on the Peace Garden Project has continued and is on schedule. In the fourth week of the works the landscaping is really taking shape with the circular paving and path now clearly established and the edging stones around the rowan trees. The new bench has arrived and soon all three benches will be re-positioned along with the St Mary’s signage. For safety reasons the church carparking area will be for the use of the contractors between 8am and 5pm during the working week. If you have any questions about the project, please approach our folks on the Buildings Committee – David Rose and Freddie Stephens.
Services of Evensong
There will be two further services of Evensong at St Mary’s through the summer months on 30th July 6:30pm and 27th August 6:30pm). Our Director of Music, Matthew McVey, will be gathering a choir for these occasions. The Evensong on the 27th of August at 6:30pm will be Matthew’s last service with us before he takes up his new post. After this service there will be a Reception and an opportunity for us to express our thanks to Matthew for his work amongst us in recent years. Please mark this date in your diaries and on your calendars! Full details to follow.
Gallowgate Fair
The Gallowgate Fair will take place on Saturday 5th August at St Margaret’s Hall from 10am to 4pm. St Mary’s usually take a stall and sell homemade toffee, jam, and bakes. Please speak to the Fundraising and Social Team for more information on how to get involved.
Photograph Competition 2023
Our Photograph Competition for 2023 has been launched and will be our third such competition and will run until 30th September. We are still awaiting our first photographic entries! Competition rules can be found here:
https://stmaryscardenplace.org.uk/notices/photograph-competition-2023/
Poetry Competition 2023
The winners of the St Mary’s Poem Competition can now be revealed. Winner of the under 18s category was Lauren Harper with her poem “To our Grandma Irene” and in second place Master John Chimara with his poem “The Prodigal Cat”. Winner of the adult category was Dr Nicola Mills with her poem “St Mary’s”. Many congratulations to the winners and to our competition judge, Fr Jason Hobbs. Thanks too to all the entrants who clearly worked very hard on their poems and provided much food for thought to our judge and all readers. More details on the judging and the winning poems can be found in the Notice on our homepage:
https://stmaryscardenplace.org.uk/notices/poem-competition-2023-results/
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 16th July 2023
Sunday 16th July Said Eucharist (1970 Liturgy): Revd Dr Jenny Holden
Sunday 16th July 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Bishop John Armes
Tuesday 18th July 10am Morning Prayer: Revd Dr Jenny Holden
Wednesday 19th July 10am Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Dr Jenny Holden
Friday 21st July 6pm Compline: Iain Stewart
Sunday 23rd July 8am Said Eucharist (1970 Liturgy): Revd Roger Dyer
Sunday 23rd July 10am Service of the Word: Leading Godwin Chimara and preaching Dr Nicola Mills
Sunday 23rd July readings: Isaiah 44: 6-8; Psalm 86: 11-17; Romans 8: 12-25
Gospel: Matthew 13: 24-30, 36-43
“Store up in your minds, the Lord’s words which you receive, through your ears, for the Word of the Lord, is the nourishment of the mind … Be careful, that the seed received through your ears, remains in your heart.”
(Gregory the Great)
For any pastoral matters please contact our Assistant Priest Revd. Roger Dyer on 07719 458571
or revrogdyer@btinternet.com