A very warm welcome to all
Psalm 25: “To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.”
The First Sunday in Lent
Readings: Genesis 9: 8-17; 1 Peter 3: 18-22
Gospel: Mark 1: 9-15
In our Gospel today
The number 40 appears 146 times in the bible. It features not only in our readings today but in the stories of Noah and Moses. It would come to represent any significant period of time or activity in scripture. For us, the next 40 days is one we have experienced many times. It represents not only Jesus’s time in the wilderness but our own time of Lenten prayer and fasting before we hear again the joy of the Easter story. One thing for certain is that the place we know as the Holy Land is anything but prayerful at the present time. There is untold suffering and pain there. We can also be certain that Jesus is in the middle of that suffering and pain, suffering alongside the innocent victims of war. As you walk your Lenten journey, stop for even just a moment to remember the people of the Holy Land along with the many millions of others around the world who will live this next forty days in fear and pain.
Jack and Peggy Connell
Jack and Peggy Connell would like us to known that they have recently moved to Perth. They have been a steady and faithful part of St Mary’s for over 50 years. We will miss them. They have already made contact with St John the Baptist, Perth and will reconnect there with Very Rev Graham Taylor. Rev Roger has their new address for any that would like that.
The Bishop’s Lent Appeal
Donations to the Bishop’s Lenten Appeal 2024 will be given to Al Ahli hospital in Gaza via the Jerusalem and the Middle East Church Association. The Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza, owned and sacrificially supported over many years by the Episcopal (Anglican) Diocese of Jerusalem, continues to serve the whole ‘family’ of human beings in Gaza. It provides a vital service in an increasingly desperate situation. If you would like to contribute, please give any cheques or cash to Lydia Ross, our Treasurer or a member of the Vestry.
Diocesan Lent Course: Way to the Cross
Way to the Cross. We will be using material from the Diocesan Lent Course for this year’s Lent Group. Thursdays 7-8pm in the Crypt 22/2, 29/2, 7/3, 14/3 & 21/3. Revd Roger writes “I look forward to meeting with others to consider Jesus’ journey to the Cross. My hope is that this will prepare our hearts for our Easter worship and help us as we seek to follow Jesus, living cross-shaped lives. All comers welcome. Tea, Coffee, chat after also available!”
The Epiphany Group Reflective Day
The Epiphany Group Reflective Day will take place on Saturday 24th February at Cults Kirk centre. The group will gather from 10am for coffee and then a 10:30am prompt start and will close with lunch (please bring your own packed lunch) at around 12;30pm. The theme the leaders have chosen for the day is The Cornerstone.
World Day of Prayer 1st March
“I Beg You… Bear With One Another in Love”, prepared by the WDP Committee of Palestine. The service will take place on March 1st at Fountainhall Church Centre Aberdeen at 2pm. All are welcome. Please note there will be an offering with gift aid forms available. If you require any further information, please contact Jenny Tait, Jennifer.tait1955@gmail.comor telephone 01224 630996 or our own Nick Mills.
Sidespersons Rota
We are planning to re-establish the Sidespersons Rota in the near future. The role involves greeting at the door for the Sunday 10am Service, collecting, counting, and banking the Sunday collection. Please sign up on the sheet at the back of church if you would like to be on the rota.
Church Magazine
The Communications Group would like to canvas the congregations thoughts about our Magazine, which is currently published on a quarterly basis. Is this the best frequency for everyone? Is there anything else that you would like to see in it? Please provide your feedback to the editor, Nicola Mills, or anyone on the Vestry. The current Magazine can be viewed on our website. If you hover over the News tab in the navigation bar the drop-down list appears, and you’ll see the link to the Christmas newsletter there. If you click on the News tab, you’ll also find a lot of past Magazines going back to Harvest 2019.
Services and events commencing this Sunday and for the coming week
Sunday 18th February 8am Said Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Jason Hobbs
Sunday 18th February 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Jason Hobbs
Tuesday 20th February No Morning Prayer
Wednesday 21st February 10am Holy Communion: Revd Kate Gibson
Friday 23rd February 6pm Compline: Revd Roger Dyer
Sunday 25th February 8am Said Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Canon Dr Jenny Holden
Sunday 25th February 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Canon Dr Jenny Holden
Next Sunday’s readings: Genesis 17: 1-7, 15-16; Psalm 22: 23-31; Romans 4: 13-25
Gospel: Mark 8: 31-38
“During Lent, let us find concrete ways to overcome our indifference.”
(Pope Francis)
For any pastoral matters please contact our Assistant Priest Revd. Roger Dyer on 07719 458571
or revrogdyer@btinternet.com