A very warm welcome to all
“The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”
Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost
Readings: Genesis 50: 15-21; Romans 14: 1-12
Gospel: Matthew 18: 21-35
In our Gospel today
Working in a large secondary school of 1100 pupils, pupils can be a bit naughty at times. As part of having to account for their actions they are expected to apologise and promise not to misbehave again. They are confronted by the consequences of their actions in what is called a restorative conversation. Though they might not actually mean it at the time, the act of apologising is significant; it draws an invisible line under the event and allows the pupil and the others involved to move on.
If only life were really that simple. We constantly get things wrong intentionally or unintentionally. People upset and offend us. What a wonderful world it would be if we could simply say sorry and move on without a second thought. Jesus knew that and that’s why he said that we must forgive our brothers and sisters multiple times. Forgiveness isn’t easy; it needs work, and we can struggle to get it right the first time. Jesus knows us better than we know ourselves and has forgiven us more times that we will ever know.
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
Less than two weeks 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 17th September 2023
Sunday 17th September 8am (Season of Creation Week 3) Said Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy) Revd Jason Hobbs
Sunday 17th September 10am (Season of Creation Week 3) Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Jason Hobbs
Tuesday 19th September 10am Morning Prayer: Revd Roger Dyer
Wednesday 20th September 10am Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Roger Dyer
Friday 22nd September 6pm Compline: Revd Roger Dyer
Sunday 24th September 10am Said Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Dr Jenny Holden
Sunday 24th September 10am (Season of Creation Week 4) Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Dr Jenny Holden
Sunday 24th September readings: Jonah 3:10-4:11; Psalm 145: 1-8; Philippians 1: 21-30
Gospel: Matthew 20: 1-16
“We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love.”
(Martin Luther King Jr.)
For any pastoral matters please contact our Assistant Priest Revd. Roger Dyer on 07719 458571
or revrogdyer@btinternet.com