A very warm welcome to all
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Readings: Isaiah 7: 10-16; Romans 1: 1-7
Gospel: Matthew 1: 18-25
In our Gospel
In today’s Gospel, we hear that Joseph awoke in the morning and did what he had to do. He began emptying himself. He let go of fear. He let go of the villagers’ voices and stares. He let go of his doubts and questions. He let go of his own reputation and standing in the community. He let go of his ideas and hopes for what his marriage to Mary could have been. He let go of the law and punishment. With each letting go Joseph emptied himself so that, by God’s grace and mercy, he might become the womb that would protect, nourish, and provide security to Mary and her child.
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent. It is nearly upon us. The story that we all know so well still excites us, it still makes us wonder, it provokes questions and doubts; it amazes us!!
War in Ukraine
Please continue to offer prayers for our brothers and sisters caught up in the mayhem that is Ukraine. Please think about what you can do to help in any way for those who continue to reach out to the rest of Europe and beyond for our assistance. Whatever method or organisation you use to make donations, please do it rather than think about it.
Selection Boxes
Please consider picking up a selection box (or more) for this year’s appeal when you are out shopping, and only if you are able. As always, it is intended that these will be forwarded to a local charity to distribute amongst those families that may not be able to afford such little luxuries this year.
Holy Communion rules
Several weeks ago, when we resumed providing wine during Holy Communion, you may recall that I stressed we cannot allow intinction (dipping the wafer into the chalice). I must stress that this is still in place. I, therefore, ask, to avoid any embarrassment at such a solemn point in our worship, where a refusal could seem offensive, that you would either take directly from the common cup or not at all. Please know that taking in one kind only completely fulfils your participation in Holy Communion.
Annual General Meeting
On the 5th of February 2023, St Mary’s will hold its Annual General meeting (AGM). This is, therefore, the first notification of the said meeting. There are two posts that need to be advertised annually, these are, the Lay Representative for Synod and the Alternative Lay Representative. Presently Dr Nicola Mills and our People’s Warden, Mr Iain Stewart hold these posts respectively. Both have offered to continue in the roles unless other names are submitted. Should this be the case, then it will need to be subject to a ballot. I will be posting nomination sheets soon for anyone who wishes to be considered.
2023 Calendars
Our 2023 Calendars are now available at £10 each, as are our Christmas Cards at a pack of 10 for £6 or individually at £1 each.
Holy Land Pilgrimage
I have put some details of a proposed pilgrimage to the Holy Land in April 2024 on the noticeboard in the Choir Vestry. Should anyone expressing an interest in this, please let me know and I will endeavour to obtain more details for you.
Services/Events Commencing Sunday the 18th December 2022
Sunday 18th December at 8 am – Holy Communion (1970 – Cn Terry)
Sunday 18th December at 10 am – Fourth Sunday of Advent Sung Eucharist (1982 Cn Terry)
Sunday 18th December – 3pm – Organ Recital – Mr Matthew McVey
Sunday 18th December at 4:30 pm – Christingle Service (Cn Terry)
Monday 19th December – Cn Terry – Day Off
Tuesday 20th December at 10 am – Morning Prayers (Cn Terry)
Wednesday 21st December at 10 am – Holy Communion (1970 – Cn Terry)
Friday 23rd December at 6 pm – Compline (Cn Terry)
Saturday 24th December at 11 pm – Midnight Mass – Service of Nativity
Midnight Mass readings: Isaiah 52: 7-10; Hebrews 1: 1-4; Gospel John 1: 1-14
Sunday 25th December at 8 am – Holy Communion (1970 – Cn Terry)
Sunday 25th December at 10 am – Sung Eucharist (1982 – Cn Terry)
Sunday the 25th December Readings: Isaiah 9: 2-7; Psalm 80: 1-7; Titus 2: 11-14;
Gospel: Luke2: 1-14
Monday 26th December at 10 am – Holy Communion – Stephen – 1st Martyr (1982 – Cn Terry)
Tuesday 27th December at 10 am – Holy Communion – John the Apostle (1982 – Cn Terry)
Wednesday 28th December at 10 am – Holy Communion – The Holy Innocents (1982 – Cn Terry)
Thursday 29th December, Friday 30th December – Cn Terry – Days off
Saturday 31st December – Cn Terry – Admin Day
Sunday 1st January at 8 am – Holy Communion – (1970 – Cn Terry)
Sunday 1st January at 8 am – Said Eucharist – (1982 – Cn Terry)
Sunday 1st January Readings: 1st Sunday After Christmas; Naming and Circumcision of Jesus: Isaiah 63: 7-9; Hebrews 2: 10-18
Gospel: Matthew 2: 13-23
“Into this world, this demented inn in which there is absolutely no room for him at all, Christ comes uninvited”
(Thomas Merton)
Cn Terry Taggart:
01224588776/07768219984