A very warm welcome to all
“Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.”
Harvest Festival
Readings: Ezekiel 18: 1-4, 25-32; Philippians 2: 1-13
Gospel: Matthew 21: 23-32
In our Gospel today
What is fair? By whose authority do we do things and issues of heaven and earth. These are themes for our readings as we celebrate Harvest and come to the end of Creationtide. What does fairness look like in the world when it comes to distribution of resources – Jesus challenges us (again) in the Parable in today’s Gospel. As we reflect on the bounty of the land, what does fairness look like when it comes to Creation, in a context where the Epistle charges us to put others above ourselves following Christ’s example.
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
Our Photograph Competition for 2023 closed on Saturday 30th September with 50 entries. The judging process will now begin, so look out for an announcement on the winners in the near future. Many thanks to all the entrants for their great photographs. The photograph entries can be found here: https://stmaryscardenplace.org.uk/photograph-competition-2023/
Social Ladies’ and Gents’ evenings
Ten St Mary’s ladies enjoyed a lovely companiable and delicious evening at Number 10 Restaurant on Thursday night. At the time of writing The Gents’ Night Out was scheduled for Saturday 30th September at the 8848 Nepalese Restaurant on Union Street.
Harvest Festival
This Sunday we will celebrate the Harvest Festival with a Bring & Share Lunch after the 10am service. We are very pleased to welcome several of the professional people that helped make the Peace Garden possible.
Mexican Night – Friday 17th November
On Friday 17th November we plan to have a bring and share Mexican Evening in the Choir Vestry. The idea is to bring along Mexican food and drinks to share. So please start thinking about your recipes and dust off your sombreros!
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. Many thanks to those who have already signed up.
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 1st October 2023
Sunday 1st October 8am (Season of Creation Week 5) Harvest Thanksgiving Said Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy) Revd Dr Jenny Holden
Sunday 1st October 10am (Season of Creation Week 5) Harvest Thanksgiving Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Dr Jenny Holden
Tuesday 3rd October 10am Morning Prayer: Revd Dr Jenny Holden
Wednesday 4th October 10am Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Ruth Green
Friday 6th October 6pm Compline: Marin Matsuzaka
Sunday 8th October 10am Said Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Dr Jenny Holden
Sunday 8th October 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Dr Jenny Holden
Sunday 8th October readings: Isaiah 5: 1-7; Psalm 80: 7-14; Philippians 3: 4b-14
Gospel: Matthew 21: 33-46
“Let us be ‘protectors’ of Creation, protectors of God’s plan inscribed in nature, protectors of one another and of the environment. Let us not allow omens of destruction and death to accompany the advance of this world!”
(From the Installation Mass Homily of Pope Francis, 2013)
For any pastoral matters please contact our Assistant Priest Revd. Roger Dyer on 07719 458571
or revrogdyer@btinternet.com