A very warm welcome to all
Psalm 23: “I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”
Ninth Sunday After Pentecost
Readings: Jeremiah 23: 1-6; Ephesians 2: 11-22
Gospel: Mark 6: 30-34, 53-56
In our Gospel today
Our readings this week speak of the compassion and commitment of God the Father and God the Son (Jesus) in caring for and protecting God’s people. In the passage from Jeremiah, the prophet speaks of God condemning bad leaders and promising to lead God’s people with wisdom and justice. This shows God’s commitment to guide and protect His flock.
Psalm 23 speaks of a grazing herd of sheep and a laden table – care, compassion and nurturing of God for the people. Ephesians highlights how Christ’s sacrifice has made us one. He has broken down barriers, giving us all access to the Father and creating peace among us.
In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus sees the crowd’s needs and teaches them with compassion. He recognizes their need for guidance, like sheep without a shepherd. In the second part, we see people recognising who Jesus is and his power to heal.
A date for your diary
Here at St Mary’s we have a special birthday to celebrate as the church is 160 years old this year! The Vestry plan to celebrate the occasion with a special service on our patronal festival day (Sunday 18th August) followed by a celebratory bring and share lunch. This will also coincide with our annual St Mary’s Gift Day. Please make a point of putting this date in your diary.
Thursdays @ 7
Thursdays @ 7 meets in the church crypt for bible-study and prayer. Up to 15th August we are endeavouring to complete a speed tour of Paul’s letters. You’d be very welcome wherever you feel you are in your faith journey. Bring a friend if you wish. We aim to be an hour – longer if you stay for refreshments.
Church Grounds Tidy Up
Thank you very much to everyone that has helped with the church grounds weeding efforts. We may have to keep this effort going over the summer to tackle the east end area. Please look out for additional Saturday sessions in the near future. Thank you!
Soup Sunday 28th July
So, we’ve just had a successful Soap Sunday and now with a change of one letter we are about to collect tins of soup again to help those in need. Please think about donating a few tins or packets of soup so that we can in turn donate to some of the local charities or foodbanks. Thank you very much again!
Photograph Competition 2024
Just a brief reminder that our Photograph Competition is currently running and with the current deadline for entries being 30th August. Please send any nice photographs to our webmaster, David Rose. Thank you!
Services and events commencing this Sunday and for the coming week
Sunday 21st July 8am Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Canon Dr Jenny Holden
Sunday 21st July 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Canon Dr Jenny Holden
Tuesday 23rd July 10am Morning Prayer: Revd Roger Dyer
Wednesday 24th July 10am Holy Communion: Revd Roger Dyer
Friday 26th July 6pm Compline: Revd Roger Dyer
Sunday 28th July 8am Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Roger Dyer
Sunday 28th July 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Roger Dyer
Next Sunday’s readings: 2 Kings 4: 42-44; Psalm 145: 10-18; Ephesians 3: 14-21
Gospel: John 6: 1-21
“We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy Name. May Your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in You.”
(Psalm 33:20-22)
For any pastoral matters please contact our Assistant Priest Revd Roger Dyer. Please see email or paper copy of noticesheet for contact details.