A very warm welcome to all
Refrain for Psalm 37:
“The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord.”
Seventh Sunday after Epiphany
Readings: Ezekiel 36: 24-28; Romans 8: 14-17
Gospel: Luke 8: 22-25
In our Gospel today
This Sunday we gather to worship God but also to support and pray for our sister Allison who is to be Confirmed. Allison intends, in the presence of God and the congregation, to make the promises of her baptism her own as an adult.
At the heart of the Confirmation service are two distinct, yet related, acts of confirming. Firstly, Allison will profess her faith in Christ, confirming her desire to serve God throughout her life, to turn to Christ and to renounce all evil. Then Bishop Anne will lay hands on her, praying that God’s Spirit will continue to stir up within her to strengthen and guide her as she strives each day to live up to the solemn commitment she has made.
It is our privilege as the people of God to hear Allison’s response to God’s call. It is our responsibility to encourage one another in our discipleship, so that the Christian family may be built up, recognizing the diverse gifts of all its members.
Do you remember the time of your Confirmation? It may have been quite recent or a long time ago. Bishop Anne has chosen the ‘Stilling of the Storm’ as our gospel reading. The disciples are full of confidence as they set out on their journey with Jesus. But the storm tests them. Will they survive? Will Jesus be any help in the midst of the storm?
In today’s service let us also remember with thankful hearts our own Confirmation and the storms that we have travelled through with Jesus since that service of commitment.
Diocesan Synod Saturday 1st March
All communicant members of the Diocese are invited to attend the 9:30am Synod Eucharist at King’s College Chapel AB24 3EB and Synod business from 11am in the adjacent Elphinstone Room (aiming to finish by 4pm). This is an opportunity to meet friends old and new from across the Diocese and renew the bonds between us that have been so stretched in recent years by Covid and other issues. Might you come intending to meet and encourage others?
Thursday @ 7
Thursday @ 7 will close for a short break after the next session on 27th February. We will be looking at Luke’s gospel which is key book for this year’s lectionary. Bible and prayer in small group discussion for an hour followed by a cuppa if you have time to stay. Venue is the Crypt – enter church by side door, through kitchen, down the stairs. Each week’s material is free-standing so it is fine if you can only join us for one or more weeks. Revd Roger Dyer (Assistant Priest).
SEC Net Zero Action Plan
Following our use of the SEC Heat Hack Programme we are now focusing on taking some actions to make our energy usage more sustainable and efficient. We are hoping to reduce our energy bills, do less damage to the planet and make St Mary’s a more comfortable place to meet, worship and socialise. Please see the noticeboard at the back of church to see what we’ve already been doing. Please let us know what you think about the options for aligning with our Three C’s targets and feel free to add your own ideas.
Coffee Fund!
Just a gentle reminder that there are dishes on the tables in the Choir Vestry at coffee time for any donations. The Coffee Fund is running a bit on the low side. Thank you!
Services and events commencing this Sunday and for the coming week
Sunday 23rd February 8am Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Reverend Roger Dyer
Sunday 23rd February 10am Sung Eucharist with Confirmation (1982 Liturgy): Bishop Anne Dyer
Wednesday 27th February 10am Holy Communion: Reverend Roger Dyer
Friday 28th February 6pm Compline: Reverend Roger Dyer
Sunday 2nd March 8am Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Reverend Ferdinand von Prondzynski
Sunday 2nd March 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Reverend Ferdinand von Prondzynski
Next Sunday’s readings: Exodus 34: 29-35; Psalm 99; 2 Corinthians 3: 12-4:2
Gospel: Luke 9: 28-36, (37-43a)
“Dear God, be good to me; the sea is so wide, and my boat is so small.”
(Breton Fisherman’s Prayer)
For any pastoral matters please contact our Assistant Priest Revd Roger Dyer on 07719 458571 or revrogdyer@btinternet.com