A very warm welcome to all
“How good is the Lord to all.”
Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost
Readings: Jonah 3:10-4:11; Philippians 1: 21-30
Gospel: Matthew 20: 1-16
In our Gospel today
In both our Old Testament reading and today’s Psalm we hear of God’s love for all humans and all of creation. In the passage from Philippians Paul encourages the believers in Philippi to act in ways that are consistent with the news that they have heard about God and God’s love.
In the face of a global food crisis we have to ask if we are acting in accordance with our beliefs. If we believe in a God that provides for all people and the whole of creation, how do we ensure that the benefits of God’s provision reach everyone, everywhere?
In our gospel Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a landowner who at different times of the day brings workers into the vineyard for the harvest. Jesus uses this story to illustrate that God, through Christ, is opening the kingdom of heaven to all, even those not previously thought of as worthy of the kingdom. The story is very emotive as we feel the perceived injustice when those who have not worked as long receiving equal.
The World Food Programme estimates that 345 million people face high levels of food insecurity. There is enough to go round. How could we, as the church, work to ensure that all God’s people are fed?
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
Just six days 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 24th September 2023
Sunday 24th September 8am (Season of Creation Week 4) 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
Tuesday 26th September 10am Morning Prayer: Revd Roger Dyer
Wednesday 27th September 10am Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Roger Dyer
Friday 29th September 6pm Compline: tbc
Sunday 1st October 10am Harvest Thanksgiving Said Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Dr Jenny Holden
Sunday 1st October 10am Harvest Thanksgiving (Season of Creation Week 5) Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Dr Jenny Holden
Sunday 1st October readings: Ezekiel 18: 1-4, 25-32; Psalm 25: 1-9; Philippians 2: 1-13
Gospel: Matthew 21: 23-32
“We believe in life before death.”
(Christian Aid)
For any pastoral matters please contact our Assistant Priest Revd. Roger Dyer on 07719 458571
or revrogdyer@btinternet.com