A very warm welcome to all
First Sunday of Advent
Readings: Isaiah 2: 1-5; Romans 13: 11-14
Gospel: Matthew 24: 36-44
In our Gospel
The day and hour about which we do not know comes to us in a thousand different ways. It comes to us as an unexpected gift, an unwanted loss, an unimagined future, a dream come true. Regardless, we had no way of knowing when, how, or if it would come. And we had no way of knowing what it would bring. Despite our best efforts to plan and prepare for the future, we live in the midst of uncertainty and unknowing. There are days and hours that take us completely by surprise, in good ways and in not-so-good ways.
The First Sunday of Advent
This is the First Sunday of Advent and as always, we will light a candle to remind us of what lies ahead and how we will cherish the anticipation of how we will welcome the Christ-Child into our midst. This is the beginning of a new liturgical year and as we navigate our way once more through the significant feast days, we bring to mind all that we are and all that we offer to God and our fellow human beings.
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.
Jacket Potato
Our Jacket Potato appeal has so far been a huge success. We are now close to 300 coats/jackets, with an equal number of hats/scarves and gloves. We will open our doors on Saturday the 3rd of December at 10 am to allow, hopefully, many of those in the city to come and choose some of the donations given to St Mary’s. I am, however, going to need volunteers to assist. I will need at least 4 people to be present in the Church when people come in and possibly 3 people in the Kitchen/Choir Vestry to help provide the refreshments. The more the merrier (and easier for all concerned)
’And he answered and he said to them, “Whoever has two coats, let him give to him who has not, and whoever has food should do likewise.” (Luke 3: 11)
Assistance Requested
Speaking of offering a hot refreshment next Saturday the 3rd of December as part of the Jacket Potato appeal, I was wondering if anyone would be prepared to donate some baking potatoes, butter and cheese and beans, to help keep the costs down. This is a totally one way charitable event, so, if you are able please consider giving what you can. I would also ask that if you are donating baked potatoes, and if you are able, please consider pre-baking them and delivering them to the Church on Friday the 2nd, so we can put them in the oven on the day and get them ready to serve. Please let me know and I will make the necessary arrangements. Thanking you in advance.
Increase in electricity and gas costs
Like everyone else, St Mary’s has had to review our utilities of electricity and gas costs. The increase, of which we have been recently notified, is substantial and will absolutely have an impact on our finances as we move forward. There is great uncertainty, and I am grateful to our Treasurer Mrs Lydia Ross for working very hard to anticipate this, and in doing so, suggesting several possible tariffs to consider as we enter the New Year. As expected, these tariffs are significantly higher than what we are currently paying, however, they are the best of what was on offer. I inform you of this so that should you enter the church one day and find it a little cooler than normal, it is only because we have been forced to make savings where and when we can.
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.
SECMA
The SECMA magazines are now ready to be handed out. Subscriptions/donations should be made directly to Mrs Gillian Rose as soon as possible.
Music Events
The following are dates of further music-based events arranged by our Director of Music, taking place at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral over the coming weeks:
- 4th of December at 3 pm – Melody Kondoff – Soprano Recital
- 18th of December at 3 pm – Matthew McVey – Organ Recital
As always, these recitals are free entry but any donations will be gratefully received.
Collection Plate Assistance
I continue to make an appeal for help. Every Sunday, the plate collection needs to be counted and properly recorded. This should ideally be carried out by two people, to ensure propriety. We cannot always rely on Lydia our Treasurer to do this, and it should really have independent oversight. I am therefore asking everyone to consider putting your name forward to assist in this small task. There will be guidance provided and it should not prove too onerous. Names in the first instance to me, please.
Vestry Vacancies
We have two vacancies on St Mary’s Vestry for Ordinary Members, and I would strongly urge those who feel that they could offer something to assist in the management of our Church to speak to me. Vestry membership is a rewarding role and provides an insight in to how we reach the decisions we do in our work here at Carden Place.
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 27th November 2022
Sunday 27th November at 8 am – Holy Communion (1970 – Cn Terry)
Sunday 27th November at 10 am – First Sunday of Advent (1982 Cn Terry)
Monday 28th November Cn Terry – Day off
Tuesday 29th November at 10 am – Morning Prayers (Cn Terry)
Wednesday 30th November at 10 am – Holy Communion – St Andrew (1970 – Cn Terry)
Wednesday 30th November 12-2 pm -Final Jacket Potato collection
Friday 2nd December at 6 pm – Compline (Cn Terry)
Saturday 3rd December at 10 am – Jacket Potato Open Day
Sunday 4th December at 8 am – Holy Communion (1970 – Cn Terry)
Sunday 4th December at 10 am – 2nd Sunday of Advent (1982 – Cn Terry)
4th of December at 3 pm – Melody Kondoff – Soprano Recital
Readings: Isaiah 11: 1-10; Psalm 72: 1-7, 18-19; Romans 15: 4-13
Gospel: Matthew 3: 1-12
“Life in a prison cell may well be compared to Advent; one waits, hopes, and does this, that, or the other- things that are of no real consequence- the door is shut and can be opened only from the outside.”
(Dietrich Bonhoeffer – Letters from Prison – November 21, 1943)
Cn Terry Taggart:
01224588776/07768219984