A very warm welcome to all
Psalm 111: “The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.”
The Fourth Sunday After the Epiphany
Readings: Deuteronomy 18: 15-20; 1 Corinthians 8: 1-13
Gospel: Mark 1: 21-28
In our Gospel today
Two themes emerge from today’s readings: one about knowledge and the other about who Jesus is. The gospel presents us with the first miracle recorded by Mark. Jesus brings healing but the account is written as a revelation of the power of Jesus to overcome evil. There are different revelations about Jesus in Mark’s gospel, and they all fit the Epiphany theme that he is Light for the World.
In ordinary conversation we sometimes use ‘epiphany’ to mean a moment of insight, when we see some things differently than we did before. It may ‘dawn on us’ or be gained by study. If it is questionable that ‘ignorance is bliss’ – ignorance has led to much suffering – is it enough to think of knowledge as the antidote? Whilst enlightenment offers much, knowledge cannot by itself solve humanity’s crises. Here we see Jesus, the Wisdom and Power of God, to change lives.
Brian Sinclair
We are sad to announce the death of Brian Sinclair last week. Brian was a long-term member of our church and will be fondly remembered by many for his gentle character. We pray for Sandra and family at this time. May Brian rest in peace and rise in glory. Service to be held at St Mary’s on Tuesday 30th January at 11:30am.
Stelios Christides
Stelios Christides, husband of our friend and sister Liz, died suddenly and unexpectedly this week. May his soul rest in the peace of heaven. He will be sorely missed. We pray for Liz and family in their shock and sadness. May they know that underneath are the everlasting arms.
St John’s Pancake Party & Beetle Drive
St John’s are having a Pancake Party and Beetle Drive on Tuesday 13th February in the Church Hall on Crown Terrace. Congregation members from St Mary’s are warmly welcome to join the fun. Ticket prices are £5.00 for an adult and £3.00 for a child.
Diocesan Lent Course: Way to the Cross
Way to the Cross. We will be using material from the Diocesan Lent Course for this year’s Lent Group. Thursdays 7-8pm in the Crypt 22/2, 29/2, 7/3, 14/3 & 21/3. Revd Roger writes “I look forward to meeting with others to consider Jesus’ journey to the Cross. My hope is that this will prepare our hearts for our Easter worship and help us as we seek to follow Jesus, living cross-shaped lives. All comers welcome. Tea, Coffee, chat after also available!”
Annual General Meeting
St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral Annual General Meeting will take place after the 10am Service on Sunday 4th February. Bishop Dorsey McConnell will be with us for the service and the AGM. Reports for the AGM should be available to send to the Diocesan Office about one week before the AGM.
New Vestry Members Required
The Vestry need a few new Ordinary Members as some existing members complete their period of service and also because we’ve been running a little low on members for some time now. If you would like to know what’s involved or are keen to be nominated, please speak to one of our wardens. Nomination forms for Vestry membership and other Vestry offices are available at the back of church. Please note that forms must be submitted to the Vestry Secretary by 28th January latest.
Services and events commencing this Sunday and for the coming week
Sunday 28th January 8am Said Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Roger Dyer
Sunday 28th January 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Roger Dyer
Tuesday 30th January No Morning Prayer
Wednesday 31st January 10am Holy Communion: Revd Roger Dyer
Friday 2nd February 10am Holy Communion (1970) The Presentation of Christ in the Temple: Revd Roger Dyer
Friday 2nd February 6pm Compline: Revd Roger Dyer
Sunday 4th February 8am Said Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Roger Dyer
Sunday 4th February 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Bishop Dorsey McConnell
Next Sunday’s readings: Isaiah 40: 21-31; Psalm 147: 1-11, 20c; 1 Corinthians 9: 16-23
Gospel: Mark 1: 29-39
“Jesus Christ, the condescension of divinity, and the exaltation of humanity.”
(Phillips Brooks)
For any pastoral matters please contact our Assistant Priest Revd. Roger Dyer on 07719 458571
or revrogdyer@btinternet.com