A very warm welcome to all
“I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever.”
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Readings: Jeremiah 28: 5-9; Romans 6: 12-23
Gospel: Matthew 10: 40-42
In our Gospel today
The teaching of Jesus, in our gospel reading, and what Paul wrote in Romans 6 complement each other : grace calls us into a relationship with God and our lives should reflect the character of the one to whom we relate.
As well as this, Jesus highlights the radical intimacy which we have with Him and the Father: when a disciple receives hospitality, so does Jesus and the one who sent Him. There was no hierarchy in receiving love and hospitality: all disciples were of equal status – from prophets to those who, from other perspectives, might be perceived as insignificant.
In these verses Jesus is likely to be referring to the way those who followed Him should treat one another, however this does not in any way negate our responsibility to care for all who are in need (for example, the Parable of the ‘Good Samaritan’ Luke 10:25-37).
Prayers for Ukraine
As the Ukrainian counter-offensive begins in earnest, please continue to offer prayers for our brothers and sisters caught up in the tragic Russia-Ukraine war.
Peace Garden
Work on the Peace Garden Project has continued and is on schedule. In the second week of the works the site has been prepared for the construction of the wall for the raised bed and for the laying of the sandstone paving. For safety reasons the church carparking area will be for the use of the contractors between 8am and 5pm during the working week. If you have any questions about the project, please approach our folks on the Buildings Committee – David Rose and Freddie Stephens.
Services of Evensong
There will be three services of Evensong at St Marys through the summer months (this evening 2nd July 4pm, 30th July 6:30pm and 27th August 6:30pm). Our Director of Music, Matthew McVey, will be gathering a choir for these occasions. The Evensong on the 27th of August 6:30pm will be Matthew’s last service with us before he takes up his new post. After this service there will be a Reception and an opportunity for us to express our thanks to Matthew for his work amongst us in recent years. Please mark this date in your diaries and on your calendars! Full details to follow.
Gallowgate Fair
The Gallowgate Fair will take place on Saturday 5th August at St Margaret’s Hall from 10am to 4pm. St Mary’s usually take a stall and sell homemade toffee, jam, and bakes. Please speak to the Fundraising and Social Team for more information on how to get involved.
Photograph Competition 2023
Our Photograph Competition for 2023 has been launched and will be our third such competition and will run until 30th September. Details of the competition rules can be found here: https://stmaryscardenplace.org.uk/notices/photograph-competition-2023/
Poetry Competition 2023
Our Short Poetry Competition closed on Friday 30th June. The entries can be seen here: https://stmaryscardenplace.org.uk/poem-competition-2023/ Many thanks to all entrants. We will now move on to judging the entries and announcing the winners soon.
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 2nd July 2023
Sunday 2nd July 8am Holy Communion: Revd Roger Dyer
Sunday 2nd July 10am Service of the Word: Leading Nick Mills and preaching Godwin Chimara
Sunday 2nd July 4pm Evensong: Fr Jason Hobbs
Tuesday 4th July 10am Morning Prayer: Revd Roger Dyer
Wednesday 5th July 10am Holy Communion: Revd Roger Dyer
Friday 7th July 6pm Compline: Revd Dr Jenny Holden
Sunday 9th July No 8am Service
Sunday 9th July 10am Sung Eucharist: Revd Kate Gibson
Sunday 9th July readings: Zechariah 9: 9-12; Psalm 45: 10-17; Romans 7:15-25a
Gospel: Matthew 11: 16-19,25-30
“Any time we practice hospitality we follow in the steps of our lavishly hospitable God.”
(Dustin Willis)
For any pastoral matters please contact our Assistant Priest Revd. Roger Dyer on 07719 458571
or revrogdyer@btinternet.com