A very warm welcome to all
Refrain for Psalm 99:
“Worship upon God’s holy hill.”
Transfiguration
Readings: Exodus 34: 29-35; 2 Corinthians 3: 12-4:2
Gospel: Luke 9: 28-36, (37-43a)
In our Gospel today
From the Feast of Candlemas onwards we have entered into a period of preparation, that takes us through several stages until we reach our destination in faith at Easter. The Transfiguration has a particular significance in our period of reflection and preparation. It tells us about another moment of revelation, in which we learn more about the divinity of Jesus, and about the fulfilment of Old Testament prophesies about him – represented by the presence of Moses and Elijah. And we learn how slowly fallible humanity can come to understand this, as seen in the rather bumbling reaction of Peter to what he sees.
But as Paul tells the Corinthians, the Feast of the Transfiguration allows us to see Jesus without a veil, to be in God’s presence, and to live in our faith, which must always be a faith of hope, no matter how troubled the world around us may be. So let us in faith prepare ourselves for the holy season of Lent, so that at the end we may with joy celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord now transfigured before us.
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?
Ash Wednesday
Please note that Eucharist services with Ashing will take place at the following churches and times: St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral at 10am; St James the Less at 10:30am and St John the Evangelist at 7:30pm.
Sandy Hamilton
We give thanks to God for the life of Sandy Hamilton, husband of Jean, who died this week. A gentle and wise man who was respected and loved by many. Please pray for Jean, Gillian, Dougal and all their family at this time of loss.
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 2nd March 8am Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Reverend Ferdinand von Prondzynski
Sunday 2nd March 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Reverend Ferdinand von Prondzynski
Wednesday 5th March 10am Eucharist with Ashing: Reverend Canon Dr Jenny Holden
Friday 7th March 6pm Compline: Reverend Roger Dyer
Sunday 9th March 8am Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Reverend Roger Dyer
Sunday 9th March 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Reverend Kate Gibson
Next Sunday’s readings: Deuteronomy 26: 1-11; Psalm 91: 1-2, 9-16; Romans 10: 8b-13
Gospel: Luke 4: 1-13
“Tis good, Lord, to be here! Yet we may not remain. But since thou bidst us leave the mount, come with us to the plain.”
(Hymn by J. Armitage Robinson)
For any pastoral matters please contact our Assistant Priest Revd Roger Dyer on 07719 458571 or revrogdyer@btinternet.com