A very warm welcome to all
Psalm 148: “Praise, O praise the name of the Lord.”
First Sunday after Christmas
Readings: 2 Isaiah 61:10-62:3; Galatians 3: 23-25, 5:4-7
Gospel: Luke 2: 22-40
In our Gospel today
The Gospel for today tells of Joseph, Mary and the infant Jesus’ visit to the temple following Jesus’ birth. In the reading from Genesis God promises that Abraham and Sarah will have a son, this story is recalled in the Epistle by the Apostle Paul. In the gospel Joseph and Mary take the infant Jesus to Jerusalem for the ritual of purification. There they meet Simeon and Anna, who both speak about Jesus’ future. God’s love for humanity through the ages is threaded through the readings as we reflect on the birth of Jesus and what that means for us.
Diocesan Advent Course
The Diocesan Advent Course will run from Advent Sunday (3rd December 2023) to the Baptism of the Lord (7th January 2024). The course, written by different members of the Diocese is called “In the beginning was the Word…” with reflections each day on scripture. It will be posted in the ‘other news’ section of the Diocesan website, with some discussion questions posted on Saturday of each week to reflect back on that week’s previous posts.
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 are in need of 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 or to Roger or Jenny. Nomination forms for the Vestry membership and other Vestry offices are available at the back of church or please speak to David Rose for an electronic copy.
Calendar 2024
The St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral Calendar for 2024 is available in church. Single copies can be purchased at the price of £10. If you’d like to purchase more than one, we will offer a 10% discount on the total payable.
Wishing everyone a very happy Hogmanay and all the best for 2024!
Services/Events Commencing Sunday the 31st December 2023
Sunday 31st December 8am Said Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Canon Dr Jenny Holden
Sunday 31st December 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Canon Dr Jenny Holden
Wednesday 3rd January 10am Holy Communion: Revd Roger Dyer
Friday 5th January 6pm Compline: Revd Roger Dyer
Sunday 7th January 8am Said Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Canon Dr Jenny Holden
Sunday 7th January 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Canon Dr Jenny Holden
Sunday 7th January readings: Genesis 1: 1-5; Psalm 29; Acts 19: 1-7
Gospel: Mark 1: 4-11
“Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation.”
(Luke 2:29-30)
For any pastoral matters please contact our Assistant Priest Revd. Roger Dyer on 07719 458571
or revrogdyer@btinternet.com