A very warm welcome to all
Second Sunday of Advent
Readings: Isaiah 11: 1-10; Romans 15: 4-13
Gospel: Matthew 3: 1-12
In our Gospel
For many, John the Baptist is about as hard to understand, as he is peculiar among first-century figures. We know John the Baptist is a messenger/forerunner. He was the one who would prepare the people by stirring up the consciences of those around Palestine, preaching a message of repentance of sin. His preaching consisted of two basic elements. He preached repentance from sin and he preached that repentance was essential because God’s Kingdom was at hand.
Second Sunday of Advent – welcome to the Igbo Community
On this second Sunday of Advent, we are very pleased to welcome the Igbo Community who will celebrate their thanksgiving to God near the end of our service on Sunday. I am also deeply grateful to Mr Godwin Chimara, one of our two Ordinands in training, and in his final year, who will not only assist me with the worship but also preach for us today.
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.
Holy Communion rules
You may recall several weeks ago when we resumed providing the wine during Holy Communion, that I stressed we cannot allow intinction (dipping the wafer into the chalice). I must stress that this is still in place. I, therefore, ask, in order to avoid any embarrassment at such a solemn point in our worship, where a refusal could seem offensive, that you would either take directly from the common cup or not at all. Please know that taking in one kind only completely fulfils your participation in the Holy Communion
Jacket Potato
Our Jacket Potato appeal ‘great giveaway’, will have, by the time this reaches you, taken place. I hope that it was as great a success as the collection of donations was. The appeal has received significant media coverage, both locally and nationally and it has clearly caught the attention of a lot of people. I am deeply grateful to the people who volunteered their time during the donation collection days throughout November, those who turned out in good numbers to assist in arranging the set-up for the open day, which was physically demanding. Those who turned up on Saturday to assist with the distribution of the coats and jackets etc, those who helped with serving the hot refreshments, and those who donated potatoes, butter, cheese and beans. So much hard work done for so many deserving people. I am deeply humbled by everyone’s generosity and humility. Thank you all. ’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)
Revd Roger Dyer
On January the 1st 2023, Fr Roger will take on the role of Interim Priest for St John’s after the departure of The Rev’d Dr Jenny Holden as she moves into a new Diocesan post. Fr Roger was asked to take on this responsibility by +John as the search for a new full-time Priest begins. We should wish Fr Roger well and pray for him as he provides his excellent ministry to the congregation of St John’s. We also should pray for Rev’d Jenny in her new and exciting role.
Soprano Recital by Ms Melody Kondoff
On Sunday at 3 pm, Ms Melody Kondoff will perform a Soprano Recital. Please try to come and support our local talent here at St Mary’s. As always, admission is free, but all donations will be gratefully received.
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.
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:
- 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.
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.
Christmas Services
Saturday 17th December
4 pm – Christmas Carol Service
Sunday 18th December
8 am – Holy Communion
10 am – Sung Eucharist
3 pm – Mr Matthew McVey – Organ Recital
4.30 pm – Christingle Service
Saturday 24th December
11 pm – Midnight Mass
Sunday 25th December
10 am – Holy Communion
Monday 26th December
10 am – Holy Communion – St Stephen – 1st Martyr
Tuesday 27th December
10 am – Holy Communion – St John the Apostle
Wednesday 28th December
10 am – Holy Communion – The Holy Innocents
Sunday 1st January 2023
8 am – Holy Communion
10 am – Sung Eucharist – Naming and Circumcision of Jesus
Services/Events Commencing Sunday the 4th December 2022
Sunday 4th December at 8 am – Holy Communion (1970 – Cn Terry)
Sunday 4th December at 10 am – Second Sunday of Advent Sung Eucharist (1982 Cn Terry Presiding – Mr Godwin Chimara Preaching)
Monday 5th December – Urgent Admin day (Cn Terry)
Tuesday 6th December at 10 am – Morning Prayers (Cn Terry)
Tuesday 6th December at 12 noon – Pastoral visit at Durrif (Cn Terry)
Wednesday 7th December at 10 am – Holy Communion (1970 – Cn Terry)
Friday 9th December at 6 pm – Compline (Cn Terry)
Sunday 11th December at 8 am – Holy Communion (1970 – Cn Terry)
Sunday 11th December at 10 am – 3rd Sunday of Advent (1982 – Cn Terry)
Monday 12th December at 1130 am – Funeral Service for the late Mrs Eileen Deans at Baldarroch Crematorium (Cn Terry)
Readings: Isaiah 35: 1-10; Psalm 146: 409; James 5: 7-10
Gospel: Matthew 11: 2-11
“The Lord is coming, always coming. When you have ears to hear and eyes to see, you will recognise him at any moment of your life. Life is Advent; life is recognising the coming of the Lord.”
(Henri Nouwen)
Cn Terry Taggart:
01224588776/07768219984