A very warm welcome to all
“Great is the Lord and highly to be praised.”
The Transfiguration
Readings: Daniel 7: 9-10, 13-14; 2 Peter 1: 16-19
Gospel: Matthew 14: 13-21
In our Gospel today
Today we mark the Feast of the Transfiguration and we hear Matthew’s recounting of this, where Jesus takes Peter, James and John to a high mountain to pray, and there he is transfigured – Moses and Elijah appeared – a voice from the clouds says “This is my Son, the Beloved”. This profound occurrence took place on Mount Tabor, where Jesus’ appearance was transformed before the eyes of His chosen disciples, Peter, James, and John. The Transfiguration is a significant event that holds deep theological symbolism, offering us a glimpse of the glory of heaven and the ultimate encounter with God Himself. The Transfiguration stands as a remarkable revelation of Jesus’ divine nature and serves as a bridge between His earthly ministry and His heavenly glory. As Jesus prayed on the mountain, His countenance changed, and His face shone like the sun, while His garments became dazzlingly white (Matthew 17:2). This radiant transformation unveiled His true identity as the Son of God, emphasizing His dual nature as both fully human and fully divine.
Peace Garden
Final finishing touches to the Peace Garden were completed earlier this week. This involved the grouting of the sandstone pavers, placing of chuckies down the edges of the landscaped area and placing bark around the rowan trees. The raised bed has been prepared and is ready for the new planting. We are now just awaiting information about the availability of the plants. Joanne Evans, Gerbera Designs, will be implementing the planting plan we agreed with Aberdeen City Council in the near future.
Services of Evensong
There will be a service of Evensong at St Mary’s on Sunday 27th August at 6:30pm. This will be Matthew’s last service with us before he takes up his new post. After the 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!
St Mary’s Gift Day
On Sunday 13th August it will be our Patronal Festival (transferred from the 15th). This will also be our annual St Mary’s Gift Day where we ask congregation members to think about reviewing their regular giving and to consider making a further one-off gift to St Mary’s.
Photograph Competition 2023
Our Photograph Competition for 2023 has been launched and will be our third such competition and will run until 30th September. We are still awaiting our first photographic entries! Competition rules can be found here:
https://stmaryscardenplace.org.uk/notices/photograph-competition-2023/
Social Ladies’ and Gents’ evenings
In September we plan to have two social events – a Ladies’ Evening and a Gents’ Evening. In the past these have involved a nice meal at a local restaurant. The Fundraising and Social Team will be planning the dates soon – so please look out for further information in the newsletter and noticeboards.
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 6th August 2023
Sunday 6th August 8am Said Eucharist (1970 Liturgy): Revd Dr Jenny Holden
Sunday 6th August 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Dr Jenny Holden
Tuesday 8th August at 10am Morning Prayer: Revd Roger Dyer
Wednesday 9th August 10am Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Kate Gibson
Friday 11th August 6pm Compline: Iain Stewart
Sunday 13th August 8am Said Eucharist (1970 Liturgy): Revd Roger Dyer
Sunday 13th August 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Dr Jenny Holden
Sunday 13th August readings: Isaiah 61: 10-11; Psalm 34: 1-9; Galatians 4: 4-7
Gospel: Luke 1: 46-55
“The Lord is more constant and far more extravagant than it seems to imply. Wherever you turn your eyes the world can shine like transfiguration. You don’t have to bring a thing to it except a little willingness to see. Only, who could have the courage to see it?”
(Marilynne Robinson)
For any pastoral matters please contact our Assistant Priest Revd. Roger Dyer on 07719 458571
or revrogdyer@btinternet.com