A very warm welcome to all
Psalm 133: “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.”
The Second Sunday of Easter
Readings: Acts 4: 32-35; 1 John 1: 1-2: 2
Gospel: John 20: 19-31
In our Gospel today
Today is the second Sunday in the season of Easter, also known as Low Sunday. A number of different explanations are offered for this name, but it may well simply be connected to the sense of coming down from the celebrations of Easter Sunday.
In John 20:19-31, we find two pivotal moments in the aftermath of Jesus’ resurrection. The first is from the evening of the resurrection day. The disciples, fearing the authorities, have locked themselves in a room. Suddenly, Jesus appears in their midst, greeting them with the reassuring words, ‘Peace be with you’. He shows them his hands and side providing evidence of who he is.
In the second scene we hear the story of Thomas, one of the disciples, who was absent from the first encounter. When he is told of Jesus’ appearance, he expresses doubt and declares that he will not believe unless he can see and touch the wounds. A week later Jesus appears again and invites Thomas to touch his wounds. Overwhelmed, Thomas believes, exclaiming ‘My Lord and my God!’
This passage holds together doubt, faith and the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ. It can help us to reflect questions such as – What does it mean to have faith? What does it mean to have doubts? What do you think Thomas felt before/after he touched the wounds? How can we introduce people to the risen Jesus?
Thank you!
A very big thank you to all involved in making Easter Sunday a very special celebration!
Italian Night
There will be an Italian Night on Friday 19th April at 7pm. This will be a fundraising event with some nice Italian style foods. To gauge numbers attending on the evening there are sign-up sheets at the back of church and also in the Choir Vestry. Please bring along your own drinks. Donations will be taken on the night. Buon Appetito!
Confirmation at St James Sunday 26th May
Confirmation 4pm Sunday 26th May. Baptised as a child and wish to affirm your adult faith? Baptised as an adult and wish to state your commitment to serve God in the world, asking God’s help? Returning to a place of renewed faith and wish to mark this, asking God’s help? Then, Confirmation is something you might wish to consider. St Mary’s will be joining in a joint Confirmation Service with St James and St Johns on 26th May 4pm. Venue – St James. Please speak to Revd Roger by 21st April if interested (revrogdyer@btinternet.com). There will be confirmation classes to prepare at a time to suite candidates.
Photograph Competition 2024
Our Photograph Competition for 2024 began on Monday 1st April and runs to August 30th. Entries in the last few years have been really fantastic and many have made it into the St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral calendars. Please think about dusting off your 35 mm single lens reflex camera or just think about using your mobile ‘phone more artistically!
Your thoughts on our Magazine?
The Easter Magazine was published last week. The Communications Group would still like to canvas the congregations thoughts about our Magazine, which is currently published on a quarterly basis. Is this the best frequency for everyone? Is there anything else that you would like to see in it? Please provide your feedback to the editor, Nicola Mills, or anyone on the Vestry.
Next Vestry Meeting
St Mary’s Vestry will meet on Tuesday 9th April. Please let a Vestry member know if you would like to bring anything to the attention of the Vestry.
Services and events commencing this Sunday and for the coming week
Sunday 7th April No 8am Holy Communion
Sunday 7th April 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Kate Gibson
Tuesday 9th April No Morning Prayer
Wednesday 10th April 10am Holy Communion: Revd Dr Ruth Green
Friday 12th April 6pm Compline: Revd Roger Dyer
Sunday 14th April 8am Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Jason Hobbs
Sunday 14th April 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Jason Hobbs
Next Sunday’s readings: Acts 3: 12-19; Psalm 4; 1 John 3: 1-7
Gospel: Luke 24: 36b-48
“He that never doubted scarce ever well believed.”
(William Austen, d1634)
For any pastoral matters please contact our Assistant Priest Revd. Roger Dyer on 07719 458571
or revrogdyer@btinternet.com