A very warm welcome to all
Psalm 29: “The voice of the Lord is upon the waters, the God of glory thunders.”
The Baptism of the Lord
Readings: Genesis 1: 1-5; Acts 19: 1-7
Gospel: Mark 1: 4-11
In our Gospel today
The Baptism of the Lord marks the end of the Christmas season and the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. It is a feast that celebrates Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, highlighting His identity as the Son of God and the start of His redemptive mission. We begin the Epiphany Season, where we celebrate the manifestation of God in Christ. Our readings speak of God in Creation (Genesis), that God revealed in the person of Jesus Christ is the ruler of the universe (Psalm), implications of Baptism in the early Church (Acts) and the Baptism of Christ (Mark).
Diocesan Advent Course
The Diocesan Advent Course will run until this Sunday, 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 need 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. Now that we are in 2024 you can have a copy for the bargain price of £5!
Christmas Magazine
Please remember to pick up a copy of the Christmas Magazine or read the articles on our website: https://stmaryscardenplace.org.uk/st-marys-magazine-christmas-2023/
Services and events commencing this Sunday and for the coming week
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
Wednesday 10th January 10am Holy Communion: Revd Kate Gibson
Friday 12th January 6pm Compline: Marin Matsuzaka
Sunday 14th January No 8am Service
Sunday 14th January 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Kate Gibson presiding and Dr Nicola Mills preaching
Sunday 14th January readings: 1 Samuel 3: 1-10 (11-20); Psalm 139; 1 Corinthians 6: 12-20
Gospel: John 1: 43-51
“You are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ’s own for ever.”
(SEC Baptism Liturgy)
For any pastoral matters please contact our Assistant Priest Revd. Roger Dyer on 07719 458571
or revrogdyer@btinternet.com