A very warm welcome to all
“For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel.”
Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost
Readings: Isaiah 5: 1-7; Philippians 3: 4b-14
Gospel: Matthew 21: 33-46
In our Gospel today
We’re remaining with vineyards in our readings this Sunday. Cultivating vineyards and then abandoning them when the result is not as expected (Isaiah), a plea for divine care and restoration for the vine (representing Israel, Psalm 80) and a parable about a landowner who leases a vineyard, but tenants mistreat his servants and kill his son. When asked, the elders agree that the owner will evict these tenants and find new ones (Matthew 21). In contrast Philippians tells us to bring our concerns to God in prayer. What does it mean to follow God and Jesus is a theme across the readings, what does it mean and look like to live a Christian life?
Mexican Night – Friday 17th November
On Friday 17th November we plan to have a Bring & Share Mexican Evening in the Choir Vestry. The idea is to bring along Mexican food and drinks to share. So please start thinking about your Mexican recipes and drinks and dust off your sombreros!
Planters needing plants!
We’re still looking for some help with the planters – bulbs and bedding plants would be great. Please contact Freddie Stephens or David Rose of our Buildings Committee if you can help.
Gardening Gang
Hopefully by the time you read this newsletter the first Gardening Gang will have begun to tackle the weeds around St Mary’s. There’s another chance to help next week (Saturday 14th October). Please sign up on the sheet at the back of the church. Many thanks to those who have already signed up and done some weeding.
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 8th October 2023
Sunday 8th October 8am Said Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy) Revd Dr Jenny Holden
Sunday 8th October 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Dr Jenny Holden
Tuesday 10th October 10am Morning Prayer: Revd Dr Jenny Holden
Wednesday 11th October 10am Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Ruth Green
Friday 13th October 6pm Compline: Iain Stewart
Sunday 15th October 8am Said Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Dr Jenny Holden
Sunday 15th October 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Dr Jenny Holden
Sunday 15th October readings: Isaiah 25: 1-9; Psalm 23; Philippians 4: 1-9
Gospel: Matthew 22: 1-14
“There is our own primary desire for God, of course, which we strive in prayer to put first; but underlying that is God’s unique and unchangeable desire for us, without which all our own striving is fruitless.”
(Sarah Coakley)
For any pastoral matters please contact our Assistant Priest Revd. Roger Dyer on 07719 458571
or revrogdyer@btinternet.com