A very warm welcome to all
Refrain for Psalm 138:
“I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with my whole heart.”
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
Readings: Isaiah 6: 1-8, (9-13); 1 Corinthians 15: 1-11
Gospel: Luke 5: 1-11
In our Gospel today
Today’s gospel tells us the story of how Simon became a disciple whilst out fishing. His miraculous catch is a sign of Jesus’s divine power, and it leads Simon to recognize his own unworthiness and fall to his knees before Jesus. Jesus responds by calling Simon to follow him and become a fisher of men.
This story is a powerful reminder that encountering Jesus isn’t about our own strength or our own accomplishments. It’s about recognizing our need for him, about trusting in his word, even when it doesn’t make sense. It’s about humbling ourselves before his divine power and allowing him to transform us.
Diocesan Synod Saturday 1st March
All communicant members of the Diocese are invited to attend the 9:30am Synod Eucharist at King’s College Chapel AB24 3EB and Synod business from 11am in the adjacent Elphinstone Room (aiming to finish by 4pm). This is an opportunity to meet friends old and new from across the Diocese and renew the bonds between us that have been so stretched in recent years by Covid and other issues. Might you come intending to meet and encourage others?
Thursday @ 7
Thursday @ 7 is now running again through to 27th February. We will be looking at Luke’s gospel which is key book for this year’s lectionary. Bible and prayer in small group discussion for an hour followed by a cuppa if you have time to stay. Venue is the Crypt – enter church by side door, through kitchen, down the stairs. Each week’s material is free-standing so it is fine if you can only join us for one or more weeks. Revd Roger Dyer (Assistant Priest).
SEC Net Zero Action Plan
Following our use of the SEC Heat Hack Programme we are now focusing on taking some actions to make our energy usage more sustainable and efficient. We are hoping to reduce our energy bills, do less damage to the planet and make St Mary’s a more comfortable place to meet, worship and socialise. Please see the noticeboard at the back of church to see what we’ve already been doing. Please let us know what you think about the options for aligning with our Three C’s targets and feel free to add your own ideas.
St Mary’s Annual General Meeting Nominations
At the AGM last Sunday the following Vestry positions were unanimously elected by the congregation: Iain Stewart was re-elected as People’s Warden; Nicola Mills was re-elected as Lay Representative and Iain Stewart was re-elected as Alternative Lay Representative. Two new Ordinary Members were also unanimously voted on to the Vestry, namely, Julia House and Athol Jermieson. Louisa Donaldson stood down as an Ordinary Member, having completed the normal term plus a period of extension.
Coffee Fund!
Just a gentle reminder that there are dishes on the tables in the Choir Vestry at coffee time for any donations. The Coffee Fund is running a bit on the low side. Thank you!
Services and events commencing this Sunday and for the coming week
Sunday 9th February 8am Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Reverend Jason Hobbs
Sunday 9th February 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Reverend Jason Hobbs
Wednesday 12th February 10am Holy Communion: Reverend Kate Gibson
Friday 14th February 6pm Compline: Iain Stewart
Sunday 16th February 8am Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Reverend Jason Hobbs
Sunday 16th February 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Reverend Kate Gibson
Next Sunday’s readings: Jeremiah 17: 5-10; Psalm 1; 1 Corinthians 15: 12-20
Gospel: Luke 6: 17-26
“The disciple simply burns his boats and goes ahead. He is called out, has followed the call, and there is no possibility of return. The old life is lost, and a new life has begun.”
(Dietrich Bonhoeffer)
For any pastoral matters please contact our Assistant Priest Revd Roger Dyer on 07719 458571 or revrogdyer@btinternet.com