1st Sunday after Epiphany
‘The Baptism of Christ’
St Mary’s and St Andrew’s Worshipping Together
A very warm welcome to all our visitors today
Readings:
Genesis 1: 1-5; Psalm 29: 10-14; Acts 19: 1-7; Gospel: Mark 1: 4-11
First Sunday After Epiphany
Our New Testament reading from Acts describes the moment when Paul laid hands upon those disciples in Corinth, who, having already been baptised with water by John with the baptism of repentance, were then baptised in the name of Jesus Christ, after which they “spoke in tongues”. Today is the first Sunday after Epiphany and our Gospel reading from Mark reminds us of Jesus’ own baptism in the river Jordan by John the Baptist, and the real significance of that act by John as it heralded the beginning of Jesus’ ministry.
Lockdown and the suspension of Services
It seems that the prediction I made last Sunday, that services may be suspended, has unfortunately come true, and we are now in the face of another lockdown for at the very least, until the end of January. This is going to be yet another exhausting time for those on the front line of this fight, and whatever we as individuals can do to help in bringing an end to the spread of the virus; we must do with all our might. I will endeavour to provide what online services I can together with telephone contact with those whom I haven’t seen or spoken with for a while.
Online Holy Communion Services
I will continue to record a service of Holy Communion on Fridays, which will be broadcast every Sunday at 10 am, however, now that the Church is closed for public worship, I would ask you to resist the temptation of ‘dropping in’ if you see my car parked in the car park.
St Mary’s Zoom Brunch
The St Mary’s Zoom Brunch continues at 12.30 pm every Sunday, the link details of which accompany Fr Terry’s email with the Word version of this Newsletter. Should you know of anyone who might be interested in joining us, please feel free to pass them the direct login details.
St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral AGM
St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral AGM will take place via Zoom on Sunday the 7th of February, commencing at 1230 pm. Even though we may well be experiencing lockdown, I fully intend to ensure that the AGM will go ahead as planned. I will endeavour to circulate the necessary correspondence prior to that date. Watch this space and our website for further updates.
Lay Rep and Alternate Lay Rep posts
The roles of Lay Rep and Alternate Lay Rep are posts that are open, annually, to any member of St Mary’s Congregation who wishes to put their names forward. The positions are currently occupied by Dr Nicola Mills (Lay Rep), and Dr Elizabeth Smyth (Alternate Lay Rep), who, if unopposed, are happy to continue. Should anyone put their name forward for either role, then this will require a ballot to take place at the AGM. If anyone wishes to know more about the Lay / Alternate Lay Rep positions, please let me know. Normally I would be placing a sheet in the Church for anyone who wishes to put their name forward, however, due to the current lockdown situation, this will not be possible. Therefore I would also ask that you contact me via this medium and I will maintain an electronic list should it be required. It is also incumbent upon me to ensure that this information reaches as many of those who are on the St Mary’s Congregational role as possible, so if you know of anyone who should be aware of this information and is not receiving newsletters, would you please let me know at your earliest convenience.
Please remember Mr John (Jack) Norrie in your prayers
Please remember in your prayers today, Mr John (Jack) Norrie, a resident of Bucksburn, who passed away on the 28th of December 2020. Please also pray for his partner Vivien, family and friends as they mourn today. A funeral service will take place at the Chapel of Rest at Aberdeen Funeral Directors on Causeway Road on Tuesday the 12th of January. May he rest in peace and rise in glory, and may light perpetual shine upon him.
Services/Events at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral week commencing Sunday 10th January 2021
Friday the 8th of January at 10 am – Recording, at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, of online Holy Communion to be broadcast on Sunday the 10th January
Sunday the 10th of January at 12.30 pm – Sunday Brunch via Zoom
Tuesday the 12th of January at 1pm – Funeral Service of Mr John Norrie at the Aberdeen Funeral Directors, Chapel of Rest, Causeway Rd, Aberdeen
Friday the 15th of January at 10 am – Recording, at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, of online Holy Communion to be broadcast on Sunday the 17th January
‘Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it’ (Proverbs 4: 23)
Blessings Always
Rev’d Canon Terry Taggart
Rector