Sixth Sunday after Trinity
St Mary’s and St Andrew’s Worshipping Together
A very warm welcome to all
Readings: Amos 7: 7-15; Psalm 85: 8-13; Ephesians 1: 3-14
Gospel: Mark 6: 14-29
In today’s Gospel
Repentance isn’t a practice that most people enjoy. And it’s certainly not something people want to be told they need to do. In a world that cheers personal autonomy and self-expression, the suggestion that someone’s way of life is something that needs to be repented of is largely considered out of bounds. We might well look at the man or woman in the street wearing the placards which say “Repent, the end is nigh”. We might just make a mental note of it as we pass by and think, “he/she has a point there, but please don’t ram it down my throat, I am capable of making my own decisions in my own good time”. But as Christians, we recognize the call to repentance is a primary part of the message of the Gospel. It’s only when we repent of our sins and turn to Jesus that we can be forgiven and saved from the wrath of God. As we come to today’s Gospel from Mark, we encounter a group of people who are fully committed to living for themselves.
Proposal for west end garden re-development
You will recall last week that I spoke regarding the proposed re-development of the area at the front of the car park. Please see attached, a letter to you all as promised, outlining our proposal which as mentioned, is in pursuance of the requirements of Canon 35. You now have four weeks to respond if you wish. All of the St Mary’s congregation, who access email, will have received an email from me on behalf of our Vestry concerning ideas for developing the front end of the car park where the trees and benches are situated. The general consensus is for a garden with a designed slabbed area within to be installed. To fund this we are currently in the application process for a grant from the Provincial Recovery and Renewal fund, which if successful, would go some way to covering the costs for this venture. I look forward to hearing responses.
Poem Competition
You will recall that I proposed a short poem competition. What I would like to do is keep some sort of fund-raising activity on the go which could be entered on our website, as was previously the case with our very successful photograph competition. So, in view of that I propose the following: From today’s date until Sunday the 17th of October, when we shall celebrate the Harvest Thanksgiving, I challenge all of you to compose a short poem, no longer than 2 verses, between 4-6 lines per verse (all your own work). It can be about anything and not necessarily connected with the Church. Please send your entries to the church email address either via our website at www.stmaryscardenplace.org.uk or direct to the email address at stmaryscardenplace@gmail.com As per our last competition, we ask for a donation of £2 per entry, and you can submit as many as you wish. Please either use the ‘Donate’ function at the foot of the website home page (preferred option) or speak to our Treasurer, Mrs Lydia Ross for alternative arrangements. I will assume (unless advised to the contrary) that everyone who submits an entry gives their permission to have it published on our website.
Guided Prayer Walk
At 11am on the Saturday the 24th of July there will be a Guided Prayer Walk. This will commence from St Mary on-the Rock in Ellon (1 South Rd, AB41 9NP). There is sufficient parking space at the Church and the walk will be alongside the scenic River Ythan. The walk is in two parts; the first part being totally accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The second part involves some inclines and steps. No matter what your level of physical fitness and ability is, everyone should be able to participate. Further details can be obtained from me, just ask!
The Blessed Virgin Mary’s Day – 15th August
Sunday the 15th of August is The Blessed Virgin Mary’s Day; and therefore our Patronal Festival. In our continuing stewardship campaign, we propose to hold a ‘Gift Day’. Some of you may recall that this was initially introduced as a method to assist in our fundraising campaigns. Recently, we have asked our congregation to review their weekly/monthly/annual giving and to consider whether it could be increased. I would still urge you to do this if you haven’t already done so, but only if you can afford it. To those who have recently increased their giving, I am deeply grateful for your continued support and generosity. However, the proposed ‘Gift Day’ on August the 15th is another opportunity to make a gift donation to St Mary’s, which will be put towards our continuing Repair and Refurbishment programme. There will be more information forthcoming via newsletters and other material which I will soon distribute. The St Mary’s website will also provide some information soon.
Services/Events at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral w/c Sunday the 11th of July 2021
- Sunday 11th July at 8 am – Said Holy Communion (Cn Terry-1970)
- Sunday 11th July at 10 am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry – 1982)
- Monday 12th July – Cn Terry – Day off
- Wednesday 14th July 10 am Holy Communion (1970) (Cn Terry)
- Sunday 11th July at 8 am – Holy Communion (1970) (Cn Terry)
- Sunday 11th July at 10 am – Holy Communion (1982) (Cn Terry)
“Eternal Trinity… mystery deep as the sea, You could give me no greater gift than the gift of Yourself. For You are a fire ever burning and never consumed, which itself consumes all the selfish love that fills my being”
(St Catherine of Siena)
Blessings Always
Rev Canon Terry Taggart
01224588776/07768219984