Trinity 15
St Mary’s and St Andrew’s Worshipping Together
A very warm welcome to all
Readings: Isaiah 50: 4-9a; Psalm 116: 1-8; James 3: 1-12
Gospel: Mark 8: 27-38
In today’s Gospel
In our Gospel reading today, we hear Peter declaring Jesus to be the leader God sent to his people. The next minute, Peter is contradicting his God-appointed leader! This is an emotional reaction. What Jesus said deeply disturbed Peter’s idea of what the Messiah would do. Peter had the presence of mind to take Jesus aside and “correct” his teacher privately. I commend today’s Gospel to your reading list
“I am the bread of life,” Jesus said, not once but twice. “I am the bread of life.” When was the last time you ate the bread of life? I’m not asking about the Holy Eucharist because I don’t think that is what Jesus is talking about in today’s gospel. I’m not denying that the Eucharist can be and is bread of life but maybe it’s just one slice in a larger loaf of bread. Maybe the bread of life is the Eucharist and more than the Eucharist. Maybe you and I are to become the bread of life, just like Jesus.Thank You
1970 Liturgy
I have listened to a suggestion that, rather than use the 1970 liturgy only on the months with five Sundays, I should consider using the last Sunday of every month to use this liturgy. I know that many of you are very familiar with the 1970, having been brought up with it. Therefore, with effect from next month, every last Sunday in the month,we will use the 1970 liturgy during our 10 am Sung Eucharist service. Of course, this liturgy will continue to be used for our Sunday 8 am and Wednesday 10 am services.
Notification of Work
St Mary’s Vestry Committee have voted to change the carpet and lighting in the Choir Vestry. It was proposed and carried that the carpet would be replaced with engineered wood flooring, thereby allowing a more hygienic and easier to clean floor. It was also proposed and carried that the current lighting system is replaced, like for like, which should also have a dimmer capacity therein. In accordance with Canon 35 (resolution 5) ‘Of the Structure, Furniture and Monuments of Churches, and the due care thereof’, I am required to allow a consultation period to receive comments/objections to said proposals. This period will last for 4 weeks from today’s date and will therefore expire on the 10th of October. All communications need to be in writing, either by email or letter.
Confirmation
I would like to put out a call to all of those who have yet to be confirmed in the Scottish Episcopal Church and are considering taking on this further commitment in faith. I urge you to get in touch so we can talk about it and delve deeper with a view to experiencing this momentous step in your Christian lives. Feel free to either email, text or call me; or even give me the nod when we conclude our worship and I will ensure space in my diary.
Choral Evensong
Matthew our Organist and I are hoping to provide a Choral Evensong soon, here at St Mary’s. I will keep everyone in the loop, as there is, as you can imagine, a fair amount of work required, especially by Matthew, to ensure it is as excellent as can be. Watch this space.
Sermon Feedback
I received some very supportive feedback last week concerning my sermon, where I highlighted the issues we are currently experiencing in this Diocese, combined with the increasing pressure that is being, not just in my opinion, unfairly, heaped upon Bishop Anne. This has to stop, and those who choose to use disparaging language need to take a long look at themselves and consider the damage that could be, and has already been caused, not only to the reputation of this Diocese but to the health and well-being of our Diocesan Bishop and her family, who will not be impervious to what is taking place. Should any of you wish to express your opinion, please do not hesitate to pull me aside for a chat, or if you wish, email me. I will be very happy to talk or email.
Zoom Brunch Time Change
Our Zoom Brunch meetings will now commence at 1 pm every Sunday. Due to the fact that we are now having fellowship after our Sunday service, a 1 pm start is easier for everyone. If you haven’t yet joined us, why not consider it. It’s very informal and relaxed and lasts no longer than 40 minutes. You can drop in anytime, using the link on the email circulated with the newsletter, and drop out should you wish to. I look forward to seeing some new faces.
Prayer Request
For those of you who know the Rev’d Jean Soutar, please remember her in your prayers as she continues a course of chemotherapy for cancer of the liver.
Memorial / Thanksgiving Service
I am looking at providing a service of memorial and thanksgiving for those who suffered loss during the height of the Corona Virus pandemic, and also to give thanks to the wonderful and dedicated members of our NHS who worked, and continue to do so, in the battle to keep on top of this devastating virus. I am hoping that it can be an ecumenical event with contributions from different faiths and denominations. Please watch this space.
Poem Competition
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 (although some flexibility will be allowed) 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) where there is also an opportunity to note what the donation is for 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. The rules are also available via the homepage on St Mary’s Website
Services/Events at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral w/c Sunday the 12th of September 2021
- Sunday 12th September at 8 am – Said Holy Communion (Cn Terry-1970)
- Sunday 12th September at 10 am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry – 1982)
- Monday 13th September – Cn Terry – Day off
- Tuesday 14th September at 10 am – Morning Prayer
- Wednesday 15th September at 10 am Holy Communion (1970) (Cn Terry) Followed by Tea and Coffee
- Friday 17th September at 1 pm – Pre-Recording Sunday Service
- Sunday 19th September at 8 am – Holy Communion (1970) (Cn Terry)
- Sunday 19th September at 10 am – Sung Eucharist (1982) (Cn Terry) Followed by Tea and Coffee
“Forgiving and being forgiven are two names for the same thing. The important thing is that a discord has been resolved.”
(C.S.Lewis)
Blessings Always
Rev Canon Terry Taggart
01224588776/07768219984