Second Sunday after Trinity
St Mary’s and St Andrew’s Worshipping Together
A very warm welcome to all
Readings: Ezekiel 17: 22-24; Psalm 92: 1-4, 11-14; 2 Corinthians 5: 6-17
Gospel: Mark 4: 26-34
In today’s Gospel
In today’s Gospel, it implies that we live in a world that mostly believes what you see is what you get. We trust our eyes to reveal what is real and what is true. For most of us, I suspect, this is our default attitude and orientation to other people, our relationships, and the circumstances of our lives. This approach certainly has its benefits. It is easier, definitive, and more efficient. It is not, however, without problems. A what-you-see-is-what-you-get attitude assumes that life is limited to physical and tangible realities. It keeps us skimming across the surface of life. It puts humanity at the centre of life as the final interpreter and arbiter.
Remembering Canon Jim Alexander
The funeral service to celebrate the life of the late Canon Jim Alexander, will take place here at St Mary’s on Monday the 14th of June commencing at 1.30 pm, followed by a private committal service at the Crematorium. Of course, we will be restricted in numbers attending the Church service and I will ensure that a capacity figure is published as soon as possible prior to the funeral. May Jim Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory.
SEC General Synod
The Scottish Episcopal Church General Synod took place between Thursday the 10th and Friday the 11th of June inclusive. If there is anything that I feel needs to be communicated from a Clergy point of view I shall ensure it is included in next week’s newsletter. The same stands from the Lay perspective and Dr Nicola Mills, our Synod Lay Rep will provide an update in due course.
Tier 1 – return of congregational singing
Speaking of regular services, the most recent update from the Province outlines that those churches which fall into Tier 1 will be allowed to have congregational singing. This will still need to be done with facemasks on and with social distancing remaining to be observed. It is my intention to re-introduce congregational singing from Sunday the 20th of June, when Matthew returns from his well-earned break. I do however want to ensure that we are all comfortable with this. I have read recent updates from other dioceses that singing with a mask on is quite uncomfortable. I shall therefore acquiesce accordingly and would value your feedback.
Photograph Competition
I said that I had asked Bishop Anne to be the Judge of our photograph competition and I hoped to announce the winners this week. Unfortunately, Bishop Anne was unavailable last week with other more urgent commitments. I will therefore ask her to see if she can find time to judge this coming week. This has been a great success with over 60 photographic entries submitted. All of the photos taken can be viewed on our website at www.stmaryscardenplace.org.uk where you can see all by clicking on the ‘What’s on’ drop down option in the menu.
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 13th of June 2021
- Sunday 13th June at 8 am – Said Holy Communion (Cn Terry-1970)
- Sunday 13th June at 10 am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry – 1982)
- Monday 14th June at 1.30 pm – Funeral service of Canon Jim Alexander
- Wednesday 16th June 10 am Holy Communion (1970) (Cn Terry)
- Sunday 20th June at 8 am – Holy Communion (1970) (Cn Terry)
- Sunday 20th June at 10 am – Holy Communion (1982) (Cn Terry)
“Yet for us, there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist”.
(1 Corinthians 8:6)
Blessings Always
Rev Canon Terry Taggart
01224588776/07768219984