‘The Lord is my light and my salvation‘
A very warm welcome to all
Second Sunday of Lent
Readings: Genesis 15: 1-12, 17-18; Psalm 27; Philippians 3: 17 – 4:1
Gospel: Luke 13: 31-35
In today’s Gospel
In our Gospel reading today, Jerusalem has killed the prophets, the ones who were calling it into a future. It has stoned those sent to bring it life and more life. Jerusalem here is a metaphor for the ways in which we are blind and deaf to the promise, the ways in which we do not keep open to our future. “How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” Jesus says of Jerusalem (Luke 13:34).
War in Ukraine
Please continue to offer prayers for our brothers and sisters caught up in the mayhem that is Ukraine. Please think about what you can do to help in any way for those who continue to reach out to the rest of Europe and beyond for our assistance. Whatever method or organisation you use to make donations, please do it rather than thinking about it.
Lent Course
We had our first session of the Lent course on Thursday evening and I have to say that Fr Roger and I were so pleased at the turn out and enthusiasm on the evening. We would like to thank Mrs Anne Farquhar for making teas and coffees for everyone and also Mrs Lynn Geldart for the provision of scrumptious cakes. Fr Roger and I invite you to be part of our continuing ‘Encountering Jesus’, Lent reflection group at St Mary’s. Over the period of Lent, we will look at passages from Luke’s gospel in which people encounter Jesus as he makes his way to Jerusalem. Using the traditional monastic pattern sometimes called Lectio Divina or Dwelling in the Word, we will listen for the voice of God speaking to us through the Bible passage and each other. Where – The Crypt. When – Thursday 7pm, 17th, 24th, 31st March and 7th April. Duration – One hour including a cup of tea and cake. Who – Anyone! Whether you can make one or all the dates. Any questions – please speak to Fr Roger (revrogdyer@btinternet.com) or myself (terry_t_2000_uk@yahoo.co.uk)
Organ Recital at St James
Rev’d Dr Ruth Green at St James’s Holburn junction has asked me to inform you that there will be an organ recital at St James’s on Saturday 19th March, beginning at 11am; Kamil Mika will play Mendelssohn and Bach. Please put this date in your diary and if you’re out and about, why not pop in.
Gold
As mentioned last week, I am asking you to look through your jewellery boxes to see if you are prepared to part with something that you really haven’t used for years or maybe you just feel like donating something you have no further use of. Of course, it doesn’t have to be gold, it could be any type of jewellery that we might be able to sell on to a jewellers. In any case, I am now appealing to you to consider this and I intend to keep this running for the next 3 months, at which point we can assess where we are.
2022 Easter egg Appeal
We live in a world of appeals, and as always, if you are out shopping please, if you are able, consider buying one (or more) Easter eggs so that at the beginning of Holy Week, which commences on Sunday the 10th of April, I will be able to ensure that one or more worthy Charities will be able to receive our donations and in turn, distribute them amongst those who might otherwise not enjoy this simple treat that many of us take for granted.
Fundraising Events
The following is a direct link to our fundraising events calendar should you be interested in what is happening in the coming months. https://stmaryscardenplace.org.uk/social-fundraising-calendar/
Vestry Vacancies
We have two vacancies on St Mary’s Vestry for Ordinary Members, and I would strongly urge those who feel that they could offer something to assist in the management of our Church to speak to me. Vestry membership is a rewarding role and provides an insight in to how we reach the decisions we do in our work here at Carden Place.
Reading Scripture
Iain Stewart has asked me to put out a call for more people to consider volunteering to read scripture and intercede at our worship. Should you feel so inclined, I encourage anyone who is considering this valuable ministry to approach Ian in the first instance.
Peace/Therapy Garden
I continue to draw you attention to our proposals for the Peace/Therapy Garden at the front of the Church. We have obtained some samples of ideas re what the garden could look like, and we (The Vestry) would value your opinion on what your preference might be. Please take some time to click on the following link where all will be revealed.https://stmaryscardenplace.org.uk/notices/west-end-garden-project/
Holy Week Services
I have now produced (in a separate sheet) the services proposed for Holy Week, which will commence on Sunday the 10th of April. As you will see, there will be some form of worship taking place every day, so please note the dates and times of the services that you might wish to attend. As you will know, Holy Week can be a demanding and intensely emotional time for our Christian faith and I urge each and every one of you to consider making some time to join both Fr Roger and I as we travel the road to the joyous occasion that will be Easter Sunday.
Apology
My apologies for the very short notice cancellation of Compline on Friday evening. This was due to circumstances beyond my control.
Services/Events at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral w/c Sunday the 13th March 2022
Sunday 13th March at 8am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry – 1970)
Sunday 13th March at 10 am Second Sunday of Lent Sung Eucharist (Cn Terry – 1982)
Monday 14th March – Cn Terry – Day off
Tuesday 15th March at 10 am – Morning Prayer (Cn Terry)
Wednesday 16th March at 10 am – Holy Communion (Fr Roger – 1970)
Thursday 17th March at 7 pm – Lent Reflection Course – Encountering Jesus – (Fr Roger/Cn Terry)(Crypt)
Friday 18th March at 6 pm – Compline (Cn Terry)
Sunday 20th March at 8 am – Holy Communion (1970 – Fr Roger)
Sunday 20th March at 10 am – 1st Sunday of Lent – Sung Eucharist (1982 -Cn Terry Presiding – Fr Roger Preaching)
“Watch over your thoughts because they become words.
Watch over your words because they become actions.
Watch over your actions because they become habits.
Watch over your habits because they become your character.
Watch over your character because it becomes your destiny”
(Anon)
Blessings Always
Rev Canon Terry Taggart
01224588776/07768219984