‘The Lord is full of compassion and mercy’
Trinity 14
Readings:
Genesis 50 15-21; Psalm 103: 1-13; Romans 14: 1-12
Gospel: Matthew 18: 21-35
Welcome
A very warm welcome to everyone as we gather either ‘virtually’ or ‘in the flesh’, to worship today. It was good to see those who attended last Sunday and I hope that you felt the preparations gave you confidence to come again. Meanwhile we all strive to maintain the sometimes ‘exacting’ standards that we pray will keep us safe. To all of you who have decided to delay your return to services, please know that you are in my prayers and that you are missed and much loved.
New Beginnings
This past week I have had several meetings concerning the 27th of September and onwards. It is imperative that when our two congregations gather together after this date, it is done in the spirit of brotherly and sisterly love. We will welcome, with open arms, the congregation of St Andrews Cathedral Church as they begin a journey, albeit temporary, with us at St Mary’s. Try to imagine if the roles were reversed and how you might feel. As we all experience the adjustments (and sacrifices) we need to observe, I am sure we can do so in a supportive and sensitive fashion.
New Time
The service on the 27th will commence at 10 am and not 10.15 am. Eucharist services thereafter will commence at 10 am. As previously mentioned, this change of time is to allow for flexibility to those who wish to access the Provincial services at 11 am which will continue.
New Title
Some of you may have already read the recent Diocesan Newsletter (9th Sep 2020), where Bishop Anne speaks about the events on the 27th of September and thereafter. You may have also read that Bishop Anne intends to make me an Honorary Canon. When the Bishop invited me to accept this Canonry I was deeply humbled. After much prayer and contemplation, I see it as recognition for all at St Mary’s for the role we will adopt as Pro Cathedral and as ever, I remain your servant.
New Service
It is my desire to re-start our Wednesday 10 am Said Eucharist services as soon as possible. I am working on this and will ensure that everyone is fully aware of start dates etc in future newsletters. In liaison with Fr Isaac Poobalan, and to ensure a shared tradition of worship, we have discussed the possibility of the Wednesday services alternating between the 1982 Liturgy and the Scottish Prayer Book Liturgy. This will hopefully provide, not only some stability for those who have a preferred option, but also some variance of choice should any of you wish to avail yourselves of it.
Next Week’s readings
Next Week’s readings are as follows:
- Jonah 3:10-end of Ch 4
- Philippians 1:21-end
- Gospel reading, Matthew 20:1-16
Blessings Always
Fr Terry Taggart
Rector