FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
St Mary’s and St Andrew’s Worshipping Together
A very warm welcome to all our visitors today
Readings:
2 Samuel 7: 1-11 & 16; Canticle – The Magnificat; Romans 16: 25-27; Gospel: Luke 1: 26-28
The light of the world
We are now five days away from celebrating the birth of the baby Jesus, the light of the world, come to set us free from tyranny and to bear our sins. I have said so many times, that even though I have spent my life celebrating this time of year, I never tire of it, I still get surprised and I still feel deeply in awe of what it signifies. I hope that you too feel the same way and that you never feel inclined to make shortcuts during this season of expectation.
Today we welcome Bishop Anne back as she Presides and Preaches for us.
Advent service dates
The fixed service dates, for Advent and beyond are thus: Sunday the 20th of December at 10 am, Holy Communion. (Bishop Anne Presiding and Preaching). Sunday the 20th of December at 6.30 pm, Evening Prayer with a Cantor, and some accompanying musicians (hopefully). Wednesday the 23rd of December at 10 am, Holy Communion. Thursday, the 24th of December at 11.30 pm, Midnight Mass Holy Eucharist (Bishop Anne presiding and preaching). As I said last previously, the cleaning logistics for having the Church ready for a Christmas day service were just too impractical. I cannot, in all honesty, expect people to sanitise the church immediately after Midnight Mass. Therefore, there will not be a Christmas Day service. There will be a said Holy Communion at 10 am on Boxing Day the 26th of December to remember Stephen, Deacon and first Martyr. We will use the 1970 Liturgy on that day. Sunday 27th December at 10 am, Holy Communion.
Midnight Mass Notification
As I mentioned last Sunday, it is important that should you wish to attend our Midnight Mass on the 24th of December, you should let me know sooner than later to avoid disappointment. As there will be no Christmas day service, the Midnight Mass service may well be pretty popular. Please let me know so I can put you on the list. Don’t leave it to the last minute. We are only allowed a maximum of 50 persons.
Many thanks to all our volunteers
I would like to thank everyone who volunteers to read and intercede for us here at St Mary’s. I am particularly grateful to those brothers and sisters from St Andrew’s who have offered their services on several occasions. (You know who you are) Of course, it is always good to have a bank of volunteers we can call on to help in these instances and I would encourage anyone who has been thinking about putting themselves forward to get my attention and we can have a chat. This is a very important Ministry within our all-inclusive Scottish Episcopal Worship, and those who have done it will tell you that it can be a deeply spiritual experience. Don’t be shy, come and talk.
Raspberry jam!
There are still some jars of Malcolm’s home-made Raspberry Jam left at the back of the Church. Malcolm has gifted this to St Mary’s and any donations received will go towards the upkeep the building. Please have a look as you leave today.
Save your stamps please
Could you all remember to save the used stamps on your received Christmas cards through the post. If you could bring them to Church in an envelope or plastic bag and pass them to me, I would be most grateful.
A different kind of Christmas
This year’s Christmas at St Mary’s is clearly not of the nature we were expecting. The Pandemic has forced everyone to make great sacrifice and adjustment in their lives, and we can see how it has affected our access to, and availability of, worship. But despite that, we, and I do mean we, have prevailed, and have worked hard together to ensure that we have been able to provide something, if not for everyone, but for as many who desired it. May I take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a peaceful Christmas. I hope, that despite the current restrictions, you will be able to have some contact with your loved ones and that the spirit of this season is prominent in your lives.
Services at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral week commencing Sunday 20th December 2020
Sunday 20th December – 10 am. Holy Communion – Bishop Anne
Sunday 20th December Evensong – Cn Terry
Wednesday 23rd December 10 am. Holy Communion (1929) Cn Terry
Wednesday 23rd December 11am – Pre-Recording for the 27th December Cn Terry
Thursday 24th December at 11.30 pm. Midnight Mass – Bishop Anne
Friday 25th December – No Service
Saturday 26th December 10 am. Holy Communion – St Stephen (1970) Cn Terry
Sunday 27th December 10 am. Holy Communion – Cn Terry
Blessings Always
Rev’d Canon Terry Taggart
Rector