‘He spoke to them out of the pillar of cloud‘
A very warm welcome to all
Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany
Readings: Exodus 34: 29-35; Psalm 99; 2 Corinthians 3: 12-4:2
Gospel: Luke 9: 28-36 (37-43)
In today’s Gospel
Today is Transfiguration Sunday, the last Sunday before the season of Lent begins. This is more than the marking of time. It is movement in a journey. This mountaintop event is not isolated as a stand-alone story. This is part of the larger story. It’s been a little more than a week since Jesus has had that conversation about taking up crosses and denying ourselves. But there was something else going on there that I didn’t mention before. This was also the conversation when Jesus asked, “who do people say that I am?” after his disciples got back from their preaching trips. You might remember that Jesus listens to all their answers, and then asks the big question, “But what about you … Who do you say that I am?”
War in Ukraine
We have seen on our news bulletins that a major conflict has now begun in Ukraine, where Russian forces have now commenced an armed incursion into that country. This news, although not totally unexpected, given the visual build-up and increasing rhetoric from both sides of the fence, comes to us as a great tragedy for all involved. If we are indeed, on a precipice of a major war in Europe, then we, as Christians, must continue to offer our prayers for peace in this troubled area of the world
Ash Wednesday
There will be two Ash Wednesday services next week, one at the 10 am Eucharist and the other, a full sung Eucharist with imposition of ashes, with Bishop Anne Presiding, ably assisted by Fr Roger and I, commencing at 7 pm. I would encourage as many of you as possible to attend our evening service which inevitably begins our Lenten journey for this important time in our liturgical calendar.
Lent Course
Fr Roger and I invite you to be part of ‘Encountering Jesus’ this year’s Lent reflection group at St Mary’s. Over five weeks we will look at five passages from Luke’s gospel in which people encounter less 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 10th, 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 five dates. Any questions – please speak to Fr Roger (revrogdyer@btinternet.com) or myself (terry_t_2000_uk@yahoo.co.uk)
2022 Easter egg Appeal
Over the past few weeks I have noticed that Easter eggs are now available for sale. So, no time like the present to commence our Easter egg appeal for this year. 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.
Diary Dates
The following are some dates for your diary:
Wednesday 2nd March – Ash Wednesday: There will be two services of imposition of Ashes: 10 am and 7 pm. (As mentioned above)
Friday 4th March at 2.30 pm at MidStocket Church of Scotland – World Day of Prayer
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/
Services/Events at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral w/c Sunday the 27th February 2022
Sunday 27th February 2022 at 8am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry – 1970)
Sunday 27th February at 10 am Sunday Next before Lent Sung Eucharist (Fr Roger Presiding -Cn Terry Preaching 1982)
Sunday 27th February at 6 pm – Choral Evensong (Cn Terry / Matthew McVey)
Monday 28th February – Cn Terry – Day off
Tuesday 1st March at 10 am – Morning Prayer (1982 – Cn Terry)
Wednesday 2nd March at 10 am – Said Eucharist incorporating Imposition of Ashes (1970- Cn Terry)
Wednesday 2nd March at 7 pm – Sung Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes (+Anne Dyer)
Friday 4th March at 2.30 pm – World Day of Prayer at MidStocket Church of Scotland
Friday 4th March at 6 pm – Compline (Cn Terry)
Sunday 6th March at 8 am – Holy Communion (1970 – Cn Terry)
Sunday 6th March at 10 am – 1st Sunday of Lent – Sung Eucharist (1982 -Cn Terry)
“Christ illustrates the purport of life as He descends from His transfiguration to toil, and goes forward to exchange that robe of heavenly brightness for the crown of thorns”
(Edwin Hubbel Chapin)
Blessings Always
Rev Canon Terry Taggart
01224588776/07768219984