Celebrating the Harvest
St Mary’s and St Andrew’s Worshipping Together
A very warm welcome to all
Readings: Jeremiah 31: 7-9; Psalm 126; Hebrews 7: 23-28
Gospel: Mark 10: 46-52
In today’s Gospel
In our Gospel reading today, we hear about the story of Blind Bartimaeus, which sort of acts as a bookend in Mark’s Gospel. It closes out a long section that began back in chapter eight, when Jesus healed another blind man – only that time, Jesus had to spit twice before the man could see. This whole section has come to its climax here in chapter ten, where we’ve been walking with Jesus this month. The itinerary Jesus and his disciples have been following, as they travel from Galilee to Jerusalem, has been pretty … eventful.
All Souls Service
Our ‘All Souls’ Service will take place here at 7pm on Tuesday the 2nd of November. During this time, we will remember the souls of the dearly departed. The members of our family whom we have lost and miss so very much. Those friends we grew up with, those work colleagues. We will remember them all in prayer with some appropriate musical accompaniment. Should you wish a loved one’s name to be read out during the service, please either email, call, text, or speak with me prior to the service. There will also be a sheet at the back of the church for those who wish to place names thereon.
Harvest Donations
On Wednesday, our Sacristan Anne Farquhar and I bagged up the food donations from last week’s Harvest Festival celebrations. I was then able to speak to the Aberdeen Cyrenians, whom we have had a past association with, and arranged for them to collect the food. There were 16 full bags of tinned and dry food which proved to be a very substantial amount. Thank you all so much for your marvellous generosity which will go a long way to helping other people who are in a greater need.
Travel
Sam and I will be travelling down south on Thursday to see the granddaughters. I will be returning on Monday the 1st of November, however Sam may remain for a while longer. This will mean that there will be no pre-recorded service being provided from St Mary’s on the 31st and for those who watch online, I would direct you to the Provincial service which is usually broadcast at 11 am
Service Cancellations
There will also be no 8 am service or Zoom Brunch on Sunday the 31st of October, I have however, arranged for more than suitable Clergy cover for the Sung Eucharist at 10 am which will celebrate All Saints day.
SECMA
The Scottish Episcopal Church Mission Association (SECMA) Magazines are here. This Church has always given generously towards this wonderful and hard-working arm of the SEC and between now and the end of October, I would ask you to consider, if you are able, to make your SECMA donation separate as part of the retiring collection (in a separate plate or appropriately marked envelope). This can be cash/cheque.
Christmas Cards
As I have ben mentioning recently, there’s no time like the present to prepare for Christmas. With that in mind, the St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral Christmas cards are now available. You will find them at the rear of the Church as you leave and also in the Choir Vestry if you are joining us for a cuppa after the service. All we ask is the same as last year; £1 per card, or £5 for a pack of six. They are lovely cards, professionally designed by Mr Stuart Smith at Alt 10 Interactive, the local company who built our website.
Confirmation
I would like to put out a call to all of those who have yet to be confirmed in the Scottish Episcopal Church and are considering taking on this further commitment in faith. I urge you to get in touch so we can talk about it and delve deeper with a view to experiencing this momentous step in your Christian lives. Feel free to either email, text or call me; or even give me the nod when we conclude our worship and I will ensure space in my diary
Services/Events at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral w/c Sunday the 24th of October 2021
Sunday 24th October at 8 am – Said Holy Communion (Cn Terry-1970)
Sunday 24th October at 10 am Sung Eucharist (Cn Terry-1982)
Monday 25th October Cn Terry – Admin day at home
Tuesday 26th October at 10 am Morning Prayers (Cn Terry)
Wednesday 27th October at 10 am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry – 1970) Followed by Tea / Coffee
Sunday 31st October at 10 am – Sung Eucharist – All Saints Day (1982 – Followed by Tea and Coffee)
“Like the doctrine of the Holy Trinity and the miraculous birth of our Saviour, the truth of election must be received with simple, unquestioning faith”
(A.W. Pink)
Blessings Always
Rev Canon Terry Taggart
01224588776/07768219984