Fourth Sunday of Easter
St Mary’s and St Andrew’s Worshipping Together
A very warm welcome to all
Readings:
Acts 4: 5-12; Psalm 23; 1 John 3: 16-24; Gospel: John 10: 11-18
In our Gospel today
In our Gospel today, we hear Jesus’ statement about bringing abundant life. Last year when we heard the first half, Jesus’ statement about bringing abundant life was the conclusion. It was the ending point. Abundant life is the goal. Today his statement about abundant life is the beginning. It’s his purpose statement. It underlies everything he will say today.
Further relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions
On Monday 26th April, we see a further relaxation of the restrictions we have been living with for many months. This is obviously very welcome news, especially for those many businesses, who, have been closed for some time. I for one support the Scottish Government’s cautious approach to this emergence from lockdown and I hope and pray that lessons have been learned regarding the need to remain careful and aware that the virus could return.
Photograph Competition
St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, Carden Place, Aberdeen, is holding a Photograph competition as part of our on-going fund-raising initiatives. The competition will run, until Trinity Sunday the 30th of May inclusive. We are asking that anyone who wants to enter should submit their photograph(s) to Mr David Rose via the St Mary’s email address at stmaryscardenplace@gmail.com More details regarding this can be found on our website at www.stmaryscardenplace.org.uk
The Blessed Virgin Mary’s Day – 15th August
Sunday the 15th of August is The Blessed Virgin Mary’s Day, and therefore our Patronal Festival. In our continuing stewardship campaign, we propose to hold a ‘gift Day’. Some of you may recall that this was initially introduced as a method to assist in our fundraising campaigns. Recently, we have asked our congregation to review their weekly/monthly/annual giving and to consider whether it could be increased. I would still urge you to do this if you haven’t already done so, but only if you can afford it. To those who have recently increased their giving, I am deeply grateful for your continued support and generosity. However, the proposed ‘Gift Day’ on August the 15th is another opportunity to make a gift donation to St Mary’s, which will be put towards our continuing Repair and Refurbishment programme. There will be more information forthcoming via newsletters and other material which I will soon distribute. The St Mary’s website will also provide some information soon.
People’s Warden Vacancy
I am still hopeful to recruit a People’s Warden for St Mary’s. Should anyone feel called to this important ministry in our Church, please let me know and I will be only too happy to discuss.
Readers/Intercessions Rota
As previously mentioned, I also need a volunteer to take on the role of preparing our readers / Intercessions rota. These rotas are prepared in advance for everyone involved and are necessary to ensure we have readers from across both St Mary’s and St Andrew’s congregations who know when they are required to read/intercede. Again, as above, please speak to me if you would like to offer your assistance.
No pre-recorded service next Sunday
There will be no pre-recorded service provided next Sunday. The Provincial Service is being recorded at St Mary’s on Tuesday and will be screened at 11 am on Sunday next. I therefore direct you to the Provincial website at https://www.scotland.anglican.org
Vestry Meeting – Wednesday 28th April
There will be a Vestry Meeting held via Zoom at 7.30 pm on Wednesday the 28th of April. Apologies please, to our Vestry Secretary Ms Elizabeth Smyth. The previous minutes, together with the agenda and Rector’s Report will be circulated prior to the meeting.
Services/Events at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral week commencing 18th April 2021
- Sunday 25th April at 10 am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry)
- Tuesday 27th April AM – Assisting + Anne with recording of Provincial Service
- Wednesday 28th April at 10 am – Said Holy Communion (1970) (Cn Terry)
- Wednesday 28th April at 7.30 pm – Vestry Meeting via Zoom
- Sunday 2nd May at 10 am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry)
“The closer we are to the shepherd, the safer we are from the wolves.“
(Anon)
Blessings Always
Rev Canon Terry Taggart
01224588776/07768219984