Remember, O Lord, your compassion and love
Readings:
Ezekiel 18.1-4,25-32; Psalm 25.1-8; Philippians 2.1-13;
Gospel – Matthew 21.23-32
A historic day
Today (Sunday the 27th), is a historical day for both St Mary’s, as it takes on the mantle of Pro-Cathedral, and St Andrew’s, as it now enters a period of temporary transition and begins to share our worship here at Carden Place. The past several months have been stressful for everyone involved, but they have also been fruitful and collaborative. Personally speaking, my life has been enriched with the opportunities of meeting new friends, as we, as two churches, worked very hard together to make this happen. As Rector of St Mary’s, I would like to extend my appreciation to those who worked with Fr Isaac and I on the Joint Steering Group, those who took ownership of individual tasks and worked so hard to complete them, those who provided opinions and support, and those who gave up so much of their private time. Also, how can I forget all of you, our congregations, who have been observing from the sidelines offering support and advice.
New Horizons
Has it been plain sailing? No it hasn’t, and none of us expected it would be. But what we now have is a foundation which I believe is solid and steady enough to build on, a foundation of love, a foundation of trust. Many times during the past months I constantly asked myself the following two questions, ‘Where is Jesus in all of this?’ and ‘What would Jesus think?’ I believe that Jesus was present with us during all of the zoom meetings, I believe that Jesus was beside us as we wrote a multitude of emails and made numerous telephone calls, I believe Jesus would think that we have done a very good job, I believe that Jesus’ hand has been controlling the rudder as we sailed through choppy waters. He has brought us safely to the shore together, and together we will thank Him for that support.
Thank you Bishop Anne
I would like to extend my gratitude to Bishop Anne Dyer, who, despite the pressures of overseeing the Diocese and other responsibilities within her remit, gave so much time and leadership to ensure that the move was handled as gently and as sensitively as possible. Many decisions have been made in order to comply with Canon Law, many decisions have been made of a strategic nature to ensure the road ahead can be negotiated, many meetings have been chaired, and many questions have been asked and answered. Bishop Anne stresses that there is much more work to do, and I know that with the combined efforts of St Mary’s and St Andrew’s pulling together, it will be done.
The weeks ahead
Today, we will witness a combined service, lead by Bishop Anne. Next week, Fr Isaac and I will preside and preach. Over the next few weeks, we will see more of the Bishop as she helps us negotiate this change. Ultimately, though, Fr Isaac and I will share various aspects of the worship, which will in turn, allow everyone to become accustomed to our individual styles.
Next Week’s readings
Next Week’s readings are as follows:
- Isaiah 5:17;
- Psalm 80: 9-17;
- Philippians 3:4b-14;
- Gospel – Matthew 21:33-46
Services / Events week Commencing Sunday 27th September 2020
Sunday 27th Sep – 10 am – Holy Communion Rt Rev’d Anne Dyer Presiding
Sunday 4th October – 10 am – Holy Communion – Fr Terry Presiding, Fr Isaac Preaching
‘May the Lord keep you in His hand, and never close His fist too tight’
(Celtic blessing)
Blessings Always
Fr Terry Taggart
Rector