Trinity 13
St Mary’s and St Andrew’s Worshipping Together
A very warm welcome to all
Readings: Deuteronomy 4: 1-2, 6-9, 14-18; Psalm 15; James 1: 17-27
Gospel: Mark 7: 1-8, 14-15, 21-23
In today’s Gospel
The Pharisees were not wrong to question Jesus, but as much as we might want to empathise with them, to agree that there are simply certain things good people do not do, Jesus rejects human propriety as an orienting standard. Jesus is talking about the human heart, something Christians today also must consider. In Mark’s gospel account, the Pharisees show up primarily as a foil to Jesus and his disciples. As early as Mark 3:6, they have begun to conspire with the Herodians in order to destroy Jesus. Today’s text is the next encounter that Jesus has with the Pharisees after they have begun to conspire against him. However, both before and after this turning point, the role of the Pharisees in Mark’s account is to question what Jesus’ disciples are doing, and later, to test Jesus himself
“I am the bread of life,” Jesus said, not once but twice. “I am the bread of life.” When was the last time you ate the bread of life? I’m not asking about the Holy Eucharist because I don’t think that is what Jesus is talking about in today’s gospel. I’m not denying that the Eucharist can be and is bread of life but maybe it’s just one slice in a larger loaf of bread. Maybe the bread of life is the Eucharist and more than the Eucharist. Maybe you and I are to become the bread of life, just like Jesus.Thank You
Baptism
I would like to thank everyone involved in our Patronal Festival service which took place here at St Mary’s last Sunday. It was indeed a joyous occasion filled with song, prayer, colour, incense and no small amount of ritual. However, it was made all the more special by everyone who attended, from both St Mary’s and St Andrew’s congregations, which made it incredibly uplifting. I would like to name and thank Matthew McVey our Organist, who chose and organised our music. I know how hard he worked last week to ensure the end result was as good as we all witnessed. I would like to thank those members of the Choir on the day, whose voices lifted our hearts and souls. To our robed assistants, Mr Athol Jermieson, Mrs Anne Farquhar, Mr Malcolm Hay and the thurifer extraordinaire, Dr Ferdinand von Prondzynski. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Bishop Anne, who accepted my offer to preside on this special day.
Baptism
Today we will celebrate, in the presence of God, family and friends, the baptism of Kevin Tobechukwu Victor Abugwu. For it is indeed a celebration and a joyous one at that. To have so many of Kevin’s family and friends here to witness such an occasion in this place, is a wonderful way to herald Christ’s claim to Kevin as one of His own. Kevin will be baptized with water and anointed with Chrism Oil and a candle will be lit to ‘scatter the darkness from his heart and mind’. We will all join in as we offer our support for Kevin as he begins his journey in this Christian life. Praise the Lord !!
Refreshment
Last week I mentioned that there will be a light refreshment in the Choir Vestry prepared by the family and friends of Kevin in celebration of his Baptism. After some consideration it was felt that this location was not going to be suitable for this purpose and that a function to celebrate Kevin’s baptism will now be held at the Hilton Convention Centre at 13 Smithfield Rd, Aberdeen AB10 1FX, to which as many of you who wish to attend are welcome. We will still of course, provide teas and coffees immediately after our service today.
Zoom Brunch
There will be no Zoom Brunch at 1230 pm on Sunday as the logistics will not allow it. And due to the fact that we now have fellowship after the service each Sunday, I think we should extend the beginning of future Zoom Brunch’s to 1 pm to avoid people having to rush away. This will therefore take effect from Sunday the 5th of September.
Gift Day Contributions
I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone who so kindly contributed to our ‘St Mary’s Gift Day’ which formed part of our recent Patronal Festival. I do not yet have the final total, but from what information I currently have I am assured that it is an impressive total, which, quite frankly does not surprise me given the previous generosity shown by members of both St Mary’s and St Andrew’s congregations, also not forgetting our many visitors. Thank you all so very much. The contributions made will help towards the continued maintenance of this beautiful and historic building.
Thinking about 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.
Prayer Request
For those of you who know the Rev’d Jean Soutar, please remember her in your prayers as she continues a course of chemotherapy for cancer of the liver.
Memorial / Thanksgiving Service
I am looking at providing a service of memorial and thanksgiving for those who suffered loss during the height of the Corona Virus pandemic, and also to give thanks to the wonderful and dedicated members of our NHS who worked, and continue to do so, in the battle to keep on top of this devastating virus. I am hoping that it can be an ecumenical event with contributions from different faiths and denominations. Please watch this space.
Poem Competition
Until Sunday the 17th of October, when we shall celebrate the Harvest Thanksgiving, I challenge all of you to compose a short poem, no longer than 2 verses (although some flexibility will be allowed) between 4-6 lines per verse (all your own work). It can be about anything and not necessarily connected with the Church. Please send your entries to the church email address either via our website at www.stmaryscardenplace.org.uk or direct to the email address at stmaryscardenplace@gmail.com As per our last competition, we ask for a donation of £2 per entry, and you can submit as many as you wish. Please either use the ‘Donate’ function at the foot of the website home page (preferred option) where there is also an opportunity to note what the donation is for, or speak to our Treasurer, Mrs Lydia Ross for alternative arrangements. I will assume (unless advised to the contrary) that everyone who submits an entry gives their permission to have it published on our website. The rules are also available via the homepage on St Mary’s Website
Services/Events at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral w/c Sunday the 29th of August 2021
- Sunday 29th August at 8 am – Said Holy Communion (Cn Terry-1970)(Baptism of Kevin Tobechukwu Victor Abugwu)
- Sunday 29th August at 10 am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry – 1970)
- Monday 30th August – Cn Terry – Day off
- Tuesday 31st August at 10 am – Morning Prayer
- Wednesday 1st September at 10 am Holy Communion (1970) (Cn Terry)
- Wednesday 1st September at 7.30 pm – St Mary’s Vestry Meeting in the Choir Vestry
- Friday 3rd September at 10 am – Pre-Recording Sunday Service
- Sunday 5th September at 8 am – Holy Communion (1970) (Cn Terry)
- Sunday 5th September at 10 am – Sung Eucharist (1982) (Cn Terry)
“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good, to give you a future and a hope.”
(Jeremiah 29:11)
Blessings Always
Rev Canon Terry Taggart
01224588776/07768219984