Fifth Sunday of Easter
St Mary’s and St Andrew’s Worshipping Together
A very warm welcome to all
Readings:
Acts 8: 26-40; Psalm 22: 24-30; 1 John 4: 7-21; Gospel: John 15: 1-8
In our Gospel today
In our Gospel today from John, Jesus made pronouncement statements. They are commonly referred to as the “I am” statements. They are 1. Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. No one who comes to me will ever be hungry again. Those who believe in me will never thirst” (John 6:35 NLT). 2. Jesus said to the people, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life” (John 8:12 NLT). 3. Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. Wherever they go, they will find green pastures (John 10:9 NLT). 4. Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again” (John 11:25 NLT). 5. Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NLT). The last is a part of our text for today, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.” In the verses for the Fifth Sunday of Easter Jesus instructs his disciples on three important relationships. First, disciples are to be related to Jesus in the right way. Second, they are to be related to the world in the same way. Finally, they are to remain faithful and help one another.
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.
Moving the pews
Later on today (Sunday), the pews from one side of the church will be moved across to the other side in order to accommodate the Election Officials for the Election on Thursday the 6th of May. Therefore, access to St Mary’s after this service, will be restricted from Tuesday, and only limited to those registered to vote here on Thursday the 6th. The pews will be back in place for our Sunday worship. I will attend the Church at 5.45 am on Thursday Morning in order to allow access to the Polling station officials. I will re-attend at 9.55 pm in order to ensure the Church is secure when voting ceases at 10 pm.
Choir Vestry pews
As mentioned last Sunday, I have suggested that we should now consider bringing back the pews from the Choir vestry. This was discussed at a recent Vestry meeting and it was agreed that in doing this, it would eventually free up the hall for other uses. It was also agreed that when the pews are returned they will be set out in a particular way so as to continue encouraging social distancing. As always, we progress with caution and adherence to the regulations on the day.
Diocesan Newsletter
The Diocesan Newsletter is now available and can be accessed via the following link to the Diocesan Website: https://aoepiscopal.scot/diocesan-newsletter-28-april-2021/ The Newsletter can also be accessed via our own website at www.stmaryscardenplace.org.uk
Services/Events at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral week commencing 2nd May 2021
- Sunday 2nd May at 10 am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry)
- Tuesday 4th May at 4 pm – Church being set up as Polling Station
- No Wednesday 10 am Service
- Thursday 6th May at 6 am – 10 pm inc – Church open only as a Polling station
- Friday 7th May at 10 am – -Pre-Recording for online Sunday service
- Sunday 9th May at 10 am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry)
“I am the vine, you are the branches”
(John 15:5)
Blessings Always
Rev Canon Terry Taggart
01224588776/07768219984