Fifth Sunday after Trinity
St Mary’s and St Andrew’s Worshipping Together
A very warm welcome to all
Readings: Ezekiel 2: 1-5; Psalm 123; 2 Corinthians 12: 2-10
Gospel: Mark 6: 1-13
In today’s Gospel
In today’s Gospel from Mark, Jesus gives some very specific directions to his disciples. He tells them what to take, and what not to take with them on their journey. It’s clear that Jesus wants his followers to go out in his name, completely depending on God to provide for their needs through the hospitality of others. Jesus knows that they will probably face rejection in at least some of the towns they visit. They saw the way he left Nazareth and went into the nearby villages to keep preaching and healing. Now he tells them to shake the dust off their feet as they leave any place that does not receive them or their message. If you can’t win at home, maybe it’s time for an away game, but even there, the chances are that you are going to be challenged and face rejection.
The 4th of July
Today is the 4th of July, and for our brothers and sisters in the United States it is Independence Day. The day, in 1776, the signing and passage of the declaration of independence by the Continental Congress was made law. The day that, after nearly 2 years of revolution against the Colonial rulers from Great Britain, America was free to self-determine their own lives and future of that vast country. Of course, the civil war that followed just under 100 years later gives us the United States we now see. Out of these events come great change and inspiration. Great writers and innovators open our minds and educate us. We begin to see how people become identified as one nation or another. In between the American war of Independence and the American Civil war, the French had a revolution (1789-99) that would see abolishment of Monarchy and the emergence of a Republic. Now, this is by no means a history lesson, but the significance of these events, and many others like them, define how great swathes of humanity can change and think. 2000 years ago, one man, on his own, did the same thing.
Provincial Recovery & Renewal Fund
All of the St Mary’s congregation, who access email, will have received an email from myself on behalf of our Vestry concerning ideas for developing the front end of the car park where the trees and benches are situated. We would like to create an external and possibly therapeutic focal point for those who pass by or those who stop to take lunch in the nice weather. We are also hopeful that it would enhance our community outreach in standing with our current status as Pro-Cathedral. The general consensus is for a garden with a designed slabbed area within to be installed. To fund this we are currently in the application process for a grant from the Provincial Recovery and Renewal fund, which if successful, would go some way to covering the costs for this venture. Thank you for all of your responses to this enquiry.
Concert by Aberdeen Vocal Ensemble on Saturday 10th July
At 7.30pm on Saturday the 10th of July St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral will host an Aberdeen Vocal Ensemble conducted and arranged by Mr Sam Paul. This will be a socially distanced 45 minute recital of light music ranging from the 16th to the 21st Century. Any donations towards the upkeep of St Mary’s will be gratefully appreciated. Due to current Covid regulations, numbers are restricted. Please message me should you wish to attend and I will add you to my list accordingly. Sooner rather than later.
Guided Prayer Walk
At 11am on the Saturday the 24th of July there will be a Guided Prayer Walk. This will commence from St Mary on-the Rock in Ellon (1 South Rd, AB41 9NP). There is sufficient parking space at the Church and the walk will be alongside the scenic River Ythan. The walk is in two parts; the first part being totally accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The second part involves some inclines and steps. No matter what your level of physical fitness and ability is, everyone should be able to participate. Further details can be obtained from me, just ask!
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.
Services/Events at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral w/c Sunday the 4th of July 2021
- Sunday 4th July at 8 am – Said Holy Communion (Cn Terry-1970)
- Sunday 4th July at 10 am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry – 1982)
- Monday 5th July – Cn Terry – Day off
- Wednesday 7th July 10 am Holy Communion (1970) (Cn Terry)
- Saturday 10th July at 7.30 pm – Aberdeen Vocal Ensemble (Mr Sam Paul)
- Sunday 11th July at 8 am – Holy Communion (1970) (Cn Terry)
- Sunday 11th July at 10 am – Holy Communion (1982) (Cn Terry)
“It was the whole Trinity, which at the beginning of creation said, “Let us make man” (Gen. 1:26). It was the whole Trinity again, which at the beginning of the Gospel seemed to say, “Let us save man” (Mt. 3:16-17.)”
(J.C. Ryle)
Blessings Always
Rev Canon Terry Taggart
01224588776/07768219984