First Sunday after Trinity
St Mary’s and St Andrew’s Worshipping Together
A very warm welcome to all
Readings: Genesis 3: 8-15; Psalm 130; 2 Corinthians 4: 13-5:1
Gospel: Mark 3: 20-35
In today’s Gospel
In today’s Gospel, from the beginning of his ministry, as told by St. Mark, Jesus has been dealing with divided houses and kingdoms. He has cast out demons, healed Peter’s mother in law, cleansed a leper, and caused a paralytic to walk. The houses and kingdoms of these people are divided. The strong man has invaded their homes. Their lives are not their own. They live with inner conflict and turmoil. They have been separated from their community and all that gave them security and identity. Their outer conditions of illness, paralysis, and possession, point to the inner conflict, the battle between health and disease, not just physically but more importantly, spiritually.
Remembering Canon Jim Alexander
It is with great sadness that I have to report that Canon Jim Alexander, once long-time Rector of this Church between 1976-95, passed away peacefully early on Wednesday evening at his care home in Falkirk. His two daughters were with him when he passed. It is the family’s wish that Canon Jim’s funeral service takes place here at St Mary’s, and this will be on Monday the 14th of June commencing at 1.30 pm, followed by a private committal service at the Crematorium. Of course, we will be restricted in numbers attending the Church service and I will ensure that a capacity figure is published as soon as possible prior to the funeral. May Jim Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory.
SEC General Synod
The Scottish Episcopal Church General Synod will take place between Thursday the 10th and Friday the 11th of June inclusive. I usually record on a Friday morning but for those of you who watch our pre-recorded service, I will endeavour to record the service earlier in the week for transmission on Sunday next.
Wednesday Eucharist – 1970 liturgy
The 1970 liturgy recently used at the 10 am Wednesday Eucharist, will now be a permanent feature. I know it is a popular order of service and I for one welcome that. It is important that we try to utilise the rich resources we have at our fingertips as we slowly emerge into more regular services here at St Mary’s.
Tier 1 – return of congregational singing
Speaking of regular services, the most recent update from the Province outlines that those churches which fall into Tier 1 from today will be allowed to have congregational singing. This will still need to be done with facemasks on and with social distancing remaining to be observed. It is my intention to re-introduce congregational singing from Sunday the 20th of June, when Matthew returns from his well-earned break.
Catching up on days off
I had to work on my rest day last Monday so I will try to catch up with this at another date in the near future.
Photograph Competition
I have asked Bishop Anne to be the Judge of our photograph competition and I hope to announce the winners next week. This has been a great success with over 60 photographic entries submitted. All of the photos taken can be viewed on our website at www.stmaryscardenplace.org.uk where you can see all by clicking on the ‘What’s on’ drop down option in the menu.
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 6th of June 2021
- Sunday 6th June at 8 am – Said Holy Communion (Cn Terry-1970)
- Sunday 6th June at 10 am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry – 1982)
- Monday 7th June – Cn Terry – Day Off
- Wednesday 9th June 10 am Holy Communion (1970) (Cn Terry)
- Wednesday 9th June 11 am – Pre-Recording for Sunday Service (Cn Terry)
- Wednesday 9th June at 7.30 am – Vestry Meeting
- Thursday 10th June General Synod
- Friday 11th June General Synod
- Sunday 13th June at 8 am – Holy Communion (1970) (Cn Terry)
- Sunday 13th June at 10 am – Holy Communion (1982) (Cn Terry)
“God does not change; he is Love, ever and always. In himself, he is communion, unity in Trinity, and all his words and works are directed to communion”.
(Benedict XVI – Pope Emeritus)
Blessings Always
Rev Canon Terry Taggart
01224588776/07768219984