‘Be with me, O Lord, in trouble‘
A very warm welcome to all
First Sunday in Lent
Readings: Deuteronomy 26: 1-11; Psalm 91: 1-2, 9-16; Romans 10: 8b-13
Gospel: Luke 4: 1-13
In today’s Gospel
In struggling with his temptations Jesus began to know himself to be filled with and led by the Spirit. The truth of his baptism and the truth of his Father’s words were confirmed through his temptations in the wilderness. That truth no longer echoed in his ears but in his heart, in the depths of his very being.
War in Ukraine
We continue to see on our news bulletins the relentless incursion into Ukraine by Russian Military Forces. The hourly reports on our media outlets are deeply distressing as we witness video footage of the desperate situation that ordinary Ukrainian people are experiencing. There are numerous organisations now working hard to try to relieve the suffering of those people who have decided to become refugees and make arduous journeys to other surrounding countries as they try to avoid the conflict. Please consider donating to some of these charities/organisations, who are hoping to provide those who have left everything behind, with the basic necessities to survive. Please also pray, and pray often, for this conflict to end.
Lent Course
Fr Roger and I invite you to be part of ‘Encountering Jesus’ this year’s Lent reflection group at St Mary’s. Over five weeks we will look at five passages from Luke’s gospel in which people encounter less as he makes his way to Jerusalem. Using the traditional monastic pattern sometimes called Lectio Divina or Dwelling in the Word we will listen for the voice of God speaking to us through the Bible passage and each other. Where – The Crypt. When – Thursday 7pm 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st March and 7th April. Duration – One hour including a cup of tea and cake. Who – Anyone! Whether you can make one or all five dates. Any questions – please speak to Fr Roger (revrogdyer@btinternet.com) or myself (terry_t_2000_uk@yahoo.co.uk)
Gold
A few years ago, at my last Charge when I was on the Isle of Lewis, we embarked upon a fundraiser, where I asked the congregation to have a look through all of their broken or unwanted gold, and to consider donating it for a charitable purpose. The project was well received and after a few months, I had collected a good quantity of old and unserviceable gold, plus some other items of jewellery. My wife Sam then made enquiries with various jewellers etc to ascertain the best price offered for the gold and other assorted items. In the end we managed to raise just under £2000 in a very short space of time. So, I am now officially asking you to look through your jewellery boxes to see if you are prepared to part with something that you really haven’t used for years or maybe you just feel like donating something you have no further use of. Of course, it doesn’t have to be gold, it could be any type of jewellery that we might be able to sell on to a jewellers. In any case, I am now appealing to you to consider this and I intend to keep this running for the next 3 months, at which point we can assess where we are.
2022 Easter egg Appeal
Over the past few weeks I have noticed that Easter eggs are now available for sale. So, no time like the present to commence our Easter egg appeal for this year. As always, if you are out shopping please, if you are able, consider buying one (or more) Easter eggs so that at the beginning of Holy Week, which commences on Sunday the 10th of April, I will be able to ensure that one or more worthy Charities will be able to receive our donations and in turn, distribute them amongst those who might otherwise not enjoy this simple treat that many of us take for granted.
Fundraising Events
The following is a direct link to our fundraising events calendar should you be interested in what is happening in the coming months. https://stmaryscardenplace.org.uk/social-fundraising-calendar/
Vestry Vacancies
We have two vacancies on St Mary’s Vestry for Ordinary Members, and I would strongly urge those who feel that they could offer something to assist in the management of our Church to speak to me. Vestry membership is a rewarding role and provides an insight in to how we reach the decisions we do in our work here at Carden Place.
Reading Scripture
Iain Stewart has asked me to put out a call for more people to consider volunteering to read scripture and intercede at our worship. Should you feel so inclined, I encourage anyone who is considering this valuable ministry to approach Ian in the first instance.
Peace/Therapy Garden
I continue to draw you attention to our proposals for the Peace/Therapy Garden at the front of the Church. We have obtained some samples of ideas re what the garden could look like, and we (The Vestry) would value your opinion on what your preference might be. Please take some time to click on the following link where all will be revealed.https://stmaryscardenplace.org.uk/notices/west-end-garden-project/
Services/Events at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral w/c Sunday the 6th March 2022
Sunday 6th March at 8am – Holy Communion (Cn Terry – 1970)
Sunday 6th March at 10 am First Sunday in Lent Sung Eucharist (Cn Terry – 1982)
Monday 7th March – Cn Terry – Day off
Tuesday 8th March at 10 am – Morning Prayer (Cn Terry)
Wednesday 9th March at 10 am – Holy Communion (Fr Roger – 1970)
Thursday 10th March at 7 pm – Lent Reflection Course – Encountering Jesus – (Fr Roger/Cn Terry)
Friday 11th March at 6 pm – Compline (Cn Terry)
Sunday 13th March at 8 am – Holy Communion (1970 – Cn Terry)
Sunday 13th March at 10 am – 1st Sunday of Lent – Sung Eucharist (1982 -Cn Terry)
“Lent comes providentially to awaken us, to shake us from our lethargy.”
(Pope Francis)
Blessings Always
Rev Canon Terry Taggart
01224588776/07768219984