WELCOME TO ST MARY'S AND ALL SOULS
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St Mary's and All Souls Services We will post any revisions to services here and on our Facebook and Twitter feeds: https://www.facebook.com/StMarysAndAllSouls |
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St Mary's and All Souls latest Newsletter |
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PCC Papers You can now download minutes and other PCC documents from the PCC page |
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Food Bank latest needs: https://bromleyborough.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-food/ *PLEASE DON'T SEND US FROZEN OR CHILLED ITEMS AS WE DON'T HAVE THE CORRECT STORAGE FOR IT AND IT SPOILS BEFORE WE CAN DISTRIBUTE IT* WE'VE GOT PLENTY OF PASTA, CEREAL & BISCUITS
Thank you!
Judith Simmonds will be taking the Parish contributions towards the end of the month so please drop your donations into our box in the porch before then. |
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In need of help? Call |
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Take a look at the churches in the Benefice from the air Gillian Garman writes:
Traditionally, in our country, September is the time of new beginnings, particularly academically. There will be children we know as “rising 5s” that will start in the reception classes at their local primary school, a big day for them and their families! Older children starting Secondary school in Year 7, others joining the 6th Form, and others too, going on to university.
There will be new teachers starting out on their chosen career of passing onto others their knowledge, a career which is perhaps much more of a vocation, let’s remember them in our prayers too.
For others it is a time to start a new phase of life in retirement having spent so many years in school or University as a teacher, a lecturer or other essential support staff. They all need our prayers at this time of change and new direction in their lives.
There will be other young people who feel they are in limbo without direction in their lives, especially in the busy-ness of new beginnings in September, maybe they need our prayers even more.
September also brings anniversaries national and personal. Some will think back to 3rd September 1939 when Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain announced Britain was at war with Germany. More recently we might remember that on 8th September 2022 Queen Elizabeth the second died and King Charles the third succeeded his mother. Others will have happier anniversaries, birthdays and weddings to be celebrated.
As we all move forward together into the Autumn, not knowing what this time of year may bring for us and our families, let’s remember Mary, the mother of Jesus as on 8th September, the Church of England can celebrate the Feast of the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, (although it may also be celebrated on 15th August according to the Lectionary.)
We read much about Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the Bible, and we know how excited and fearful she felt when the Angel Gabriel told her she would be the mother of the Son of God:
Luke Chapter 1: “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Shortly afterwards Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth and sings this song out of joy and gratitude for all that God was doing:
“My soul glorifies the Lord.
and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm.
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones.
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things. but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”
We know, too, what lies ahead for Mary and all that she will suffer as the mother of Jesus so that her Son can be the Redeemer of the world.
This is the collect prayer for the 8th September, a prayer for us to reflect on during this month:
Almighty and everlasting God, who stooped to raise fallen humanity Through the childbearing of blessed Mary.
Grant that we, who have seen your glory revealed in our human nature And your love made perfect in our weakness, may be daily renewed in your image
And conformed to the pattern of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, In the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever.
Amen.