I am writing this on Candlemas Day, the feast of the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple when the old priest Simeon told Mary that her son was destined for the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that would be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many would be revealed. In addition he warned Mary that a sword would pierce her own soul too. So, in the hymn we sang at All Saints during the candle ceremony was the verse
The candles invite us to praise and to pray
when Christmas greets Easter on Candlemas Day
We are making, then, the transition in the Church’s year towards the penitential season of Lent and the commemoration of the Passion of Our Lord in Holy Week before celebrating with joy His resurrection on Easter Day.
A member of All Saints said to me recently that she wanted me “to talk about sin.” My immediate response was to say that I would use the Sunday homilies during Lent to do just that. Lent is the time that encourages us and gives us the chance to get real about sin. For it is sin that so often causes opposition to Jesus and suffering to those who, like His Blessed Mother, know what it is to stand before His cross and weep. Lent invites us to travel with Mary and her Son so that we can reflect on our commitment of discipleship and practice the self denial which schools us to make that discipleship more than just lip service. Lent calls us to self-examination and repentance. It coincides with the season of Spring (Lent is an Anglo Saxon word which means Spring) when we “Spring clean,” and so it is a time also to do some spiritual spring cleaning. By so doing we can then be strengthened to follow the way of Our Lord’s cross and rejoice with Him and share in His victory over sin and death.
The Church offers us many wonderful opportunities to do this. Make use of them! Find that extra time to come to the Eucharist during the week in Lent and reflect on the Stations of the Cross; give up something and take on something extra; above all be faithful during Holy Week and as well as waving your palms on Palm Sunday, do not miss being with Christ in the upper room on Maundy Thursday and at the foot of His cross on Good Friday. Then you will truly know what it means to sing “Alleluia” on Easter Sunday.
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
Sundays: 10.30 Sung Eucharist with Homily followed by Fellowship & Refreshments.
Weekdays: There is usually a said Eucharist with short Meditation each week on Wednesdays at 19.45. The Eucharist is usually celebrated on major festivals and saints’ days. There is usually a Bible Study Group on Tuesdays from 12 noon – 14.00.
Please check the Calendar of Events for details.
All worship at All Saints’ is according to the provisions of the Church of England’s official Common Worship.
Chaplain’s Message
Our new Chaplain:
The Rev John Payne
Chaplain’s Message
I am writing this on Candlemas Day, the feast of the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple when the old priest Simeon told Mary that her son was destined for the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that would be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many would be revealed. In addition he warned Mary that a sword would pierce her own soul too. So, in the hymn we sang at All Saints during the candle ceremony was the verse
The candles invite us to praise and to pray
when Christmas greets Easter on Candlemas Day
We are making, then, the transition in the Church’s year towards the penitential season of Lent and the commemoration of the Passion of Our Lord in Holy Week before celebrating with joy His resurrection on Easter Day.
A member of All Saints said to me recently that she wanted me “to talk about sin.” My immediate response was to say that I would use the Sunday homilies during Lent to do just that. Lent is the time that encourages us and gives us the chance to get real about sin. For it is sin that so often causes opposition to Jesus and suffering to those who, like His Blessed Mother, know what it is to stand before His cross and weep. Lent invites us to travel with Mary and her Son so that we can reflect on our commitment of discipleship and practice the self denial which schools us to make that discipleship more than just lip service. Lent calls us to self-examination and repentance. It coincides with the season of Spring (Lent is an Anglo Saxon word which means Spring) when we “Spring clean,” and so it is a time also to do some spiritual spring cleaning. By so doing we can then be strengthened to follow the way of Our Lord’s cross and rejoice with Him and share in His victory over sin and death.
The Church offers us many wonderful opportunities to do this. Make use of them! Find that extra time to come to the Eucharist during the week in Lent and reflect on the Stations of the Cross; give up something and take on something extra; above all be faithful during Holy Week and as well as waving your palms on Palm Sunday, do not miss being with Christ in the upper room on Maundy Thursday and at the foot of His cross on Good Friday. Then you will truly know what it means to sing “Alleluia” on Easter Sunday.
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
Have a good and holy Lent.
Fr John
To contact me, please e-mail: allsaintspriest@hotmail.com
WORSHIP AT ALL SAINTS’
Sundays: 10.30 Sung Eucharist with Homily followed by Fellowship & Refreshments.
Weekdays: There is usually a said Eucharist with short Meditation each week on Wednesdays at 19.45. The Eucharist is usually celebrated on major festivals and saints’ days. There is usually a Bible Study Group on Tuesdays from 12 noon – 14.00.
Please check the Calendar of Events for details.
All worship at All Saints’ is according to the provisions of the Church of England’s official Common Worship.