This past week has been an important one in our Diocese. Last weekend saw Bishop Vivienne carry out her last tranche of ordinations before her retirement. This is a weekend always marked with joy as it is such a wondrous occasion, the passage of people, into their ministries. It is a time of transition-each person has had their period of discernment, training, and now they step forth into their next phase. Some to become deacons, to serve in their local churches. Others becoming priests. All stepping into the demanding but glorious calling of being servant leaders following in the footsteps of Christ.

For all the candidates it is a time of joy but also fear and excitement, but also of feelings of being totally unworthy of  the task ahead.

I was blessed to be a part of this and greatly appreciate all the love and encouragement that I experienced from everyone during that weekend and look forward to serving you as priest.

All this is about love-of God and one another, and the gospel reading this week exemplifies this. It is the familiar story of the Good Samaritan, reminding us that when someone needs help we do not filter that need through prejudices and suppositions but provide lavish love to whoever needs it. The story challenges us  to reflect upon who has helped us in those desperate times in our lives and who have we been able to help in theirs?  Just as it is so vital to offer help, it is also vital to receive help. This is to follow the example of Jesus, the servant king and Son of God., 

This Sunday 13th July Fourth Sunday after Trinity

8.00am         Holy Communion – All Saints

10.00am      Holy Communion – St. Marys

10.30am      Family Service – All Saints

7.15pm         Generations Youth Group

The Week Ahead

Monday 14th July

10.30am    Tiny Tots      All Saints

5.15pm   Squirrels     All Saints

6.15pm   Beavers.     All Saints

Wednesday 16th July

9.00 pm Celtic Morning Prayers.     All Saints

2.00pm  Benefice Bible Book Club. St. Mary’s 

Thursday 17th July

10.00am  Holy Communion –    St. Mary’s

6.30pm. Cubs.  All Saints 

8.00pm.  Scouts   All Saints

Friday 18th July

11.00am. Living After Loss.   St. Mary’s

Saturday 19th July

12.00p. Saturday Lunches.  St. Mary’s

Next Sunday 20th July Fifth Sunday after Trinity

10.00am      Holy Communion. St. Mary’s

10.30am      Holy Communion. All Saints

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of god and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, evermore. Amen.

Blessings,

Fr Kester de Oliveira