All Saints Margaret Street.

Dear Friend,

After I had sung my way through the 40 verses of it at High Mass last Sunday, Fr. Michael described the story of Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the Well (John 4) as a “short novel.”  This week, we have another short novel, more a play in fact, from John’s Gospel, the story of the Man Born Blind (John 9); and the week after, a third, the Raising of Lazarus (John 11).

Are these long gospels just a Lenten penance?  Are they meant to hone our listening skills in readiness for the sung Passion Gospels of Palm Sunday and Good Friday?

The use on Sundays in Lent of these narratives in the John’s account of Jesus’ public ministry dates back many centuries to the ancient liturgy of Jerusalem.  John’s stories were read at stages in the Lenten preparation of catechumens, those to be baptized at Easter. We hear them as we prepare for the renewal of our baptismal vows at Easter. 

A great student of St. John’s Gospel, Fr. Raymond Brown describes these encounters with Jesus as “dramatic stories of faith responses.” 

Jesus and the Samaritan Woman have to cross boundaries of ethnic and religious prejudice. These, along with social class and education still operate as barriers today.  Then there was the woman’s irregular private life. For many who are divorced or cohabiting or gay, the Church seems to slam the door on the possibility of them coming to faith at all.  Or it asks them to collude in dishonestly:   “If you don’t tell, we won’t ask.”   

But Jesus does ask.  In their dialogue, Jesus leads the woman to honesty about her own situation and, at the same time, recognition of who he might be. Our ongoing encounter with the risen Christ leads us on this journey too.

Some years ago, preaching on this gospel in St. Mary Magdalene’s, Oxford, I described the Samaritan Woman as the prototype anglo-catholic: as soon as our conversation with Jesus gets too personal, we try to change the subject to the liturgy

This Sunday’s Gospel is the story of the Man Born Blind.  St. Augustine saw that he stands for us all. When Jesus says, “I am the light of the world,” we are shown that this is about more than physical sight.

Only gradually, through a series of encounters and dialogues, both with Jesus and his opponents, does the man born blind come to full faith and enlightenment. Such a process of testing is necessary for all if us before sight really comes.  His interrogation by those who denied Jesus’s authority makes him think more deeply about who Jesus is; bringing him to the point where when Jesus says, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” he can say, “I do believe.” 

It is not only the blind man who represents us all. So, too, do the Pharisees. We hope that we are numbered among those who recognize that what Jesus has done must be from God. However, we must accept the possibility that we are numbered among those who resist or evade his claims, when our faith is questioned by others, do we like the blind man’s parents prefer not to get involved in the argument, fearful of the consequences?  When we find Jesus unsettling of our religious certainties, as many of his contemporaries did, is our instinct to close down a discussion which disturbs our settled but partial understandings?  Do we prefer to cling to what we have rather than risk losing it in the search for something more?

What Jesus does in these stories is to lead us on a journey which deepens our understanding of him as the water of life, the light of the world and the giver of eternal life; life with God.  On that journey and relationship we both grow in knowledge of Christ and find ourselves growing in him. 

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Alan Moses 

Prebendary Alan Moses,
Vicar of All Saints Margaret Street
Area Dean of Westminster – St Marylebone

Please pray for those who have asked for our prayers:  Asia Bibi, Andrew Evans, Tony Hawkins, Jan Williams, Paul Curno, Adrian Davis, Sally Bower, Gwyneth Hopkins, Bishop Michael Perham, Roy Jenkins, Melanie Stimmler, Bill Rodger, Jenna Stanbrook, Carol Naismith, Fr John Wheeler, Wolfgang Shröder, Joy Wright, Fr Peter McGeary, Rosa Postance and Christine Vaughan-Lillie.   

For the recently departed:  Victoria Nettey (whose Funeral takes place on 30 March), Ian Searle, Joan Wicken and PC Keith Palmer and the other victims of the Westminster terrorist attack 22 March 2017.

Remember past priests, benefactors, friends, and all whose year’s mind occurs this week including: Mary Montgomery, John Davies, Amy Burnett-Brown, Maya Dean, John Hosier, Diane Suzans, Georgina Carlton-Williams, Joseph Semlyen, William Ingarfield, Marie Blake, Cecil Saltford-Bearman, Hilary Chadwick-Healey, John Hanvey (one-time Treasurer),Holbrook Gaskell, Charles Gage-Brown (Priest and former Curate of All Saints), John Rowe (Priest), Robin Powis, Alexander Burnett-Brown, Harold Gaunt and John Wallace.

For full service information: www.allsaintsmargaretstreet.org.uk.

WORSHIP THIS WEEK:

TODAY – Friday 24 March 7pm (after Evening Mass) STATIONS OF THE CROSS. Organist: Quentin Williams.

TOMORROW – SATURDAY 25 MARCH – there is no Noon Mass at All Saints as the Feast of the Annunciation of Our Lord to the Blessed Virgin Mary is marked that day at 12 Noon by High Mass & Procession of the Image of Our Lady at the Annunciation, Marble Arch.
Preacher: The Revd Canon Leanne Roberts, Canon Chancellor of Southwark Cathedral. We are warmly encouraged to attend this Mass, which will be followed by a Reception.

Please Note: Clocks go forward by one hour overnight Saturday 25/Sunday 26 March. 

SUNDAY 26 MARCH – LENT 4 (Laetare) – Mothering Sunday

HIGH MASS, 11am
Preacher: The Vicar, Prebendary Alan Moses
Missa Brevis in C, K 259 – Mozart
Ave Maria – Parsons

There is a Church Servers Meeting after Mass.

There is Sunday Lunch today, being cooked by Tom Leeman. Main course and dessert with coffee. Tickets: £5 from the All Saints Shop before and after Mass (subject to availability).

EVENSONG & BENEDICTION, 6pm 
6pm Preacher: Fr Michael Bowie 
Canticles in G – Stanford 
Ave Maria à 8 – Victoria

WORSHIP NEXT WEEK

SUNDAY 2 APRIL – PASSION SUNDAY

HIGH MASS, 11am 
Preacher: Fr Michael Bowie 
Missa Pange lingua – Josquin des Prez 
Timor et tremor – Poulenc

MEETING OF PARISHIONERS AND ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

SUNDAY 2 APRIL 2017, 12.45pm

Please see the Noticeboard in the Courtyard or in the porch. Papers for the meetings, including statements from all candidates for Churchwarden; Deanery Synod and PCC and submitted by 22 March are NOW available on the table in Church.

PASSIONTIDE SEQUENCE, 6pm 
Including the Palestrina Stabat Mater alongside settings by Byrd, Tchaikovsky, Poulenc and Martin.

PARISH NOTICES & NEWS

We have received, and been asked to circulate, a Message from the London College of Bishops:
For so many Londoners, yesterday’s horrific events in Westminster brought back painful memories of the 7/7 bombings. In recent years, we have witnessed our close European neighbours in Paris, Berlin and Brussels suffer from the scourge of terrorism. We stood in solidarity with them in the wake of those tragedies, and today it is London’s turn to receive the world’s prayers and sympathies once more. We had truly hoped we would not be here again so soon.

The police and emergency services responded with speed and bravery in equal measure. They deserve our deepest gratitude. Our foremost thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by yesterday’s events, especially Keith Palmer, the police officer, husband and father, who died protecting the Houses of Parliament.

The message from those who carried out this assault at the heart of our freedom and democracy is painfully stark. London’s response must be equally clear. To those who seek to strike terror into our daily lives: you cannot win; you have already lost.

This is the message that our churches, working within our different communities, amongst different faiths, can give in the coming days. The London College of Bishops would encourage you to ensure your churches are open and welcoming, and you should consider issuing local invitations to prayer, and the setting up of pop-up prayer spaces. A vigil is being arranged by Stepney clergy, and interfaith partners including the East London Mosque, at St John on Bethnal Green tonight at 6.30pm. I’m sure that other similar events are being arranged, and we should be reaching out to members of other faith communities wherever possible.

I would encourage you to spread news of your own activities, thoughts and prayers on social media using #londonunited and #prayforlondon. The diocesan website and social media accounts will be kept fully updated over the coming hours and days and you should consult your Area Offices and the Diocesan Communications Team as you need them.

Together we can show that London, irrespective of faith, colour or creed, stands united in the face of those who want us to be afraid. Our churches, more than ever, will be prayerful havens of hope, refuge and compassion, for one and for all. 

With love and prayers,
Pete Broadbent (Bishop of Willesden),
On behalf of the London College of Bishops 

CALL FOR STEWARDS FOR PALM SUNDAY
We are required by law to supply Stewards for our Palm Sunday Procession, in order that it may go ahead – training will be given. Please offer your services to Cedric Stephens after Mass or Evensong on Sundays 26 March or 2 April or phone him: 020 7 637 7468.

Sunday 2 April 2017, 12.45pm MEETING OF PARISHIONERS and ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING – PAPERS NOW AVAILABLE IN CHURCH
A Meeting of Parishioners will be held in Church, at which Churchwardens for the year 2017 – 2018 will be appointed. All persons whose names are entered on the church electoral roll of the parish and all persons resident in the parish whose names are entered on a register of local government electors by reason of such residence are eligible to attend. Any person wishing to be considered for the Post of Churchwarden must be (a) 21 years of age or over, (b) on the Electoral Roll and (c) an actual communicant member of the Church of England. Nominations must be proposed and seconded, and candidates must indicate their willingness to stand. In addition, candidates are asked to submit a short typed or clearly written statement giving the reasons for their wishing to stand, and the benefits they could bring to the post if appointed. Nominations for the post of Churchwarden MAY NOT be made at the meeting.       

Prebendary L. A. Moses, Vicar, 08/03/17

The Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) will follow immediately. Only persons whose names are entered on the church electoral roll are eligible to attend. At the meeting THREE members of the laity will be elected to serve on the Deanery Synod for the period 1 June 2017 – 31 May 2020. FIVE members of the laity will be elected to serve on the Parochial Church Council for the years 2017 – 2020 and ONE member of the laity for 2017-18. Retiring members of the Council are Dan Fielden, Gillian Dare, Grenfell Prince, Kate Hodgetts, Ian Marsh and Ray Oram. Of these, only Ian Marsh is eligible for re-election. Candidates for election must be (a) on the Electoral Roll, (b) at least 16 years of age, and (c) actual communicant members of the Church of England. All nominations must be proposed and seconded by persons on the Electoral Roll and all candidates must indicate a willingness to stand. In addition, candidates are asked to submit a short typed or clearly handwritten statement giving their reasons for standing for election. Nomination forms may be found in Church.  Although nominations may be made at the meeting, it would be helpful if completed forms, together with statements, are returned to the Parish Office by Wednesday 22 March to enable the papers to be available a week before the Annual Meeting. Sidesmen for the year 2017 – 2018 will be appointed at the meeting and the Independent Auditor for the year 2017 – 2018.                  
John McWhinney, Honorary PCC Secretary, 08/03/17

LENT READING GROUP FRIDAY MORNINGS AND TUESDAY EVENINGS weekly in the Parish Room.  We are studying Bishop Rowan Williams’ book Being Disciples. While not specifically designed as a Lent Book, it has a conveniently Lenten six chapters entitled: Being Disciples; Faith, Hope and Love; Forgiveness; Holiness; Faith in Society and Life in the Spirit.

THE WAY OF THE CROSS

The devotion of Stations of the Cross is taking place after the Evening Mass at 7pm on Fridays during Lent. Organist: Quentin Williams. 

ALL SAINTS LENT APPEAL 2017

Our Lenten almsgiving is directed to support our regular Mission Projects (USPG and the Marylebone Project), the Bishop of London’s Lent Appeal 2017 and the Soup Kitchen at the American Church and is made up of collections gathered at the services of Tenebrae and Good Friday along with the contents of individual Lent boxes. The proceeds will be shared between the four charities (please pick up a Lent Appeal Information pack in a white envelope at the door of Church):

1. 1.        Bishop of London’s Lent Appeal 2017 – Sowing Seeds for Tomorrow – is on behalf of ALMA, the Diocesan Partnership with Angola and Mozambique.
   The economic situation in both Angola and Mozambique is severe with oil prices falling and currency devaluations. When coupled with the long-lasting drought that both countries are experiencing and also the political insecurity in Mozambique it is hard for our partners to find funds for their larger projects. We will be joining in with the three educational priorities that they have identified as critical for the future of the church:
   Angola: is increasing the number of classrooms in its church schools to meet the huge need for school places and to meet new government requirements, ensuring a continuing Christian presence.
   Lebombo (Southern Mozambique): is initiating a significant project to create a new accredited seminary outside Maputo to train the next generation of church leaders.
   Niassa (Northern Mozambique): is building a church training hub with accommodation in Nampula for the huge Lurio region – to be used for training locally ordained priests, lay leaders, Mothers’ Union, community development fieldworkers and teams.
   These are ‘church’ projects which would find it difficult to attract other funding.
2. 2.        USPG – supporting the church in Zimbabwe working with those affected by HIV and AIDS and the stigma associated with these conditions, providing local clergy and lay leaders with skills and training.
3. 3.        The Marylebone Project (Homeless Women’s Centre) in London NW1– where our money goes towards providing one of the emergency beds.
4. 4.        The Soup Kitchen run by the American Church, Tottenham Court Road – addressing food poverty – one of the most pressing issues in London and the UK today, assisting people from 25 to over 80; from all backgrounds, from several ethnic groups, and many struggling with a variety of physical and mental problems – but all united by their need for a safe and welcoming community to be fed, heard and helped. One recently summed up what the Soup Kitchen means to him: ‘An oasis in the middle of homeless chaos.’ £5 provides bread for 1 day, £10 covers tea and coffee, £20 covers soup for 1 day – OR fruit – OR vegetables, £25 covers meat for 1 day,  £100 covers all food and £300 covers all the Soup Kitchen’s (SK) running costs for 1 day. 

The All Saints’ Lent Appeal in 2016 raised over £8,000 (including the funds generated by the Queen’s 90^th birthday Raffle and applicable Gift Aid). Please give generously this year so we can try and raise more than in 2017. Cheques should be made payable to: Parochial Church All Saints. Please use a Gift Aid envelope wherever possible since it increases the value of your gift by 25% at no cost to you.

PARISH RETREAT, 19 – 21 MAY 2017 
This year the Retreat will be from May 19-21 at Bishop Woodford House in Ely. It will be conducted by Fr Michael Bowie. If you want to come, or would like further information, please contact Martin Woolley on 07976275383 or at m.g.woolley@btinternet.com. Rooms will be allocated in the order in which bookings are received.

The WALSINGHAM NATIONAL PILGRIMAGE takes place on Monday 29 May. The preacher will be Padre Raniero Cantalamessa OFM Cap, Preacher to the Papal Household. As in previous years, a coach will leave All Saints at 7.30 am. Please contact Ross Buchanan, Assistant Secretary to the Cell of Our Lady of Walsingham, ASMS Mob: 07905 863578 or email: ross.r.buchanan@btinternet.com. if you would like to book a place.

The ALL SAINTS PARISH PILGRIMAGE TO WALSINGHAM will take place from Friday 21 – Monday 24 July. Places are limited. So if you would like to book place and have not already done so or would like to know more, please also contact Ross Buchanan (details above) as soon as possible.

BEYOND ALL SAINTS and of interest…

HUGH PRICE HUGHES 2017 LECTURES – “Speaking of God in Public”
All lectures at Hinde St Methodist Church, London W1. Admission free. All welcome.
Tuesday 4 April, 7.30pm 
Thought for the Day – Can God be broadcast in soundbites?
Revd Dr Jane Leach [regular contributor to Radio 4’s flagship Today programme].

Tuesday 9 May at 7.30pm 
Which God? Which public?
Revd Gareth Powell [Secretary of the Methodist Conference]
Gareth will begin to explore these questions in the context of the Methodist Church in Britain today. What is our experience of God? Which “God” are we speaking about? In what context are we speaking, and to whom? What are the ‘points of contact’? And how, in the light of this, do we speak of God in public with confidence and imagination?
 
** MISSION NEWS**
Men’s clothing especially is needed by the Jesus Centre in Margaret Street and also by the Soup Kitchen at the American International Church, both of whom provide a daily range of services to homeless people. If you have women’s or men’s clothes to give away, please bring to Church and leave at the Parish Office so we can continue to help support our neighbours’ efforts. The Church Army is now also collecting women’s clothes for their Homeless Hostel so all donations can be found a good new home!

The Soup Kitchen specifically calls for: men’s trousers (sizes 32-36) and men’s sturdy/athletic shoes (sizes 9-12 especially) and say ‘we are also beginning to need men’s outerwear of all varieties and we always need rucksacks and duffle-bags to help our guests carry their belongings!’

The Soup Kitchen team (only part-time) asks: ‘Please drop me a line if you are planning to drop things off here. As always, many thanks for your support.’ Soup Kitchen at the American International Church, 79a Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 4TD T: 020 7580 2791    www.amchurch.co.uk/soup-kitchen/

ALL SAINTS REGULAR MISSION PROJECTS:- 

Marylebone Project – emergency refuge and rehoming project for homeless women. 
Between our Lent and Festival Appeals, we raised £5,120 for them in 2016
USPG –work with those experiencing Aids and HIV in Zimbabwe.  
Between our Lent and Festival Appeals, we raised £5,120 for them in 2016

ONGOING SUPPORT for HOMELESS PEOPLE through: 
MARYLEBONE PROJECT run by the CHURCH ARMY – A Day Centre, Residential and Transitional accommodation provider, re-settlement project and Educational and Training Unit for women. The Emergency Bed Unit – for which we have for some years helped to provide the funds for one of the 4 beds – offers a safe haven and refuge for women escaping domestic violence, financial crisis, sexual exploitation and mental health issues. 

Year Round Support – we also support the Marylebone Resettlement Project with non-perishable food and toiletries or household necessities like cutlery or bed linen/blankets. Thank you to everyone who contributes food and household essentials via the basket in Church or handed in to the Parish Office. Please continue to donate these so we can help more people in need.

Day-to-day Support – we respond to the needs of homeless people who visit the church allowing them to sleep there in the daytime and signposting them to other agencies who can offer help and donating a total of £3,454 in 2016 (a one off £1,000 and part of our Festival Appeal collection) towards the Soup Kitchen at the American International Church in Tottenham Court Road. We also allow individuals, who need a place to shelter or sleep during the day, to rest in the back of the church. We have created an information resource for Church Watchers, giving useful advice to homeless and vulnerable people seeking particular support or services. In the face of a rising tide of homelessness in London and as the cold weather starts to bite, please help us fund and support people in need through our Mission activities.

Want to help someone sleeping rough but don’t know how? 
Call Streetlink on 0300 500 0914 and they will get a visit from the local Street Team who can put them in contact with the services they may need. 

FURTHER COMMUNICATIONS OR ASSISTANCE FROM ALL SAINTS MARGARET STREET:- 
* If you would like to encourage others to take an interest in All Saints/keep up with what is happening here, please forward this email on to them, or to people you would like to invite to services or tell them about our websitewww.allsaintsmargaretstreet.org.uk, which has a full colour 360 virtual tour for viewing the wonderfully restored interior of the Church – seewww.allsaintsmargaretstreet.org.uk/history/virtual tour – before a visit or if unable to travel. 

* If you know of others (near or far) who would like to receive this regular update on what’s happening at All Saints please encourage them to sign up for the email on the All Saints website – see the tab News & Events> Weekly Newsletter. 

* If you would like prayers offered at All Saints, please email the Parish Administrator Mrs Dee Prior at: astsmgtst@aol.com. Or make use of the prayer request facility on the website at: www.allsaintsmargaretstreet.org.uk/prayer. 

* If you would like any pastoral assistance, please do not hesitate to contact:

The Vicar, Prebendary Alan Moses: alanmoses111@gmail.com. 

Or Assistant Priest Fr Michael Bowie: mnrbowie@gmail.com.

DAILY SERVICES AT ALL SAINTS 
On major weekday feasts, High Mass is sung at 6.30pm 

SUNDAYS in Church 
Low Mass 6.30pm (Saturday), 8am and 5.15pm. Morning Prayer 10.20am
HIGH MASS and SERMON, 11am and   
EVENSONG, SERMON and BENEDICTION, 6pm. 

MONDAY – FRIDAY
Morning Prayer 7.30am
Low Mass – 8am, 1.10pm and 6.30pm
Evening Prayer 6pm
(Except Bank Holidays – 12 noon Mass only)

SATURDAY 
Morning Prayer  9am
Low Mass – 12 noon and 6.30pm (First Mass of Sunday) 
Evening Prayer 6pm

Confessions 
A priest is available for confessions/counsel Monday – Friday from 12.30-1pm and at 5.30pm Monday – Saturday, or by appointment. (Special arrangements apply in Lent and for Holy Week.)

www.allsaintsmargaretstreet.org.uk and e-mail: astsmgtst@aol.com