All Saints Margaret Street.

Dear Friends,

Advent ‘No one knows the hour’

The Gospel readings for Advent begin, not at the beginning (that’s next week) but with an extended section from well past the middle, the crisis point in Jesus’ own ministry. The whole of Mark 13 consists of Jesus’ prophecy regarding the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple and the return of the ‘Son of Man’.

There is a complex history behind the composition of this passage, but the major theme which it serves on Advent Sunday is the urging of watchfulness. The return of the Son of Man and the crises associated with that return are not events subject to human control or prediction. Disciples must be constantly on the alert for his presence, or they will be caught unprepared.

Watchfulness is necessary for at least two reasons. First, there are false alarms from so-called prophets (some of whom are on duty every day at Oxford Circus station) who do not know what the real crisis is and who do not know what time it is. They point to the wrong signs (vs. 6–8) or to themselves (vs. 21–22).

Second, and more important, watchfulness is necessary because only God knows what time it really is. Not even the angels or the Son of God (v. 32) know when the critical moment will come, for it belongs in God’s hands alone. It may be different for each of us. But, as we remember at Easter, ‘all time belongs to Christ’.

The Church reads this passage on the First Sunday of Advent to recall the traditional connection between the first advent of Christ and the second advent, or Parousia. In the season of Advent, the church recalls the promise of the second advent, which is a promise that God’s people will not be left on their own. Confidence in the second advent is built on acknowledging the fulfilment of the first.

Watchfulness is necessary, according to Mark 13, because there are those who, intentionally or not, mislead the faithful. What time is it, anyway? Who knows what time it is? Many voices, inside and outside the church, claim to know what time it is and what crisis is at hand—a political crisis, a religious crisis, an economic crisis, an ecological crisis, a social crisis. To which voices should we listen?

Only God knows what the real crisis is and how it will manifest itself. During Advent, our recollection of Mary’s waiting also reminds the church that the crisis of Jesus’ birth was anticipated by only a few and understood by no one. Only God knows what time approaches. As the people of God wait, even now, we can anticipate only that the times are in God’s hands and not our own (‘all time belongs to him’). It is our faith and our advent hope that, whatever happens, God is always present for us.

Yours in Christ,

Father Michael Bowie,
Assistant Priest
All Saints Margaret Street

Please pray for those who have asked for our prayers: Asia Bibi. Heather Brown, Lily Caplin, Rosamond Clayton, Kate Down, Norman Greenfield, Tim Harding, Yvonne & Philip Harland, Elspeth Harley, Lewis Harvey, Sheila Kenyon, Molly Leng, Joshua Levy, Christine Loffty, Hilary Morgan, Norman Newby, Anne O’Connor, Linda Orme, Maureen Pride, Malcolm Richards, Peter Royle, Jock Scott, Nicholas Stacey (Priest), Dilys Thomas, Joy Wright and Mark Young.

For the recently departed: David Trendell, Rosemary Crome (former All Saints’ chorister, for whom a Memorial Service will be held on Monday 1 December at 1pm in Chingford Parish Church Ss Peter & Paul, The Green, Chingford E4), Alan Bishton, David Reeves, Rachel Clayton, Susan Beauchamp, Charles Richardson (Priest) and Phyllis Dorothy James.  

Remember past priests, benefactors, friends, and all whose year’s mind occurs this week: Florence Edwards, Walter Ward (Priest), Archibald Ward (Priest), Emily West, Katherine O’Neil, Margaret Rodger (whose 80^th Anniversary of death is on 3^rd December), Douglas Lawson, Kenneth Armstrong, Pamela Freer, Mary Skelton, Mary Burton and William Henshaw Gelson (former Churchwarden).

WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY and NEXT WEEK

Weekday Masses remain in the Parish Room. Due to high level working on the scaffolding in Church installing new wiring and light fittings, Church will be closed during the week again from Monday 1 December until at least the middle of the month. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility during this challenging period.

WORSHIP SUNDAY 30 NOVEMBER – FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
HIGH MASS, 11am
Preacher: Fr Michael Bowie
Messa da capella – Lotti
People, look East – anon 

After High Mass there will be ‘The Shape of the Liturgy’ Ten to One Talk in Church. The topic is The First Reading. The bell will ring beforehand.

Sunday lunch is served this week. Tickets £5 from the Parish Shop in the Parish Room (subject to availability). Daniel Fielden is preparing a main course, vegetables followed by dessert and coffee.

ADVENT SERVICE OF READINGS & MUSIC by candlelight with the Choir of All Saints Margaret Street, 6pm

 WORSHIP NEXT SUNDAY – 7 DECEMBER – SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

HIGH MASS, 11am
Preacher: The Vicar, Prebendary Alan Moses
Kyrie ‘Le Roy’—Taverner
Mass ‘The Western Wynde’—Sheppard
Hosanna to the Son of David— Weelkes

After High Mass there will be ‘The Shape of the Liturgy’ Ten to One Talk in Church. The topic is The Psalm. The bell will ring beforehand.

Sunday lunch is served next week. Tickets £5 from the Parish Shop in the Parish Room (subject to availability). Stuart Voy is preparing a main course with vegetables, dessert and coffee.

CHORAL EVENSONG & BENEDICTION at 6pm
Preacher: Fr Michael Bowie
The Short Service—Gibbons
Vigilate – Byrd

NOTICES

ALL SAINTS’ PARISH RETREAT 2015
The Retreat will be at Ely again, from 13-15 March. As already announced, the conductor will be Fr John Cullen. If you would like to attend, or to know more about it, please contact Martin Woolley on 07976 275383 or at m.g.woolley@btinternet.com. A careful note will be kept of the order in which firm reservations are received.

WALSINGHAM PARISH PILGRIMAGE 2015
All Saints’ twelfth annual pilgrimage to Walsingham will take place from Friday 17 to Monday 20 July. (In the past the pilgrimage has been from Friday to Sunday, but following feedback after the 2014 event, we are offering an option to stay until Monday lunchtime.) Please indicate which departure date you would like when booking. If you are interested (or would like to find out more) please speak to Jean Castledine or contact Ross Buchanan on 020 7221 1312 or ross.r.buchanan@btinternet.com.

Due to the Shrine’s limited capacity and booking arrangements, those who would like to attend will need to pay a non-refundable deposit of £10 to the Parish Administrator, Dee Prior, by Monday 1 December 2014 to reserve a place on the Pilgrimage. A further £10 deposit will be required by Monday 13 April 2015 and the full payment for accommodation by Monday 15 June 2015. 

ALL SAINTS RESTORATION APPEAL UPDATE – GOOD PROGRESS MADE! FUNDRAISING – Thanks to the huge generosity of parishioners and friends and the award of £10,000 from the Garfield Weston Foundation, we have now received a splendid total of £369,660, reducing our reliance on loans to circa £15,000 (from £35,000). However, we have two significant elements on hold to get within the overall project figure – a CCTV security system and an automatic fire detection system. Both are highly desirable in our Grade 1 Listed Church if more donations are received. 

WORKS – Following the removal of all the old fittings and electrical cable in Church, last week saw the construction of scaffolding in the south aisle to give access to fit the new cables and lights. This week scaffolding has been put in the chancel for two weeks. The nave altar will need to be used for the first two Sundays in Advent and possibly longer. The overall project is scheduled for completion by the end of January 2015, allowing for a Christmas break and subject to the delivery of all specialist materials.

WEEKDAY SERVICES – taking place in the Parish Room and Confessions heard in the Oratory (access via the Parish Office). Church will be open on Sunday throughout the project and at other times when safe to do so. 

HOW YOU CAN HELP………. further donations will reduce our reliance on loans and complete key fire and security improvements! Cheques payable to: All Saints Church Restoration Appeal. Send to:  The Parish Administrator, 7 Margaret Street, London W1W 8JG.
Please indicate where Gift Aid may be applied as it increases the value of your contribution by 25%. Thank you!

ALL SAINTS EVENTS in DECEMBER:

Wednesday 3 December, 7pm – EVENING ADVENT GROUP meets for four consecutive weeks in the Vicarage – reading Rowan William’s Being Christian – Baptism, Bible, Eucharist, Prayer. Other dates are: Wednesdays 10 and 17 December. Please contact the Parish Office (020 7636 1788 or astsmgtst@aol.com to let us know which group you will attend).

Friday 5 December, 11am – DAYTIME ADVENT GROUP meets for four consecutive weeks in the Vicarage – reading Rowan William’s Being Christian – Baptism, Bible, Eucharist, Prayer. Other dates are: Fridays 12 and 19 December. Please contact the Parish Office (020 7636 1788 or astsmgtst@aol.com to let us know which group you will attend).

Tuesday 2 December – Meetings of the All Saints Foundation and the Choir & Music Trust.

Monday 8 December, 7pm – Standing Committee Meeting of the All Saints PCC, Vicarage

Monday 15 December, 6pm – FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS & CAROLS. With the Choir of All Saints Margaret Street. Followed by Mince pies and Mulled Wine.

Thursday 18 December, 6.30pm – CAROL SINGING IN THE PARISH – all welcome to join in – please meet in the Church Courtyard. Followed by mince pies and mulled wine in the Vicarage.

Sunday 21 December, 11am HIGH MASS and HOLY BAPTISM.

Monday 22 December, 12.30pm – CAROL SERVICE and Blessing of the Christmas Tree. With a soloist from the Choir of All Saints Margaret Street.

Wednesday 24 December – CHRISTMAS EVE – MIDNIGHT MASS and BLESSING OF THE CRIB at 11pm. Music includes: Missa Sancti Nicolai – Haydn and O magnum mysterium – Poulenc.

Thursday 25 December – CHRISTMAS DAY Low Mass 9am and HIGH MASS at 11am. Music includes: Spatzenmesse – Mozart and Tomorrow shall be my dancing day – English trad., arr. Willcocks

Sunday 28 December – FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS HIGH MASS AT 11am.  NB. There is no Choral Evensong this Sunday.

EVENTS BEYOND ALL SAINTS 

Saturday 29 November, 3pm – St Cyprian’s, Clarence Gate – ADVENT VESPERS  

GIVING TUESDAY is Tuesday 2 December.  The Church of England’s stewardship movement are backing this global day of giving when we’re asked to consider performing an additional act of generosity to bless a neighbour, colleague, friend or charity.  Whether we give our time, make a donation, bake a cake or show hospitality, it’s a chance to remember God’s love for us, and an opportunity to reflect his love out to others.  You might plan what you will do; or you might simply respond generously to the needs that you encounter on the 2 December. What might you do?

Whilst it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35), in the act of giving, many of us also find blessing!

Thursday 4 December – 6.30 – 8pm – ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL
December 2014 marks the 50^th Anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr. preaching to an audience of 4,000 under the dome of St Paul’s. As a tribute to his legacy, a panel of leaders and thinkers from the black and minority ethnic community will reflect on “Martin Luther King’s Dream: How Can We End Racism Today?” The panel is led by Baroness Doreen Lawrence of Clarendon OBE, Hugh Muir diary editor at The Guardian, and Dr Heidi Mirza, Professor of Race, Faith & Culture at Goldsmiths College. Further information can be found at: www.stpauls.co.uk/MLK. Free tickets can be booked at: http://MLKstpauls.eventbrite.co.uk.  

Friday 5 (15-21hrs) and Saturday 6 December (10-16hrs) ALL THE FUN OF THE CHRISTMAS FAIR – St Cyprian’s, Clarence Gate, London NW1.
All proceeds to Marie Curie Cancer Care. Candle-lit Gala 5 December from 6pm – entry suggested £3 (with wine) and general entry other times suggested £1. Over 40 professional stalls selling all you need for Christmas, with exhibitors usually found at top Christmas Fairs such as Country Living Fair, Save the Children Fair and Spirit of Christmas. Artisan food, music, vintage, designer makers, books, children’s favourites – they have Christmas wrapped up! See Fair website www.funofthefair.co.uk for full details.

Saturday 6 December, 3pm – CHRISTMAS POETRY TEA AT PAMELA’S
A seasonal version of the popular regular event, come along with a poem and treat yourself to an early mince-pie! To accept or to find out Pamela’s address please speak to Pamela or Sandra in the courtyard or ring Sandra on 020 7637 8456 leaving your name and phone number. 
Cost £6 towards the All Saints Restoration Appeal.

Friday 12 December, 6.45pm – ALL SAINTS’ CELL OF OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM EVENT – In the octave of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception – an Ecumenical Visit to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Farm Street, Mayfair. All are invited and welcome to join the liturgy – Anglican Evensong led by Fr Michael Bowie with address by Fr Dominic Robinson SJ, Rosary, tour of the church, followed by light refreshments. You do not have to be a member of the Cell to attend but please advise Mrs Rosa Postance by email (rosa_postance @hotmail.com) if you are going to come to this event.

ALL SAINTS YEAR ROUND SUPPORT for HOMELESS PEOPLE

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.

Seasonal Appeals – This year we have been able to donate £3,100 (up on last year’s support of £2,790) to this Mission Project, collected through the All Saints Festival and Lent Appeals. Thank you for your generosity in supporting these Appeals.

Year Round Support – we also support the Resettlement Project with non-perishable food and toiletries or household necessities like cutlery or bed linen/blankets. Please contribute to this effort, bringing donations to the Parish Office or leaving them in Church in the basket in the Baptistery. Thank you to everyone who has so generously contributed in this way in recent weeks – we have quite a large number of bags of goodies to deliver to the Project.

Day-to-day Support – we respond to the needs of homeless people who visit the church, providing luncheon vouchers for the West London Day Centre for rough sleepers who apply to the office and allowing a few 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, please help us fund and support people in need through our Mission project.

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.

* If you know of others who would like to receive this correspondence 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.

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@hotmail.com.

DAILY SERVICES AT ALL SAINTS during Refurbishment until January 2015
(Church guaranteed open Sunday only from 7am to 7pm and at other times when safe to do so)
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 CHORAL EVENSONG, SERMON and BENEDICTION, 6pm.

MONDAY – SATURDAY in the Parish Room
Morning Prayer 7.30am
Low Mass – 8am, 1.10pm and 6.30pm
Evening Prayer 6pm
(Except Bank Holiday – 1.10pm Mass only)

Confessions
A priest is available for confessions/counsel Monday – Friday from 12.30-1pm and at 5.30pm Monday – Saturday, or by appointment. During the refurbishment works, confessions will be heard Monday – Friday in the Oratory at 7 Margaret Street. Please ring the bell
at the Vicarage or Parish Office doors for admittance. 

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