All Saints Parish Newsletter 4th October 2013
Dear Friends,
Today is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
One of the stories of Francis tells of him praying in the half-ruined church of San Damiano. One day the figure of Christ spoke to him: “Francis, rebuild my church which is falling down.”
Francis took this literally. He set about gathering materials to restore the ruin.
But then he came to realise that the tumbledown state of one church building was symptomatic of the derelict state of much of the Church in the 13th century; a time of rapid social change with which the Church struggled to keep up.
He was being called to help in its rebuilding by a life devoted to following Jesus Christ in humility and poverty, with a new dedication to the humanity of Jesus, especially in his incarnation and passion, a fresh preaching of the gospel, one authenticated by a lifestyle which reflected the simplicity of the Gospel.
We too have heard Jesus calling us to rebuild his church and like Francis have worked hard to do this at All Saints, and the work is not finished yet.
But Jesus also calls us to rebuild the Church as community and not just as building. He calls us to make the gospel known not only to those who already belong but to the outsiders. He calls us to a mission made real by our lives: lives which like Francis bear the marks of the cross, but also show something of the joy of knowing God’s love.
On our Dedication Festival this Sunday we give thanks for all the blessings we receive in our church, both community and people, the house and household of God. We give thanks for all that God has enabled us and our forebears to do here. Our church was built at a time of huge change and challenge. We live in similar days, so Jesus calls us to dedicate ourselves, to the building of a living temple of his presence, an embodiment of his love, in our city.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Alan Moses
PRAYER DIARY
Please pray for those who have asked for our prayers: Harry Allan, Damon Brash, Peter Burbidge, Maragret Campbell, Rachel Clayton, Sheena Cruse, Rosie Davis, Denise Inge, Mason Jacobsen, Linda Jervis, Jill, Katherine Lee, Joshua Levy, Christine Lofty, Marimar Perez Fabo, Celia Shore, Stephen Short, Kate Thomas, Andrew Tillyard, Melanie Toogood, David and Jo Vincent, Heather Walker, Wendy Wall, Fr Stephen Williams.
For the recently departed: Stanley Mogford (Priest), Eve Shannon, Stephen Willis, Adolf Dvorak, Richard Tann.
At the anniversary of their death (during the coming week): Alan Harrison, Sarah Venn, Mabel Moore, Pauline Rolph, Eric Kay, Grace Miller, Emma Titley, Ann Armstrong, Gwendolen Clementson, Suzette Shores, Mark Carpenter-Garnier, Thomas Blofeld, Lilian Ditcham.
Worship on Sunday 6 October 2013:
DEDICATION FESTIVAL & FRIENDS DAY – HIGH MASS, 11am
When we give thanks for the consecration of our Church and the blessings received here.
Preacher: The Vicar, Prebendary Alan Moses
Music: Orgelsolomesse – Mozart Expectans expectavi – Wood
FESTIVAL EVENSONG & BENEDICTION, 6pm
Preacher: Fr Barry Orford, Pusey House
Music: Service D – Brewer Faire is the heaven – Harris
NOTICES AND NEWS:
PENNY BOXES – Please return your penny boxes to Priscilla Oakeshott in the Parish Shop for counting. Deadline: latest Sunday 20 October. Thank you.
Future Events at All Saints, the Annunciation and St Cyprians:
Friday 11 October – The Cell of Our Lady of Walsingham: OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY – 6.30pm Low Mass with Hymns, 7pm. The Rosary will be said for approximately half an hour, followed by light refreshments.
Sunday 13 October – TEACHING THE FAITH AT ALL SAINTS – Ten-to-One Talk Series: WHY DO YOU DO THAT? – Standing, Kneeling, Sitting. The third of twelve talks given by the Vicar. The bell is rung to announce the start.
Sunday 13 October – Meeting of the Servers after High Mass.
Monday 14 October – 7pm, Meeting of the Standing Committee of the All Saints PCC.
Friday 18 October 7pm – PLEASE NOTE NEW DATE – Initial meeting for anyone interested in a course to prepare adults for Baptism and Confirmation or Reception into the Church of England. The course is open to those who were confirmed a long time ago and would like a refresher in the basics of the faith. Please let the Vicar or Parish Administrator know you would like to attend. Tel: 020 7636 1788 or e: astsmgtst@aol.com.
Saturday 19 October 10.30am – Course: FOOD SAFETY AT ALL SAINTS – Given today’s legislation and society’s expectations, the PCC has considered the issue of food safety and resolved to provide a short briefing session on food handling and the health and safety of preparing and serving food. Joanna Moses has generously offered her services. Any member of the congregation who is involved in preparing and serving food is encouraged and needs to attend. Light refreshments will be provided for lunch. In order to know how many people to cater for please let Dee Prior in the Parish Office know if you are intending to be present either by email: astsmgtst@aol.com or telephone 020 7636 1788.
Sunday 20 October – TEACHING THE FAITH AT ALL SAINTS – Ten-to-One Talk Series: WHY DO YOU DO THAT? – Vestments. Fourth of twelve talks given by the Vicar. The bell is rung to announce the start.
Tues 22 – Sun 27 October – EXHIBITION:
TIMOTHY BETJEMAN AT ALL SAINTS MARGARET STREET – the painter revisits a favourite Victorian church of his grandfather, poet John Betjeman, with a series of new works done in situ at All Saints. The exhibition anticipates the bicentennial of its architect, William Butterfield, with oil paintings and prints intimately depicting the church’s vibrant interior through various liturgical seasons, moods and rites. Open 12–6pm, in the Parish Room.
Future Events Elsewhere:
Tuesday 8 October 13.00, St Lawrence Jewry – Lunchtime organ recital – CHARLES ANDREWS, Associate Director of Music.
Monday 14 October 2013, starting 7pm – All Hallows by the Tower
BRITTEN AT 100: RECITAL AND SEMINAR SUPPER.
Sion College celebrates with a recital/seminar supper on Britten at 100: “Britten and the Church” exploring Britten’s relationship with Christianity.
Thursday 24 October 13.05, Lunchtime organ recital at St John’s, Smith Square – TIM BYRAM-WIGFIELD, Director of Music All Saints. Tickets: £10. Programme includes: Handel, Beethoven, Liszt, Hollins and Widor. See SJSS website for full details.