All Saints Parish Newsletter 6th March 2015
Dear Friend,
If you grew up with the Book of Common Prayer, you might well have first encountered the Ten Commandments in the Liturgy – read out in the Communion Service – although they were frequently replaced by the Summary of the Law. In post-Reformation churches, like Wren’s in the City, you often see them, with the Lord’s Prayer and the Apostles Creed, as part of teaching triptych behind the altar.
This setting in worship mirrors their place in the reading from Exodus (20.1-17) at the Eucharist this Sunday. There too, we read find them in a context of a ceremony with purification, processions, the recitation of solemn words and a meal, which marks the establishment of the covenant between God and the people. What we read in scripture now reflects repeated celebration down the centuries. The ceremony establishes and re-establishes the relationship between God and people. Some of the commandments come with expansions which spell out their meaning, or urge obedience and the reason for it. These suggest that the Commandments were, as they continue to be, the subject of preaching and instruction; even if now communicated by email rather than on tablets of stone.
In this covenant, the laws summed up in the Ten Commandments furnish the response to what God has done in rescuing the people from bondage in Egypt. Obedience to the law is not something which has earned their freedom.
We see parallels in our own worship: in the Eucharist with its celebration and renewal of the New Covenant established by God’s gracious action in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This too is not something we do to earn God’s favour but in response to God’s gift. Worship is our joyful thanksgiving for what God has done and is doing for us.
The first four commandments speak of our relationship with God, so they are often seen as being about worship. The second group of six are about our relationship with our neighbours. However, it is a mistake to think that these are not about worship too.
As our Lord’s summary of the law, makes clear, love of God and of neighbour are inseparable. As the First Letter of John says, “those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen.” (1 John 4:20). Love of neighbour is no less part of worship than what we do in church. It is offered in the whole of our lives: the duties and demands, challenges and opportunities in our relationships, family, community and work. Our worship in church both guides and sustains our worship in the world, and is authenticated by it. Some of the specifics about our neighbour’s maidservant or ox may sound quaint, but it does not require too much wit and imagination to find equivalents in our world.
To borrow some words from Paul, in the Epistle (1. Corinthians 1:18-25), the Commandments can seem like foolishness and prove a stumbling block to many in our time. Given that they have often been used in legalistic and moralistic ways, this is perhaps not surprising. But they are something more than a list of ‘don’ts’. They are given for our well-being, for the common good. We come to recognise their wisdom when we seek to live them as part of our grateful response to God for his goodness and in communion with Jesus Christ.
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. Fr. Bruce Barnett- Cowan, Jean Bray, James Cary-Elwes, Cynthia Drury, Tim Harding, Yvonne & Philip Harland, Elspeth Harley, Lewis Harvey, Myrtle Hughes, Maxwell Hutchinson, Sheila Kenyon, Molly Leng, Joshua Levy, Christine Loffty, Hilary Morgan, Norman Newby, Malcolm Richards, Jock Scott,
Fr. Nicholas Stacey, Buzz Stokes, Celia Swan, Joy Wright, Marc Young and Mary.
For the recently departed: Robert Streit (whose Funeral took place at All Saints at 2.15pm on Thursday 5 March), Pamela Paul, Baby Eden (and parents Andrew and Gemma), Angela Thompson, Tom Devonshire-Jones (Priest and former Vicar of St Mark’s, Regent’s Park), John Martin and Norman Greenfield (Priest).
Remember past priests, benefactors, friends, and all whose year’s mind occurs this week: George Gorse, Hope Harris, John Cook, Arthur Smallwood, Alice Styan, Dorothy Gregory, Dennis Cooper, Charles Mills, Rosie Bullock, Peter Harding (Priest, one time Vicar of St Cyprian’s and a former Area Dean of Westminster (St Marylebone), Clark Vaugham, William Allen Whitworth, Third Vicar of All Saints, Emily Woodard, Peter Brealey, Rosemary Lloyd, Barry Blacklock (member of the PCC), Elizabeth Middlemist-Donner, Annie Slater, Basil Whitworth (Priest) and Ann Sculley.
WORSHIP THIS WEEK
SUNDAY 8 MARCH – THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
HIGH MASS, 11am
Preacher: Fr Julian Browning
Missa ‘Simile est regnum cælorum’ – Victoria
O Lord, in thy wrath rebuke me not – Gibbons
Ten to One Talk Theme: The Epiclesis. The bell will ring beforehand.
Sunday lunch service this week –Daniel Fielden and his team will be cooking and tickets will be available for £5 from the Shop in the Parish Room (subject to availability).
CHORAL EVENSONG & BENEDICTION, 6pm
Preacher: The Vicar, Prebendary Alan Moses
The Short Service – Ayleward
Versa est in luctum – Lobo
7.15pm after Benediction – ORGAN RECITAL – CHARLES ANDREWS (Associate Director of Music). Programme: Prelude in G minor (1914) – W. S. Vale, An Wasserflüssen Babylon BWV653 – J. S. Bach, Fugue in G minor BWV578 – J. S. Bach, Suite op. 5 – M. Duruflé (Prélude, Sicilienne, Toccata). Retiring collection to support the Choir and Music at All Saints (suggested donation £4). The All Saints Licensed Club/Bar below the Church will be open after this recital.
WORSHIP NEXT SUNDAY
SUNDAY 15 MARCH – FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT (Mothering Sunday)
HIGH MASS, 11am
Preacher: The Vicar, Prebendary Alan Moses
Mass in G – Schubert
Ave Virgo sanctissima – Guerrero
Ten to One Talk Theme: the Institution Narrative. The bell will ring beforehand.
ALL SAINTS’ PARISH RETREAT 2015 to Ely takes place this weekend, conducted by Fr John Cullen, so there is NO Sunday Lunch service on 15 March.
CHORAL EVENSONG & BENEDICTION, 6pm
Preacher: The Vicar, Prebendary Alan Moses
The Short Service – Ayleward
Versa est in luctum – Lobo
LENT at ALL SAINTS
LENT STUDY GROUP underway – The Study Group meets on Fridays at 11am in the Vicarage. This year, at the Sunday Eucharist, the Church is reading St. Mark’s Gospel. So the publication of Rowan Williams’ book “Meeting God in Mark” is providential. The book is based on Holy Week talks given Archbishop Rowan in Canterbury Cathedral in 2010.
THE WAY OF THE CROSS – Fridays: at 7.05pm (after the Evening Mass), a weekly devotional service in Lent meditating on the events of Jesus’ Passion.
EVENSONG SERMONS during LENT
In the Common Worship Baptism service the “Commission” gives a summary of the Christian life. At Evensong on the Sundays of Lent, we will have a series of sermons based on this to guide us in our corporate and individual self-examination. These will lead up to our corporate renewal of baptismal vows at Easter.
Lent 1 “Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in the prayers?”
Lent 2 “Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?”
Lent 3 “Will you proclaim by word and example the good news of God in Christ?”
Lent 4 “Will you seek and serve Christ in all people, loving your neighbour as yourself?”
Lent 5 (preached on Palm Sunday) “Will you acknowledge Christ’s authority over human society, by prayer for the world and its leaders, by defending the weak and seeking peace and justice?”
ALL SAINTS’ LENT APPEAL
Our Lent Appeal 2015 will be shared equally three ways:
- Bishop of London’s Appeal, which is concentrating on supporting Youth, Children and Family projects across the Diocese,
- Us (formerly USPG) and their support of the church in Zimbabwe in working with those affected by HIV and AIDS and providing local clergy and lay leaders with skills and training to undertake the work, and
- The Marylebone Project, where our money goes towards providing one of the emergency beds in the Homeless Women’s Centre.
For more information about the Bishop of London’s Appeal see: www.london.anglican.org/articles/the-lent-appeal-who-inspired-you/?utm_campaign=Ministry_Matters_Jan_2015&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=CM_londondiocesan.
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER 2015 – THE DRAMA OF THE PASSION
Preacher: Vicar, Prebendary Alan Moses
PALM SUNDAY, 29 MARCH
10.45am Liturgy of Palms in Market Place, W1
Procession to Church & HIGH MASS
6pm Choral Evensong & Benediction
MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY
6.30pm Low Mass with Homily
WEDNESDAY, 1 APRIL
7.30pm TENEBRAE for Maundy Thursday
MAUNDY THURSDAY, 2 APRIL
6.30pm HIGH MASS of the Lord’s Supper
GOOD FRIDAY, 3 APRIL
12 noon The Preaching of the Passion
1 – 3pm The Solemn Liturgy of the Passion
6.30pm Stations of the Cross
HOLY SATURDAY, 4 APRIL
12 noon Liturgy of the Day
9pm HIGH MASS of the Easter Vigil
EASTER DAY, SUNDAY 5 APRIL
11am Procession, Blessing of the Easter Garden
& HIGH MASS
Preacher: Fr Michael Bowie, Assistant Priest
6pm Festal Evensong, Te Deum and Benediction
Preacher: The Vicar, Prebendary Alan Moses
ALL SAINTS’ DATES FOR YOUR DIARY IN MARCH
*** SPECIAL RESTORATION APPEAL FUNDRAISING EVENT ***
Sunday 8 March, 9.30 – 10.50am and post 11am Mass until 1.30pm – All Saints’ Margaret Street, London W1W 8JG, Parish Room,
THE “HOLY HOARDER’S” RESTORATION APPEAL SALE
A substantial sale of largely new (and some nearly new) men’s clothing items in aid of the Restoration Appeal. We have been given a generous gift by Fr John Rick III of high quality men’s clothes – 60 pairs of new tassle-loafer shoes in sizes 8.5, 9 and 9.5 (Gucci, Cole Haan, Weejuns brands) and 30 pairs of new Camper casual/athletic shoes; Bomber-style jackets size 42 (in leather, nylon water-proof and cotton); 30 pairs of Khaki 34 waist trousers; Corduroy trousers; Jeans; 25 Jumpers; Polo Ralph Lauren polo shirts, 55 dress and casual shirts, 12 Sports Jackets, 11 pairs of shorts, scarves, skip caps and socks (knee-high and ankle). Goods range in price from £1.50 – £35 a piece (shoes from £8 – £12). This is a cash only sale in aid of the Restoration Appeal.
Please come and get yourself a bargain and support our Church restoration project.
Sunday 22 March, 6pm – PASSIONTIDE MUSIC, READINGS & BENEDICTION
Monday 23 March, 6.45pm and 7.30pm – Meetings of the All Saints Choir & Music Trust and the Foundation in the Vicarage.
Sunday 29 March – PALM SUNDAY – Liturgy of Palms in Market Place, Procession to Church and HIGH MASS at 10.45am
PLEASE NOTE – BRITISH SUMMER TIME STARTS – CLOCKS CHANGE FORWARD BY ONE HOUR.
**** Stewards are needed for the Palm Sunday Procession – Cedric Stephens, Senior Server will be organising arrangements as usual. Please would anyone willing to volunteer to assist in this way telephone or email the Parish Office (020 7636 1788 or astsmgtst@aol.com) to indicate their interest. ****
EVENTS BEYOND ALL SAINTS
The 1 March POETRY TEA AT PAMELA’S raised £124 for the Restoration Appeal – many thanks to Pamela and Sandra and all who attended for their generosity.
WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER TODAY FRIDAY, 6 March, 2.30pm, at Methodist Central Hall, Westminster (in The Chapel). All are welcome to this Interdenominational Service, prepared this year by the Women of The Bahamas. The Service will be followed by tea in an adjoining room.
Saturday 7 March at 3pm – St. CYPRIANS CHURCH, CLARENCE GATE, NW1 6AX – CHORAL EVENING PRAYER & BENEDICTION – Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis: Gibbons Second Service, Anthem: Purcell Jehova quam multi sunt hostes mei. With the St. Cyprian’s Singers. Directed by: Julian Collings.
Wednesday 25 March, 7pm – FEAST OF TITLE, The Annunciation Marble Arch – HIGH MASS & PROCESSION, Preacher: Fr Paul Thomas, Vicar of St James Sussex Gardens. Drinks reception after mass. All welcome.
Monday 30 March 2015, 6.30pm, St Cyprian’s Clarence Gate – Francis Holland School presents a Charity Choral Concert in aid of St Cyprian’s Church. Music by Handel, Haydn, Parry & Rutter including Handel’s Zadok the Priest. Tickets £10/Under 18s Free. For tickets please contact Mrs Gurini (sue.gurini@fhs-nw1.org.uk)
NOTICES
Imperial College London staff have asked us to promote awareness of a special event:
COME AND HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE POTENTIAL OF A REVOLUTIONARY TEST FOR CANCER THROUGH BREATH.
When and where: Tuesday 17 March 2015 12.30 – 5pm (lunch and refreshments provided), UCL Institute of Education Room 804, 20 Bedford Way, London WC1H 0AL.
Currently, any exploration of symptoms indicating a possible oesophago-gastric cancer has to be done through an uncomfortable endoscopy in hospital. This new test being developed potentially offers a quick and easy evaluation of a patient’s risk of having the cancer. This innovative event aims to engage with the public to allow them to input into research and help develop a novel diagnostic test device. Clinicians want to share their research and gain feedback, based on observing simulated scenarios using actors and clinicians and short presentations. No prior knowledge needed. If you would like to help Imperial College with your opinion of this new test, please RSVP to: j.huddy@imperial.ac.uk.
REVISION OF THE ALL SAINTS’ ELECTORAL ROLL
The Electoral Roll has to be revised before the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) on 19 April 2015. Inclusion on the Roll is the qualification to attend, participate and vote at the Meeting, or to be nominated for office. The Roll will be closed for revision between Tuesday 24 March and Friday 3 April. No further entries may be made to the Roll between 23 March and the close of the APCM. Would members of the Roll please check their entries on the copy of the Roll available in the Parish Office? Alterations should be notified to me, c/o the Parish Office. Anyone else who wishes to be included on the Roll, and who fulfils the qualifications, is welcome to apply. Competed forms (to be found on the table in Church) should be returned via the Parish Office.
Catherine T Burling,
Electoral Roll Officer
ALL SAINTS RESTORATION PROJECT UPDATE
EXCELLENT PROGRESS with work and fundraising but FURTHER DONATIONS NEEDED to reduce the reliance on loans
New wiring and lighting, essential CCTV security and fire detection systems cost £372,000. Finishing works on the fire alarm and back of house areas continue to mid-March. As the project reaches its conclusion, we want to reduce our reliance on loans. This is down to loans of approx. £22,000 so any further gifts will reduce this still further.
HOW YOU CAN HELP………. please be as generous as you can, making cheques payable to: All Saints Church Restoration Appeal and sending them 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% at no cost to yourself. Thank you!
Please note: Sunday 8 March pre and post Mass (full details elsewhere in this Newsletter) – Special Fundraising Event – THE HOLY HOARDER’S SALE OF MEN’S CLOTHING in the Parish Room at All Saints – in aid of the Restoration Project. Please get yourself a bargain and support this worthy cause.
ALL SAINTS MISSION ACTIVITIES
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.
Seasonal Appeals – The grand total collected in 2014 was £3,463 (up significantly on 2013’s support of £2,790) to this Mission Project through the All Saints Festival and Lent Appeals. The Project (in acknowledging our support) said: ‘Such a wonderful amount to have raised, thank you so very much for your valued support’.
A further £3,000 raised in 2014 for Us (formerly USPG) was acknowledged to be a ‘very generous gift’ which will be used to feed communities and generate income to support AIDS orphans in child-headed families in Zimbabwe.
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. Please contribute to this effort, bringing donations to the Parish Office or leaving them in Church in the basket in the Baptistery.
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
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
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.
www.allsaintsmargaretstreet.org.uk and e-mail: astsmgtst@aol.com.