All Saints Margaret Street.

Dear Friend,

“Lift high the Cross”

I’m always interested to come across references to All Saints in new books or publications. 

Earlier this week I came across one on the website of “The Living Church,” an American Episcopalian magazine. A commentary on Sunday’s readings which focused on the figure of Abraham in the first two readings was illustrated by a photograph of our father in faith as depicted on the north wall of All Saints.

If the commentator had been discussing Sunday’s Gospel (John 3, 1-17) he might have chosen another panel from the iconography of All Saints: the picture of cross and the bronze serpent in the centre of the panels on the West Wall below the great Jesse Tree window. 

The three panels show three “types,” events in the Old Testament in which Christ is foreshadowed and which are, in their turn, fulfilled in him.  Our forebears in faith were expected to know their Old Testaments.

On the left is the figure of Melchizedek, the priest-king of Salem offering bread and wine to Abraham. Melchizedek is taken up as a type of the Christ as our great high priest in the Letter to the Hebrews.  The Eucharistic gifts of bread and wine are echoed in the sacrament of his sacrificial offering.

On the right is the disturbing and mysterious story of the binding or sacrifice of Isaac, in which Abraham offers his son in obedience to God’s command, only for an angel to intervene and the intended and innocent victim to be replaced by a ram caught in a thicket.  In John’s Gospel this type is fulfilled in Christ “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world;” a theme taken up in the Eucharist’s Agnus Dei and the Invitation to Communion.  It is God himself who provides the offering in his beloved Son on Calvary: “On the mountain of the Lord it shall be provided.”

It is the central panel which reflects part of Sunday’s Gospel passage in which Jesus speaks to Nicodemus of himself: “And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” (John 3.15)

In the original story in the Book of Numbers (21.8-9), we hear of the people of Israel complaining against God and Moses in the wilderness and being punished by a plague of poisonous snakes. They repent and ask Moses to intercede with God on their behalf. God instructs him to make a serpent of bronze and to hold it up so that whoever is bitten by a snake might look at it and be healed.

This image is taken up in Jesus’ words to Nicodemus. The Greek word translated as “lifted up” has a double meaning: it means both to a physical lifting up and an exaltation.  In St. John’s Gospel, Jesus speaks of himself being lifted up three times (3.15; 8.28; 12.22-34). These are the equivalent of the threefold prediction of his passion in the other gospels.  John sees the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of Jesus as a single continuous event. The cross of humiliation is also the place of Christ’s exaltation and glory. 

Christ is lifted up on the cross that the world might be drawn to him to find healing and peace “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth will draw all people to myself.” (John 12. 32)    

This was the inspiration for Kitchen’s great missionary and processional hymn, written a century ago for the Society of the Propagation of the Gospel, (now USPG) with its refrain:

 “Lift high the Cross, 
the love of Christ proclaim,
till all the world
adore his sacred Name.” 

Sunday’s Gospel concludes with the verse
“God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life. Indeed God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” 

The Church in its liturgy and preaching and life is called to “Lift high the Cross” as the proclamation of God’s love for the world. If we are to do that we must first come to the cross to find in it healing and peace for ourselves. 

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Alan Moses
Vicar, 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, Jack De Gruiter, David Evans, Lucy Bushby, Gwyneth Hopkins, Bishop Michael Perham, Andy Steenhoff, Roy Jenkins, Melanie Stimmler, Bill Rodger, Alix Bainbridge-Spring, Jenna Stanbrook, Carol Naismith, Fr John Wheeler and Wolfgang Shröder, Joy Wright, Fr Peter McGeary and Rosa Postance.   

For the recently departed:  Myrtle Hughes (for whom a sung Requiem Mass (Mozart Missa Brevis in F) is planned at noon at All Saints on Saturday 18 March followed by refreshments), Victoria Nettey (whose Funeral takes place on 30 March) and Ian Searle.

Remember past priests, benefactors, friends, and all whose year’s mind occurs this week including: William Allen Whitworth (Third Vicar of All Saints), Emily Woodard, Peter Brealey, Rosemary Lloyd, Barry Blacklock (PCC member), Elizabeth Middlemist-Downer, Annie Slater, Basil Whitworth (Priest), Ann Sculley, Sydney Heales, Vera Martin, Peggy Shepherd, James Robertson (Priest), Joan Miller, Donald Faithfull (sometime Bursar and Sub-Deacon), Edward Aubert, Frank Coomber, Jessie Thwaites and Edward Mann.      

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

WORSHIP THIS WEEK: 

TODAY
Friday 10 March 7pm (after Evening Mass) – Stations of the Cross.
Organist: Quentin Williams.

Saturday 11 March 11.30am ROSARY AND WALSINGHAM DEVOTIONS before 12 Noon MASS 

SUNDAY 12 MARCH – LENT 2
HIGH MASS, 11am
Preacher: The Vicar, Prebendary Alan Moses
Missa Capella – Lotti 
O nata lux de lumine – Tallis 

Sunday Lunch is served this week. Robin Clutterham and Huw Pryce are cooking and the menu is: Breast of chicken in bacon, baby roast potatoes, braised red cabbage and green beans. Dessert is Sticky Toffee pudding with cream.  Tickets: £5 from the All Saints Shop before and after Mass (subject to availability).

EVENSONG & BENEDICTION, 6pm
Preacher: Fr Michael Bowie 
Short Service – Weelkes 
Emendemus in melius – Byrd 

7.15pm (after Benediction)
ORGAN RECITAL – Timothy Byram-Wigfield, Director of Music
Programme:
Passacaglia in D minor, BuxWV 161 – Dietrich Buxtehude 
From the Third Clavierübung (German Organ Mass), published 1739 – J.S.Bach
a) Dies sind die heil’gen zehn Gebot’ (These are the hallowed 
Ten Commandments), BWV 678 and BWV 679
b) Aus tiefer Not schrei’ ich zu dir (Out of the depths I cry to Thee, O Lord), BWV 686 and BWV 687
Choral No. 2 in B minor – César Franck 

Entry is free, but we invite you to make a retiring donation (recommended £5) to support the Choir and Music at All Saints. The All Saints Licensed Club/Bar will be open after the recital.

WORSHIP NEXT WEEK

CELL OF OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM EVENT
On Thursday, 16 March 2017 Fr Pascal Boisin S.M., Rector of Notre Dame de France R.C. Church in Leicester Square will be the visiting speaker, giving a Talk about the Marist Order, of which he is a member. A Sung Cell Mass at 6.30pm will be followed by the talk and light refreshments will be served in Church afterwards. Those of you who were fortunate enough to take part in the Cell visit to Notre Dame de France in December 2015 will recall the warm welcome Fr Pascal and his congregation gave us then.  This is an ecumenical event and all are welcome. 

Saturday 18 March – 12 noon – Requiem Mass (Mozart Missa Brevis in F) for MYRTLE HUGHES For many decades a regular worshipper at and good friend of All Saints (and stalwart helper of Christine Auton in the Parish Shop), Myrtle’s Funeral was held on Monday 27 February at her request at her local church – St Nicholas, Harpenden – where she worked in the Parish Office for many years. The Eulogy will appear in the April Parish Paper. We hope that many people will want to attend and refreshments will be served afterwards.

SUNDAY 19 MARCH – LENT 3
HIGH MASS, 11am
Preacher: Fr Michael Bowie
Missa Brevis – Palestrina 
Civitas sancti tui – Byrd

EVENSONG & BENEDICTION, 6pm
6pm Preacher: The Vicar, Prebendary Alan Moses
Short Service –Byrd
Salvator Mundi – Blow

There will be no 12 Noon Mass at All Saints on SATURDAY 25 MARCH 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.

PARISH NOTICES & NEWS

The Parish Office will be closed from Monday 13 until Friday 17 March, reopening on Monday 20 March 2017 as the Parish Administrator Dee Prior is on annual leave. Emails and voicemails will be checked occasionally. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

There is a PCC MEETING on Monday 13 March at 7pm after the Evening Mass, taking place in the Parish Room.

Thursday 16 March, 7pm – OPEN UNIVERSITY GEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, LONDON Talk in the Parish Room “How geology influences the water supply to a spring supported fen – insights from quarrying in the Peak District” by Alex Gallagher.
In Monk’s Dale a number of springs support a rare fen habitat, and this talk describes how it is protected from the need to pump water from the adjacent limestone quarry. You will be introduced to the geology of the area, given an overview of water management at a major quarry operation and insight to the practical tools and analysis available to the hydrogeologist.
If any member of the All Saints’ congregation would like to join this event, they would be welcome. There is no charge.  

REVISION OF THE ALL SAINTS’ ELECTORAL ROLL
The Electoral Roll has to be revised before the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) on Sunday 2 April 2017. Inclusion on the Roll is the qualification to attend, participate and vote at the Meeting, or to be nominated for office. The Roll is now closed for revision until Thursday 16 March. No further entries may be made to the Roll before the close of the APCM. Catherine Burling, Electoral Roll Officer.

Sunday 2 April 2017, 12.45pm MEETING OF PARISHIONERS and
ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING
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 obtained from the Parish Administrator.  Although nominations may be made at the meeting, it would be helpful if completed nomination forms, together with statements, are returned to the PCC Secretary at the parish office by Wednesday 22 March to enable the papers to be available one 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.

Sunday 26 March – MOTHERING SUNDAY
On this Sunday, the midpoint in Lent, Clocks go forward one hour.

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.        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.        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.        The Marylebone Project (Homeless Women’s Centre) in London NW1– where our money goes towards providing one of the emergency beds.

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 a total of £8,335 (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 14 March, 7.30pm – God, Public Life and Privacy
Ruth Gledhill [who has been writing and sometimes speaking of God in public life for three decades. She started on The Times in 1987 and three years ago, moved to Christian Today].

Tuesday 4th 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].

** 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&n