#529 It’s all beginning to sink in
Fr Sam writes
It’s a warm time to be doing building work, but the development of the toilets in the Parish Rooms is continuing apace. As you will see from the photograph, cubicles are up and washbasins are in place. So far it’s all going smoothly.
Last weekend was the parish summer barbecue. Thank you so much to everyone who helped to put it on: it was a great occasion.
I said grace before we tucked in. I stood up and said “let us pray”. A nearby phone was clearly in listening mode, however, and it instantly replied (very loudly), “I’m sorry, I didn’t understand that.” At least the Church is safe from an AI takeover for now!
This Sunday: the farmer went out to sow
Our first reading this Sunday is the opening to one of the greatest chapters in the New Testament, the eighth chapter of the letter to the Romans (Romans 8.1-11). In it, St Paul draws a distinction between the life of the Spirit and the life of the flesh, and promises that Christ will give life to our mortal bodies.
Our Gospel reading is the Parable of the Sower, where Jesus speaks of the difficulties of the spiritual life, and of the fruits that can come from it (Matthew 13.1-9, 18-23).
Image: “The Sower” by Vincent Van Gogh
Services this Sunday
| 9.30am | St Paul’s | Parish Mass | Fr Sam Tanna-Korn |
| Organ prelude: “Skandinavisch” (from Sonata no. 16 in G sharp minor, op. 175) – Rheinberger Anthem: Geistliches Lied – Brahms Voluntary: Fuga (Sonata in G major, op. 38) – Best | |||
| 10am | Woosehill Church | Holy Communion | Revd Wes Hampton |
| 11am | St Nicholas’ | Community Eucharist | Fr Sam Tanna-Korn |
Jubilate Deo!
On Saturday 11 July at 7pm, we will be hosting “Jubilate Deo!”, a concert in celebration of 500 years of sacred music.
St Paul’s Choir, Louise and Christopher would like to invite you to an evening of popular choral anthems and organ music spanning the last 500 years. This promises to be a fantastic evening of music followed by fellowship and refreshments in true St Paul’s fashion! Please bring your friends and family. Donations will go towards the St Paul’s choral foundation and organ funds.
For those concerned, the concert will be over in good time to get home for the football! And it is lovely to be in a nice cool church in the present weather…
DEC appeal for Venezuela
After the Parish Mass last Sunday we held a collection for the DEC appeal for those affected by the earthquake in Venezuela. We have been able to send £500 to the appeal: thank you for your generosity.
If you weren’t able to be there last week but would like to support the appeal, you can do so through the DEC website.
Image: Our Lady of Coromoto, the patron saint of Venezuela
Bible Study
The last Bible study before we have a break for the summer will be at Woosehill Church on 21 July at 7.15pm. We’ve been studying the creeds, and will be finishing with some conversation and sharing communion together. Everyone welcome, even if you haven’t made any of this study group. I promise not to quiz you too hard on the finer points of the Nicene and Apostles’ Creed…! Revd Cara
Image: Icon depicting the Council of Nicaea
This week’s calendar: faith in small things
On 11 July, the Church remembers St Benedict of Nursia, the sixth-century monk whose Rule shaped the life of monasteries across the Western Church. His way of life joined prayer, work, study, and hospitality, teaching that ordinary daily discipline can become a path to holiness. Benedict reminds us that Christian life is not built on dramatic gestures alone, but on faithful perseverance, humility, and seeking God in all things.
Image: Benedict of Nursia, by Hans Memling
