Dear all
Our celebrations of Candlemas have continued this week from our beautiful choral services on Sunday, through to the St Mary Abbots School Eucharist this morning, at which Revd Cecilie and I were entranced by a play enacting the presentation of Jesus in the Temple. Today is actually the Feast of Candlemas, and although I know many of you have heard me say it before, may I remind you that Candlemas used to be the final day on which lamps were lit by the lamplighters, as there was enough light in the sky at the end of the working day to see one’s way home. Please do look up into the sky at 5 pm this afternoon, and as you see the glimmers of spring light, think of our celebrations of the Light of Christ shining in the darkness. This coming Sunday, we are delighted to be launching our Children’s Choir at the Family Eucharist, as we think about Jesus calling us to be “salt and light” in the world. Thanks to all our children who have volunteered to sing in the choir, or to read, pray or serve; we look forward very much to welcoming people of all ages to share in this service. We would like to encourage families to come forward and sit in the front pews for this Eucharist, where there will be quiet activities given out, although of course the Children’s Chapel is still available for those who need some “time out”. Our events programme for the year is starting up again shortly, with two dates for your diary. A former member of the SMA congregation, Peter Roper-Curzon, professional composer, organist and pianist returns to St Mary Abbots for an evening of Beethoven, Bach, Busoni, Schubert and Chopin. Tickets are £15 (£12 for under 16s) and are available HERE. Following on from the very interesting talk by the Victorian Society about the building of St Mary Abbots, which was part of our 150th anniversary programme last year, the Victorian Society will also be returning to offer another evening talk on Wednesday 22nd March, this time by Robert Stephenson on Kensington's Great Sister Cemeteries: Brompton and Kensal Green. Tickets are £10 (£15 with a donation) and available HERE. The date on which we shall be commissioning our Confirmation candidates (26th February) is drawing closer. We are very inspired by the number of adults who have approached us with a view to joining the Confirmation preparation this year and warmly invite anyone else, whether child or adult, who might be interested, to speak to one of us over the next couple of weeks. For those at St Mary Abbots School, we shall be sending out a letter and a form to all in Year 6 before half-term. God our Father, on a hillside in Galilee, your Son Jesus called us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Give us the strength and wisdom to become the people of the Beatitudes in our day, so that our words may season the world with the flavour of the Gospel and our lives be shining examples of Jesus who is the true Light of the world. Amen [saltandlighttv.org] With my love and prayers Mother Emma 2nd February 2023 |
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The PCC of St Mary Abbots is a Registered Charity : Number 1132235
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At St Mary Abbots we are committed to the safeguarding and care of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
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