Dear Friends,
Next Sunday is the day we have set aside to express our thanks and praise to God by renewing our financial commitment to the ministry of the Church.
It has been three years since we had a Sunday when we did this, paying attention to our giving to the work of the Parish and the wider Church. Perhaps this is because each year, through your generosity, the income from all our giving does increase, usually exceeding the admittedly cautious budget we have set.
But it is also because at S. Michael’s we have the great gift and responsibility of having income from other sources than our giving. This may cushion us against any struggle to make ends meet. We have great reason to thank God for this other income, and to strive always to use it wisely.
Our financial commitment is never separate from our commitment to Christian faith, and to the community of faith to which we belong. It is appropriate then that at this time we think about our own ministry in this community, taking a fresh look at how we may perhaps participate more fully in the life of the Church, and re-examining the everyday ministry that we have in our homes, workplaces, and wherever we mix with people.
Please take one of the envelopes that are available today, and be prepared to return it during the Mass next Sunday, or whenever you are able. Try to do this carefully and prayerfully.
On Monday last John Middleton died after a long illness. He served S. Michael’s as Director of Music for several periods over a long time. John was a very sensitive liturgical organist, who worked well with the choir and was a good friend to many of us. At a date yet to be determined, we shall dedicate one of our Evensongs to his memory, and invite some of his former musical colleagues to take part.
May God bless you all.
Fr Peter Williams
World Peace Day: Friday 6 August
They shall beat their swords into ploughshares,
and their spears into pruning hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more.
(Isaiah 2: 4)
A Prayer for Peace:
O God, it is your will to hold both heaven and earth in a single peace.
Let the design of your great love shine on the waste of our wraths and sorrows,
and give peace to your Church,
peace among nations, peace in our homes,
and peace in our hearts. Amen.
A Prayer for Peace:
O God, it is your will to hold both heaven and earth in a single peace. Let the design of your great love shine on the waste of our wraths and sorrows, and give peace to your Church, peace among nations, peace in our homes, and peace in our hearts. Amen.
