St Columba's Portree Newsletter

Transcription

1 June - July 2017 Services and Prayers St Columba's Portree Newsletter Scottish Episcopal Church Diocese of Argyll and The Isles Somerled Square, Portree, Isle of Skye, IV51 9EH stcolumbas.portree@btinternet.com Assistant Curate, The Rev d Rosemary Bungard, Tel: , Bishop The Rt. Rev d Kevin Pearson, Bishop of Argyll and The Isles General Synod of the Scottish Episcopal Church: SC Charity Number: SC to our visitors and parishioners St Columba s, Portree Eucharist each Sunday at. Sunday school meets during the service in term time. The Church is open daily 10am to 3pm. St Michael and All Angels, Raasay Communion Service fortnightly, one Tuesday and one Sunday as advertised. St Mary s, Sleat Liturgy of the Word and Communion or Eucharist 6pm on 2 nd Sunday of each month in the Parish Rooms of the Church of Scotland, Kilmore. Candlelit Taize Hour The Taize Hour is held the first Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm. The chants are simple and the silent meditation periods between each song are short. All are welcome, please see church calendar for dates., Prayers and Thanksgivings Everyday St Columba s is open for Prayer. A book is on the table at the rear of the church for any prayer requests. St Columba s Newsletter June - July 2017 Page 1

2 Letter from Sr. Clare Dear Friends, 'Nothing is so beautiful as spring' - wrote the poet, Gerard Manley Hopkins. As I walk through the castle grounds in Stornoway, the trees overhead form a canopy of burgeoning leaves of that fresh young green we only see in May. A song from a childhood game echoes in my head; 'How green you are! How green! ' An object was hidden in the room. One child would look for it while the others sang, louder or softer as the seeker drew near or moved away. This week we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, and look forward to the Feast day of the Patron of our church in Portree, St. Columba. For the church in the West, the primary colour of Pentecost is red, signifying the tongues of flame descending on the apostles, symbolising too, the heat of divine love and the wildfire spread of the Holy Spirit. But for other Christians, for example, the Orthodox Church, the Pentecost colour of the Liturgy is green. Green is the colour of renewal and refreshment, reminiscent of pastures and still waters, so the sanctuary is decorated with fresh young branches, and Eucharistic vestments of green are worn. The Celtic monastic tradition speaks of three forms of martyrdom; The Red martyrdom is when a Christian shed his blood for Christ, and the white martyrdom is when one leaves home and country for the sake of Christ. We see this white martyrdom in the life of our Patron Saint Columba. He sailed away from Ireland with his companions, in the words of the hymn; 'For they seek a better country, than their own Hibernian shore and the music of their children soundeth sweetly, evermore.' In our own time, we watch with anguish, helplessly, the cost of discipleship for our fellow. Christians in the Middle East, many of whom have shed their blood for Christ, and whose daily suffering expresses the terrible reality of these concepts. But there is a third martyrdom, the green martyrdom, which perhaps, for now, is God's call to all of us here. The Celtic tradition sees this as the call of those who stay at home, living their ordinary lives in the Imitation of Christ. This is the daily dying to self-required of us, moment by moment, as we remember Jesus' words about taking up our cross. This is the journey inwards to the depths of our being that each of us must make if we are to become the people Our Lord would have us be. Sometimes of course, we feel a spiritual deadness, a reluctance to say our prayers, and may even be tempted to go off on our own tack, away from the weekly gathering for worship in the Eucharist which is so essential for our spiritual growth and wellbeing. St Columba s Newsletter June - July 2017 Page 2

3 It is encouraging to read in the lives of the saints how they often struggled in this way. The words of George Herbert can be of great comfort. 'Who would have thought my shrivelled heart could have recovered greenness? It was gone Quite underground. He likens this time of spiritual dryness to the leaves of flowers - dying they return to nourish the roots. So the Lord of Power, the Holy Spirit ' kills and quickens', He prunes and refreshes us in our inmost being, that place where our soul encounters Him, if only we are alert and alive to this work of the Holy Spirit. But let the Jesuit priest and poet, Gerard Manley Hopkins, have the last word on the eternal wellspring, source of our hope. 'And for all this, nature is never spent; There lives the dearest freshness deep down things;...because the Holy Ghost over the bent World broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings.' Sr. Clare St Columba s Notices St Columba s Day St Columba s Day 9th June falls on a Friday this year. To enable more people to take part in the celebrations, the Vestry has decided that this will be celebrated on Sunday 11th June. There will be a Bring and Share Lunch followed by a Hymn Singing afternoon commencing at 2pm. We hope to record onto CD some favourite hymns of a couple of members of our congregation who are suffering from long term health problems. Please come and bring your friends and swell the joyful throng. Family Eucharist We will celebrate the end of the school year with a Family Eucharist on Sunday 25th June. Appeal Fund for the Restoration Work for the Church Car Park Beech trees Amount raised by 26 th May Target All Donations will be gratefully received Highland Support for Refugees Congratulations to Fiona, Dawn and the Sunday School team for the excellent project about refugees. The collection for Highland Support for Refugees was truly generous from all concerned. Thank you. St Columba s Newsletter June - July 2017 Page 3

4 Journeying through Lent into Easter with St Columba s and sister congregations The Journey started on Ash Wednesday when Steve Fennell lead a Communion Service and distributed ashes to all present. It was good to welcome people from the south of the island. Bread Basket that day continued in the same spirit, serving soup and sandwiches rather than the lavish two course meal we enjoy weekly. We considered reconciling ourselves with God, the theme of Lent, in two ways through prayer and through film. A prayer group met on several occasions and used a variety of resources taking inspiration from the bible and poetry. Both contemplative meditation and lectio divina were followed. The film group first watched Babette s Feast which sparked an interesting discussion about how Babette gave everything she possessed for the two sisters who had taken her in. We looked at how the sacrifice of Jesus could be reflected through this and how the feast Babette prepared was a reflection of the Last Supper. The second film I, Daniel Blake caused real concern in the way people can be treated in society today. It raised questions about what we, as a church, could do to help. St Columba s Juniors were not to be left out! They had their own session in the Rectory flat where they watched The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and enjoyed a good feast appropriately on Maundy Thursday. How little faith Peter, Susan and Edmund had in the world Lucy experienced through the wardrobe until they found it for themselves. The death of Aslan was so, so sad but, incredibly he revived we spent some time finding all the links to the death and resurrection of Jesus. A small group went on Retreat at the Coach House in Kilmuir, a beautiful small retreat centre looking over the water on the black isle. We were led using a variety of resources into considering our relationship with God. It was a valuable time offering peace and wonderful hospitality. At St Columba s, St Mary s and St Michael and All Angels we blessed and distributed palms. This year we had a dramatic narration of the Gospel which gave us plenty to consider in a few moments of silence rather than have a sermon. At St Columba s, St Mary s and St Michael and All Angels we blessed and distributed palms. This year we had a dramatic narration of the Gospel which gave us plenty to consider in a few moments of silence rather than have a sermon. The South of Skye held a Palm Procession across the Skye Bridge. It was very wet but that didn t hinder us! The Coastguard even stopped by to see if we would like an escort. Some 20 or so began with prayer and readings at Kyle and started singing as we left. There were a further three stations for Gospel narrative in English and Gaelic, hymn singing and reflections. We were all grateful for the kind hospitality of the MacKinnon House Hotel to warm us up with hot drinks at the end. St Columba s Newsletter June - July 2017 Page 4

5 Several members joined us for the washing of feet, Eucharist and Stripping of Altars on Maundy Thursday. We were blessed to have James Yardley with us on Good Friday his cantor role in Psalm 22 was deeply evocative. The Sunrise Service well last year it poured with rain, this year it was at least dry, maybe next year the sun will delight us with its presence! Anyway 20 or so folk from Portree Church of Scotland with a couple of Episcopalians braved the Lump soon after 6am. It was great to announce to the world Hallelujah! The Lord is Risen! A dedicated band of volunteers decorated St Columba s with wonderful displays of daffodils and other flowers on Holy Saturday. Many folk commented on the outside cross being the best yet; it brought many visitors up from the square to inspect. Well done Eileen and all helpers. St Columba s was full for the Easter Eucharist. As there was no Vigil Service, the Lighting of the Paschal Candle and the Renewal of Baptismal Vows were incorporated into the morning service. The many children present took a lead role in distributing candles and sprinkling the congregation with holy water after the renewal of vows. Rowan took special responsibility for making sure that the priest was not missed out! During Lent St Columba s Juniors had followed the story of the Passion and Death of Jesus and had made a wonderful tomb which had an opening with a large stone for closing. This tomb took centre stage during the homily when the youngsters moved the stone to one side, added linen wrappings and many flowers to show the seen the women found on that first Easter. The great act of love Jesus giving his life for us was considered. Whilst the adults filled the church with the joyful final hymn Thine be the Glory the children found the abundant supply of Easter Eggs and joined in the act of love by making sure that every adult was presented with at least one egg. Following our wonderful service we were treated to a splendid selection of Easter Cakes a gift from Sunday School. Sunrise Service Palm Procession across the Skye Bridge St Columba s Newsletter June - July 2017 Page 5

6 Photos from Easter Sunday Church Service Procession with the Paschal Candle, Renewal of Baptismal Vows including Rowan liberally sprinkling the Priest with Holy Water, Easter Garden made by the children as part of the homily St Columba s Newsletter June - July 2017 Page 6

7 Come and Join Us every Wednesday to 2pm St Columba s Bread Basket Open every Wednesday Soups, breads, hot food and drinks available to 2pm All are St Columba's Bread basket opened on 20th November 2013 and been greatly supported. We are now open every week for those who want Company Warmth and Friendship. Staff Team Barbara who has been our main Cook for the last 2 years has now stepped back to once a month. Thank you Barbara for all your devoted service. Judith and Chrissanne, having both passed their Food Handling Certificates are now sharing the main Cook s role. Sarah and Sam have joined the team. Sarah is helping with washing up and kitchen cleaning, Sam has taken over responsibility for the cleaning of the church, vestry, toilets, corridors and office. Beth continues to be our main waitress whilst Archie continues to offer transport to those requiring it. Rosemary is generally available for anyone requiring a private chat. We are always delighted to have offers of help especially for holiday cover. Christian Aid Week Bread Basket donations totally 71 given on Wednesday 17th May are being donated to Christian Aid. St Columba s Newsletter June - July 2017 Page 7

8 General Notices Car Drivers Occasionally some members of our congregation need transport to enable them to come and worship with us. It would be very helpful to have a few volunteers who could be called upon to offer this service. Please talk to Beth or Rosemary if you would like to be involved. Volunteers needed There are several vacant slots in the current rota for teas and flowers. Please will someone volunteer for these see Rosemary. Help needed! We are short of volunteers for the following Church Duties Leading intercessions during the Sunday service - Training can be offered Providing and arranging in Church We would welcome offers from people willing to make a cake for Bread Basket on a rota basis. We also need volunteers to help clean the church, parish rooms and toilets. Please contact Rosemary Gift Aid Envelopes Our Gift Aid Coordinator requests that people donating in this scheme check that they have paid sufficient tax in the last tax year to cover their donations. Thank you St Columba s Newsletter June - July 2017 Page 8

9 St Columba s Church Calendar May 29 th to June 4 th daily Trypraying week Morning Prayer 10am June Sun 4 th Morning Prayer Eucharist 10am Wed 7 th Taizé Hour 7.30pm Sun 11 th Patronal Feast Eucharist Hymn Singing Afternoon St Mary s Sleat, Eucharist 2pm 6pm Tues 13 th St Michael & All Angels, Raasay, Eucharist Sun 18 th Liturgy of the Word & Communion Robert MacDonald St Michael & All Angels, Raasay, Eucharist Tues 20 th Contemplative Prayer Sun 25 th Family Eucharist July Sun 2 nd Eucharist Wed 5 th Taizé Hour 7.30pm Sun 9 th Eucharist Sea Sunday Pier Service St Mary s Sleat, Eucharist pm Tues 11 th St Michael & All Angels, Raasay, Eucharist Sun 16 th Eucharist Tues 18 th Contemplative Prayer Sun 23 rd Eucharist Sun 30 th Liturgy of the Word & Communion Robert MacDonald St Michael & All Angels, Raasay, Eucharist August Wed 2 nd Taizé Hour 7.30pm Sun 6 th Eucharist Month Other Events at St Columba s Wednesdays Bread Basket to 2pm Sat 3 rd June Lay Leaders Day in Oban Mon 5 th June Vestry 10am Wed 14 th June Eco-congregations meeting at Skye Bible Church tbc Mon 17 th July Vestry 10am Thurs 20 th July Licensing of Rev d Amanda Fairclough Priest for West Highland Region at St Mary s Glencoe tbc St Columba s Newsletter June - July 2017 Page 9

10 Readings and Rotas Pentecost 4 th June Patronal Feast of St Columba (Trinity Sunday) 11 th June Proper th June Proper th June Proper 13 2 nd July Proper 14 9 th July Proper th July Proper rd July Proper th July Proper 18 6 th August Acts Psalm ,37 1 Corinthians 12.3b-13 John Isaiah Psalm Thess Matthew Genesis ; Psalm 116.1, Romans Matthew Genesis Psalm , Romans 6.1b-11 Matthew Genesis Psalm 13 Romans Matthew Genesis , 42-49, Psalm Romans a Matthew , Genesis Psalm Romans Matthew , Genesis a Psalm , Romans Matthew , Genesis Psalm 128 Romans Matthew , Genesis Psalm , 16 Romans Matthew Helen Danter Robert MacDonald Muriel Watson Chrisanne McInnes Margaret Greer Marion Roberts Helen Danter Barbara Rutterford Colin & KathleenMcCormack Margaret Greer Muriel Watson Eileen MacDonald Jackie Torrance St Columba s Juniors Travor Mann Dawn Campbell Helen Danter Robert MacDonald Muriel Watson Colin & KathleenMcCormack Margaret Greer Marion Roberts Stephen Plant Barbara Rutterford Chrisanne McInnes Margaret Greer Kathleen McCormack Helen Danter Trevor Mann Colin & KathleenMcCormack Margaret Greer Muriel Watson Eileen MacDonald Jackie Torrence Helen Danter Trevor Mann Dawn Campbell St Columba s Newsletter June - July 2017 Page 10

11 Contact Us Scottish Episcopal Church Diocese of Argyll and the Isles Somerled Square, Portree, Isle of Skye, IV51 9EH contacts General Pastoral Care Web Address: Sat Nav coordinates:- Latitude N Longitude W General Synod of the Scottish Episcopal Church: SC Charity Number: SC Dolly Parrot Productions Kildonan, Isle of Skye. June 2017 St Columba s Newsletter June - July 2017 Page 11