Beloved in Christ

A quick reminder: there is NO SERVICE AT ST MARY’S ON SUNDAY.  Do join us at 9.30 IN TAYPORT, TO CELEBRATE THE LIFE AND EXAMPLE OF ST MARGARET OF SCOTLAND

We have a model life to inspire us – that of St Margaret of Scotland. I guess each of us have a favourite story about her, indeed one which often uplifts or comforts us.  Mine is when she broke into the King’s treasury to get money for the poor – not to ‘give’ it, but rather to make the food, and hand it to them.  Hers was the action of gift, in the tradition in which she was familiar and to which she was accustomed. There is a vivid mind picture of the act of reaching out to nourish the needy – her touch meeting the receiver’s touch.  It is in touching that we were brought into the world, sharing ourselves with others, and in so doing, we become the life-givers to others. When we are in need, hungry, I would like to feel the touch of another to nourish me according to my need. Consider Jesus’ comfort in Matthew 25: 35 demonstrating his loving attentiveness to our needs, and in demonstrating how we should care for others. He touched so many people, with his hands healing or comforting, in breaking and sharing bread, to those who followed, and to you and me, at every Eucharist, every Sunday.

Lockdown has minimised touch, hasn’t it?  We feel it keenly. Please be assured that we pray for YOU, and that our voice touches you as yours touches me. We all stay cheery, keep in touch, venture out to exercise and possibly attend church, celebrate that there will be a vaccine soon, but commiserate that right now we are in Phase 3 of lockdown. We know that God guides, cares, comforts, inspires us – and that the future will allow us to return to being together. 

Know too, I and others in our churches are there to accompany you, so do not hesitate to call me please.

You will love the readings for the Festival of St Margaret:

READINGS

Proverbs 31: 10 – 25

Psalm 112

2 Timothy 1: 1 – 7

Luke 11: 33 – 36

I also include the words of the Hymn written for St Margaret by Bishop …, and u can sing it loud enough for al to hear, to the tune of ……..

COLLECT

Almighty God who called your servant Margaret to an earthly throne

That she might advance your heavenly kingdom,

And endued her with zeal for your Church

And charity towards your people;

Mercifully grant that we, who commemorate her example,

May be faithful in good world

And attain the company of your saints;

Through Jesus Christ our Lord

Who lives with you

In the unity of the Holy Spirit,

One God, world without end

Here is a translation of the psalm from Eugene Petersen’s ‘The Message’:

‘1. Halleluiah! Blessed man, blessed woman, who fear God, who cherish and relish God’s commandments

2. Their children robust on the earth, and the homes of the upright – how blessed!

3. Their houses brim with wealth and a generosity that never runs dry.

4. Sunrise breaks through the darkness for good people of God’s grace and mercy and justice!

5. The good person is generous and lends lavishly;

6. No shuffling or stumbling around for this one, But a sterling and solid reputation.

7. Unphased by rumour and gossip, heart ready, and trusting in God,

7. Spirit form, unperturbed, Ever blessed, relaxed among enemies,

9. They lavish gifts on the poor – A generosity that goes on, and on, and on.  An honoured life! A beautiful life!

10. Someone wicked takes one look and rages, Blusters away but ends up speechless. There’s nothing to the dreams of the wicked, nothing!’

Zoom this next week, 18 November, starts at 7.30, The church’s response to the Holocaust’ led by Revd Gerry Dillon, Glenrothes. If you will be attending, please email me your name, and I will send you the link. You are welcome to invite anyone you like, as long as I can book their place

Under separate cover, I will attach some lovely photos of Remembrance Sunday for you to enjoy.

God bless and may you feel the touch of the palm of God’s hand that holds you.

Kathy Barrable

07552 503 859