Category: Saint George’s latest news

Deacon John Writes

Deacon John Writes:

Last Thursday was the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord into heaven. In the Gospel for this feast Jesus gave this mission to all of us: “Go out to the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” This means that we need to be both proclaimers and evangelizers. This mission is not given to a select few but to all believers. To be a Christian is to be a proclaimer and an evangelizer. There is a difference between preaching and proclaiming. “We preach with words but we proclaim with our lives.” As we celebrated the Lord’s return to His Father in Heaven we were being commissioned to go out into the world and proclaim the Gospel of life and love, of hope and peace, by the witness of our lives. With this in mind let us renew our commitment to be true disciples everywhere we go, beginning with our family and our parish, “living in a manner worthy of the call we have received.” With my love and prayers for you all

Thank you for your help at Mass

St George’s – thank you to our welcomers, choir, flower        arrangers, organist, readers, altar servers and all who work so hard to make our church such an absolute pleasure to be part of.  From the moment we walk through the door, enjoy being  welcomed with a beaming smile, hear the sound of glorious   singing,  witness the wonderful display of flowers and          meaningfully read readings of the day etc. we can take pleasure in being there.  A BIG Thank You.

The Abbots Wood Annual Gathering

The Abbots Wood Annual Gathering was a huge success, everyone had a wonderful time socialising together, playing field games, taking part in a scavenger hunt and the ice creams bought via a donation by a generous parishioner.  Our prayers were answered as a dull start turned into a glorious sunny day.  Thanks to everyone who joined us.  If you missed out there is always next year, 3rd Sunday of May, same time same place!

Deacon John Writes

Deacon John Writes:

I am sure that we are all aware that Jesus spent his life being concerned for other people. Do you worry about the times when your concern for others is not what it should be?   If you do then perhaps this prayer, based on one by William Barclay, might help: God of all people, may I never pray as if there was no one except me. Help me to remember that I am not the only person in the world, and I live in a world in which there are many people who have troubles. Bless all those today who are lonely or frightened, all those who are shy or nervous, all those who are suffering a lot of pain, all those who are feeling depressed, all those who are worried, all those who are ill, and may not get better. Help me to forget my own troubles and to show loving care for the people I meet. May I remember that Jesus is my friend and brother, and may I try to be like that to everyone. With my love and prayers for you all.

Thank You

Delia, Shirley, Patrick and family would like to thank everyone in both communities who have been so kind following the passing of Tom. We have been overwhelmed by the number of cards received and the offers of help at a difficult time. We are so grateful for the love and support of our parish family. God bless and thank you for your support. Tom’s funeral will take place at the church he loved so much, St George’s, on Friday 24th May, 1.30 pm followed by burial at Willingdon Cemetery. There will be a reception in the hall afterwards. Family flowers only.

St George’s Helpers and Volunteers

St George’s Helpers and Volunteers – a big ”thank you” to all volunteers and to everyone who quietly and generously give their time to help with the running of our church.  So much is happening at present, to the church, to our priest as well as to friends in our congregation who need our love and support.  It is good to see so many members of our community come forward.  Heartfelt thanks to you all.

Deacon John Writes

Deacon John Writes:

Eastertide is an especially good and appropriate time to open our eyes, ears and hearts wide to see, hear, and experience the Risen Lord coming into our lives in various forms, circumstances and events: It is a period when the Risen Lord blesses us with success and achievements. I am sure that we often fail to acknowledge the presence of the Risen Lord behind our unexpected successes, achievements, promotions at work, miraculous healings, and success in relationships. He is always there when we have a party or celebrate some achievement. The Risen Lord is always present in our pains and suffering. We hear in Acts how the Risen Lord transformed the life of Saul by pushing him down onto the Damascus road and making him temporarily blind. The same Jesus often visits us in the form of accidents, illnesses, the loss of loved ones, pain and suffering, and problems in relationships. The Risen Lord visits us through our friends and well-wishers: He is present in those who visit us and encourage us in our times of sadness. He visits us in the form of unexpected help from the least expected people in our time of need. The Risen Lord is present in our times of prayer and meditation. He is present on our altars during the Mass to share His life with us; He is present in the words of Holy Scripture we listen to; He is there in the Sacraments and He is there where two or three are gathered in his name, such as the Rosary Group on Mondays, the Bible Study Group on Tuesdays or the Film Club. He will be there in the summer gathering and picnic in Abbots Wood on Sunday May 19th.

Please make a special effort and try to encounter the Risen Lord with those who gather in his name, especially during this Eastertide.  With my love and prayers.