The Parish of
St. Peter,
Bushey Heath
July 2020
From the vicar
‘Out of the deep have I called unto thee O Lord’ (Psalm 130)
How stressful the last few weeks have been. The presence of a corona virus in our midst has caused great anxiety and sadly much illness and death. Many people have lost their jobs, watched their businesses suffer or simply feared for their future livelihoods. Nothing quite like the present restrictions have been seen before in this country and by the grace of God never will be again. Disease is a reality and constant threat, but through ignorance and complacency nobody was quite ready for what has happened. Pray we may do better next time.
Thank you for your continued support in the last few weeks, a time probably better measured in months by now. Consistency in adversity is a great virtue, one which comes into its own in times of trial. Those who care for the persecuted church around the globe will have heard stories which amply illustrate this as Christians face poverty, loss of liberty and death in so many places. It is found in numerous places in the New Testament where the writers deal with the end times. The imperative in the letter of Jude is worth noting.
Keep yourselves in the love of God,
looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. (Jude 21)
It is about knowing what is true and what will ultimate matter – and sticking to it.
Over the weeks there have been many failures and significant opposition to the Word of God through action, inaction or simple careless omission. We have had Archbishops in absentia, failing to lead a country which still has an established church. The Diocese of St. Albans has focussed mainly on finance and a plethora of lame, substitute liturgies whilst proclaiming its Marxist-inspired affiliations on its web-site. Through a morass of liberal trendiness it has remained oblivious to the damage it has been causing, especially to children, through support for dubious political concerns. Someone will have to pick up the pieces. This task can only be begun in a spirit of penitence which should and does begin here.
The call to Christians remains the same as it ever was. It is to recognise and accept the veracity and integrity of the gospel message. It is a message for every day and not least for dark days when calamity approaches and uncertainty abounds. It is a message for the health of souls, for the salvation of souls and for the protection of children. Jesus’ words bear this out. He is passionate about his people, especially those who are weak and vulnerable. It is the role of the Church to follow his example and mirror his words.
We sometimes sing a hymn which begins, ‘The Church of God, a kingdom is’. It is wonderfully inclusive, speaking of the drawing together of all God’s people. All of this is possible because of the sacrifice of Jesus, celebrated upon the altar. The message goes forth into every land challenging the Powers which ultimately must fall down at the feet of the Lamb. In this life we live in tension with those Powers, but we know who has primacy and whose victory it will be.
This knowledge must lead to the rejection of a modern two-dimensional understanding of the world, the merely physical and mental (substitute your own categories as you wish). The imperative of the gospel is to include the spiritual as an integral part of human existence and to serve it faithfully along with all the other needs of mankind. It is time to renew our commitment to every aspect of our life whether others understand that or not. May God bless our endeavours to live in the world and to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.
‘…with the Lord there is mercy : and with him is plenteous redemption.’
PRAYER FOCUS
For protection from pestilence and disease and for deliverance from present evils.
For all those struggling with bereavement and loss.
St. Peter’s opens for public worship
Now that public worship is once again permitted, St. Peter’s will be opening on Sunday 5th July with said services at 8.00am (Lady Chapel) and 9.30am (Nave). There will also be services during the week.
If you are planning to attend please note the following:
· Please use the hand-gel provided on entering and leaving the building (or bring your own).
· Please keep the requisite distance from members of other households (currently 6 feet).
· Please note that some areas of the building may be closed to assist with cleaning.
· Please bring your own bible, prayer book and cushion if you require them. (Service booklets will still be available).
· Singing is not permitted.
· Communion will be given in one kind with the host received on the hand.
· Communion will be received from a central station. Please follow directions.
From the diary…
Sunday 5th July Patronal Festival
Wednesday 8th July, 10.00am Mass
Thursday 9th July, 10.00am Mass
Friday 10th July, 7.00pm Mass
Saturday 11th July, 10.00am to noon Plant Sale
Sunday 12th July Trinity 5 (no Family Service at 11.15am)
Tuesday 14th July, 10.00am Mass
Wednesday 15th July, 10.00am Mass
Thursday 16th July, 10.00am Mass
Friday 17th July, 7.00pm Mass
Sunday 19th July Trinity 6
Tuesday 21st July, 10.00am Mass
Wednesday 22nd July, 10.00am Mass (St. Mary Magdalene)
Thursday 23rd July, 10.00am Mass
Friday 24th July, 7.00pm Mass (St. James, Apostle)
Sunday 26th July Trinity 7
Tuesday 28th July, 10.00am Mass
Wednesday 29th July, 10.00am Mass
Friday 31st July, 7.00pm Mass
Plant Sale
You might like to know that following the success of the plant sale last month there will be another sale of plants with the welcome addition of a cake stall on Saturday 11th July between 10.00am and 12 noon in front of the Parish Hall. Donations of plants and home-made cakes would be most welcome. Please get in touch with either Anne Swerling (020 8950 8923), Jenny Jenkins (020 8950 8388) or Ranjan & Enoka David (020 8950 1822) to arrange collection. Most importantly please encourage friends and family to attend and support this fundraising event.
Lent Boxes
If you have a Lent box from the Additional Curates Society, please bring it to church once public worship resumes.
Ascot Priory 2020
A Quiet Day has been booked for Saturday 26th September at Ascot Priory. The title of the addresses by Father Andrew will be, ‘That sower and reaper may rejoice together: a seasonal analogy of Christian life and action’. Although it is not yet certain whether this event will take place, Father Andrew would appreciate indications of interest at this stage.
Contact details:
Vicar: Fr. Andrew Burton SSC, a priest of the Society. (020 8950 1424). Usual day off Monday.
Churchwarden: Mrs. Anne Swerling (020 8950 8923).
www.stpeterbusheyheath.org.uk
www.achurchnearyou.com
