Scone and St Martins Parish Church

IMPORTANT UPDATE

Dear Congregation and Community,

Just a little note to wish you God’s blessing and with a prayer that you all keep safe and well. As you are aware, all Churches are now closed even for prayer. Keep up the praying wherever you are because Prayer and Meditation are not shut down. We can pray and meditate in our homes and when we have our time of exercise.

I hope you received word about praying with all denominations of the Christian Faith at 7pm last Sunday night, and about lighting a candle and placing it in your window at 7pm.

The detail was and is on site under the section Church News.

It would be good to continue this practice not only each Sunday evening but every evening.

Let the light of Faith, Hope and Love, be seen and felt throughout the parish of Scone and St Martins and may your prayers be constant for the Church and for this community, and all communities world- wide.

In your prayers be sure to include Medical, Surgical, and Nursing Staff and all who help in hospitals, hospices, residential and nursing homes, and out in the districts.

Many are the people here and, in the world, who know sickness and suffering on every day of every year and many are their dear ones who give them loving support.

Remember, too, the dying and bereaved.

Please remember each one known and unknown.

Remember that not all suffering is physical. Remember the depressed and all who know suffering in their minds, remember those challenged by a lack of life’s usual routine in their lives and all who care for them. Remember those challenged and suffering due to Covid 19 Remember all working on the Front Line including the Scientists seeking a vaccine.

In addition to your prayers at 7pm and to your lighting the candle of Faith, Hope and Love and to your placing it in your window and to your encouragement of others to do likewise it is always good to give thanks.

I was glad that the country remembered to give thanks last night, Thursday evening, for Medical, Surgical, Nursing and Caring Staff and all who support them. Again, that is good practice on every day of every month of every year. Keep the thanksgiving and prayers for their wellbeing.

It is great to hear of the good deeds quietly done as you Love your neighbour in this time of lockdown. Alive and well, my ministry continues. Thank you to those who have made contact and offered to be of help as circumstances permit. As with the word “prayer”, “society” is a word that is not redundant. Keep us posted if we can be of help in any way at all. The Manse telephone number is: 551942.

Suggestion: If unable to get out for a walk, use your telephones to keep in touch. Don’t over listen to the corona virus reports but be sure to play music and enjoy it! If we are operating as if in wartime conditions may our oldest friends continue to sing the songs of these times; you’ll recall “Keep right on to the end of the road” and from the hymn book there are many hymns we may sing including “Fight the good fight” and in quieter mood, “Christ be beside me, Christ be before me” to the tune of Morning has broken.

See the guided worship, more than usual, with Prayers and a Thought, to be found under Order of Service.

Love and Blessing,

Maudeen

PRAYER of St MARTIN

It is said of St Martin that he was one of God’s Saints who influenced the West with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Martin was at one in spirit through his love of Jesus. He lived in close affinity to God’s Creation. He embraced the poor and those who were in need; he respected all of God’s creation even the very flowers and animals of the field and birds of the air. God we thank you for your servant Martin and pray that we may respect your creation in all its fullness. In this special time of challenge may we appreciate the goodness around us and share your love with all in need and remember the animals who give comfort, loyalty, and unconditional love especially to those who cherish and love them most. In Jesus Name, Amen

PRAYER of St. COLUMBA

Be a bright flame before me, O God, a guiding star above me. Be a smooth path below me, a kindly shepherd behind me,

today, tonight, and forever more

PRAYER OF ST PATRICK

Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me.

Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore.

Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ inn danger,

Christ in hearts of all who love me. Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

LIGHTING THE LIGHTS

We will light three lights for the Trinity of Love

God above us, God beside us, God beneath us;

The Beginning, the End, the Everlasting One.

Jesus Christ, Son of Mary, Holy Spirit, Light of Life,

Shield and sustain us and all our dear ones,

this day, this night, and every day and night. AMEN.

Weddings: We have no weddings booked until later in the year.

God bless all who Love One Another.

Christenings and Baptisms:

We look forward to this Sacrament when the Church doors open and we are able again to have a Great Celebration of New Life! Remember these words: Let the children come to me. Do not try to stop them for to such belongs the Kingdom of God.

Funerals: At this time attendances are limited to nearest and dearest.

Services of Thanksgiving may be arranged for a later date.

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EASTER SUNDAY: Bells in Scone and St Martin will ring out The Day of RESURRECTION! THE EASTER ACCLAMATION will be made thrice: Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!!!

Further detail will be given. Keep a look out! And an ear tuned in!

If you require pastoral help do not hesitate to contact me on 551942.