March 2020

Marking Palm Sunday with a door wreath

A friend recently told me that members of her church are making Palm Cross wreaths to put on their front doors for Holy Week. It struck me as a great idea. Why not have a go at making such a wreath to mark Holy Week where you live. We may not be able to come together at Church to mark its start but we can mark it at home.

Although we use crosses made from palm leaves it used to be the custom that whatever branches/leaves were in season were used as appropriate to one's location. The crowd in Jerusalem 2000 odd years...

Stations of the cross - the first station

stone relief image of pilate washing his hands

Pilate washes his hands of Jesus and the
crowd shouts; ‘Crucify him!’

All those who are despised and rejected because of their
race, colour, poverty, gender or disabilities are like Jesus.
We see no beauty in them and it is all too easy to wash our
hands of them.
Help us Lord to see the Christ in all your people; to
challenge our own prejudices and preferences and to
reach out to all who need our help. Amen.

How to cope spiritually with being 'grounded'!

It all seems very strange that 'normal' and familiar life has changed so quickly. Seven days ago life was carrying on as usual - not so now. Yet, this time at home might be an opportunity for us to do those jobs we've been meaning to do for ages, like tiding our cupboards and drawers, re-decorating and weeding the garden. It could also be a time for us to sort out our spiritual lives.

When we sort out a cupboard or a wardrobe, for instance, we can often find ourselves asking the questions; 'Do I use this?' Do I need...

What a strange week! Daily Prayer can help.

I don't think many of us would have expected the changes to our daily lives that this past seven days has brought. It is a very strange time and a time in which we will need to establish new daily routines in all we do. St. Benedict talks much about having stability in one's life in his Rule. His wisdom is as true today as it was in the seventh century. Doing familiar things daily can bring us comfort, confidence and support. During the week I am still dressing in my usual black with a dog-collar event if it is...

Sunday Worship via the internet

Communication from the Scottish Episcopal Church: 

As part of the ongoing response to the Coronavirus pandemic the Scottish Episcopal Church (SEC) will this Sunday (22 March) begin broadcasting video coverage of Eucharistic services via its website, social media channels and YouTube channel.  The web page for the broadcast is located at www.scotland.anglican.org/broadcast-sunday-worship

The first service, led by the Most Rev Mark Strange, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, will be broadcast at 11am on Sunday, to coincide with when many people would normally be worshipping, if church services had not been suspended earlier this week.  

The website will also...

A prayer for this difficult time

Loving God, 

source of healing and comfort, fill us with your grace;

that the sick may be made whole,

that those who care for us will be strengthened,

that the anxious will be calmed,

and those most vulnerable protected in the power of the Spirit,

in the faith of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(From Southwark Cathedral)

CHURCH SERVICES SUSPENDED 17th March 2020

Following advice sent down from the College of Bishops all services in Church are forthwith suspended. While this is distressing for many we can still worship in spirit together and Dean is sending all members if the congregation prayer resources to use at home on Sundays and Feast days - including Holy Week and Easter. 

Please pray for each other and for your local communities. 

Covid19 Information

Please see the Diocesan and Provincial websites (google Diocese of Edinburgh or Scottish Episcopal Church) for information on the measures the Church is taking in relation to the Corona Virus. 

Holy Communion and the Corona Virus

Following advice sent down from the College of Bishops, the sharing of the chalice (the common cup) is suspended until further notice. The physical sharing of the peace is also suspended. Both these measures are an attempt to protect each other and to put minds at ease. Those who wish are still able to make their Holy Communion by receiving the bread.