As we celebrate Mothering Sunday today, Sunday 14th March, we're thinking about Jesus Christ’s earthly yet heavenly mother, Mary ~ about how even as death approached, Jesus cared for his mother ~ about those who’ve nurtured us ~ and God’s nurturing of us and of all creation. Everyone’s thoughtful contributions make a tapestry of reflection and thanksgiving. What memories do you have of someone’s loving nurture? Or of God’s call to care for widows and orphans? We hope this week's online readings and reflections will honour our Lord and help to awaken our gratitude. https://youtu.be/MoN3FFnTxkI~ Welcome from our Rector, Rev Iaen Skidmore ~ Reading by parish Liturgical Assistant, Elaine Aulton ~ Prayers and meditations are offered by Howard Bishop, Dawn and Steve Parker, Colleen and Mike Hancock, Shirley Watling (assisted by her daughter Katharine), and Lay Reader Peter Shimmin. Reflections~ Jesus Meets his Mother, Michel Quoist, Prayers of Life~ And you held me, Janet Morley from All Desires Known~ A prayer for lost children: from A Procession of Prayers~ Prayer of a Christian couple Inda/Pakistan; from A Procession of PrayersMusic ♫ Orchestral Suite no. 3 in D Major by J S Bach Staatskapelle Dresden. ♫ Salut d’Amour for Cello, Opus 12 by Elgar Gautier Capuçon from album Intuition ♫ Dios Itlazo Nantzine (17th Century Spanish/Aztec Song Honouring La Virgen De Guadalupe) performed by Savae. Global Voices of Praise album. ♫ Lord of the Years by Bishop Timothy Dudley-Smith Huddersfield Choral Society & Joseph Cullen. The Hymns Album Photos by Gill Poole and Shirley Watling and Gill Poole. Ballaugh Glen photo of crocuses by Shirley in celebration of her mum’s life. May this be a blessing to you, to all Christians, and to all whom you love, whether here on earth, or above.With the Isle of Man back in lockdown, we can’t gather physically for worship and prayer. For Lent we have been sharing a weekly study by Zoom. There will be two more Lent studies: 17th March and 24th March. They take place at 10.15 on Wednesday mornings. Contact the Rector, a church warden, or a lay minister if you would like an invitation to join in.
Protective measures are back in place in the Isle of Man again from midnight Tuesday for 21 days. So from Wednesday 3 March all our gathered church worship and other activities are on hold up to and including Tuesday 23 March ~ and we hope and pray it will be no longer. The Rector and team are working on ideas to help with prayer and worship during this very different Lenten season. Even so, we give thanks and praise that our situation is not as difficult and testing as it continues to be for families and friends in the UK and around the world.Funerals can take place in Church and / or at the Graveside, and at the Crematorium, in all cases with a maximum attendance of 10 (excluding officiant and Funeral Directors). There can be no weddings or baptisms. Please share prayers and questions by email to iaen.skidmore@sodorandman.im
