Mary, Mother of Our Lord
(No live-stream this week)
Detail from the Altarpiece of the Three Kings (or of the Epiphany) from the Chapel of the Three Kings of the Convent of Santo Domingo in Valencia by Maestro de Perea 15thC
The passage of Luke 2:1-7, offers a profound insight into the personhood of Mary, the Mother of God. In this narrative, Luke details the circumstances surrounding the birth of Christ, focusing on the humble setting of His nativity. This passage unveils Mary's role as the chosen vessel through which the Saviour of the world enters the realm of humanity.
The scene opens with the backdrop of a census decreed by Caesar Augustus. Joseph, Mary's betrothed, was from the lineage of David, they were required to travel to Bethlehem. Mary, being with child, accompanies him on this arduous journey, her unwavering faith and obedience evident. As they arrive in Bethlehem, they find no place of honour in inns; instead, they are led to a stable, a place of humility and simplicity.
In this stable, the pivotal moment unfolds: 'And she gave birth Jesus and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger'. This unassuming act of laying the newborn Jesus in a manger encapsulates the profound theological significance of Mary's role as the Mother of God. The manger, which typically holds food for animals, serves as a symbolic vessel for the Bread of Life that Jesus would become, nourishing humanity's spiritual hunger.
Incense at 10am this Sunday: Please note that the thurible will be used during the procession and offertory sections of the liturgy this week.
Blessings and Renewal
Last Saturday the marriage of Aaron and Roey was blessed during a service at St Andrew's. Aaron is from an indigenous Taiwanese mountain tribe and at the conclusion of the service his friends and family performed a traditional tribal dance.
Congratulations to Robert and Jill Timms, who celebrated 60 years of marriage with a service in the Lady Chapel to renew their vows before family and friends.
Music
SUNDAY 13 AUGUST 2023
MARY, MOTHER OF OUR LORD
CHORAL EUCHARIST @ 10.00 AM
Prelude: Melodia in B-flat – Max Reger (1873-1916)
Hymns: Processional Come down, O love divine NEH 137
Gradual For Mary, Mother of the Lord NEH 161 v 1,2,5,6
Thanksgiving For the beauty of the earth TiS 137 v 1,5,6
Post Communion Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord TiS 161
Setting: Christ Church Mass – Philip Matthias (b. 1954)
Psalm: 113; NPCW
Anthem: Dear Lord and Father of mankind – Hubert Parry (1848-1918), arr. H. A. Chambers
Motet: If ye love me – Thomas Tallis (1505-1585)
Postlude: Toccata sur Ave Maris Stella – Flor Peeters (1903-1986)
PENTECOST 11 EVENSONG
CHORAL EVENSONG @ 6.00 PM
Prelude: Improvisation on ‘Old Hundredth’
Hymns: Processional All people that on earth do dwell NEH 334 v1,2,4,5
Dismissal Sing we of the blessèd Mother – NEH 185 v1,4
Responses: Stalnaker
Psalm:85; Rawsthorne in C (RSCM)
Canticles: Dyson in C minor
Anthem: Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts – Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
Postlude: Fugue in D minor, BWV 538 – Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Rosters
