Vicar's News - 24 August 2025
- Fr Ian
- Aug 22
- 4 min read
Pentecost 11
In this weekend's Gospel, Jesus heals a woman who had been crippled for 18 years, who was bent over and unable to fully straighten up. Jesus called her to him, declared her free from her infirmity, placed his hands on her, and she immediately straightened up and praised God. The synagogue leader's are indignant at Jesus healing on the Sabbath but Jesus defended his action by pointing out that they would untie their animals to give them water on the Sabbath, and the woman, a "daughter of Abraham," should also be freed from her bond.
Music on Sunday
CHORAL EUCHARIST @ 10.00 AM
Prelude: Soeur Monique – François Couperin (1668-1733) (arr. Guy Weitz)
Hymns: Processional Rock of ages
Gradual Jesu, the very thought of thee
Thanksgiving Lord Jesus Christ, you have come to us
Post Communion To God be the Glory
Setting: St. Andrew’s Mass – Timothy Mallis (b.1996)
Psalm: 71.1-6 (NPCW)
Anthem: Dear Lord and Father of mankind
arr. By Herbert Arthur Chambers (1880-1967)
Motet: Ave Verum Corpus - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Postlude: Variationen in E-dur – Der harmonische Grobschmied
G.F. Handel (1685-1759) (arr. Sigfrid Karg-Elert (1877-1933)
Safe Ministry
You will have read in the media about recent cases of abuse in child-care centres and other places, all of which have heightened the need for all churches to be safe places. Safe Ministry is for all participants, not just children and the aged or vulnerable. Everyone is entitled to feel safe in our Parish environment without being made uncomfortable by the conduct of others.
As most of you are aware, the Diocese has strict protocols regarding Safe Ministry and, in light of the highlighting of safety concerns generally, we are furthering our compliance with these requirements. All those who assist in any way must now complete the level 1 Safe Ministry training. This includes sidespeople, refreshment assistants, readers and servers. Many have already fulfilled these requirements but those who haven't have been sent the details of how this can easily be achieved - either on-line or at a training session. Please keep an eye out for the relevant email.
In advancement of this issue, Parish Council has redrafted our Privacy Policy (which can be downloaded here) and the pew sheet note regarding live-streaming regarding:
Photos and Videos
Other than for the purpose of Parish promotion which we disclose in our pew sheets and our Privacy Policy, individuals (including children) are entitled to attend our services and not be photographed by others without their consent. To this end our Privacy Policy now limits those who are entitled to take photos or videos to:
parents of choristers
clergy
persons authorised in writing to by the Vicar who is first made aware of the purpose of doing so.
Please assist by conforming to these new requirements. If you wish to take photos, please speak to the Vicar at first instance.
Car parking
Our New Street car park has for some time been over-run by cars not associated with activities on our site, to such an extend that the lawns on Church Street are all but destroyed. Part of the proposed 'The Greening Project' will be to install automated bollards to restrict entry to the car park and driveways. This will be as the final stage of the project, so in the meantime we propose to introduce car permit stickers for all vehicles who are legitimately entitled to be here - parishioners and staff. This will assist in identifying intruders. Ultimately it may be necessary to engage contractors to tow-away vehicles who do not belong here. Parking permits will be available for collection at services in the near future.
The Greening Project
When the Duigan Centre was first considered, part of the compensation to the Parish was a proposal by Brighton Grammar to fund a 'Village Green' rejuvenation of the church site including the installation of underground roof-water reservoirs to assist with irrigating our lawns and gardens. The original concept was somewhat ambitious considering the funds available, so the Churchwardens have reined-in the extent of the works contemplated to keep our expectations within budget. The new proposal is called 'The Greening Project' and a master plan is taking shape. This plan and exploratory information will be displayed in the narthex next month, and comments will be collected for consideration. This is a long-term project due to the requirements for various approvals for the works.
CCTV Security
The Wardens have upgraded our internal security system with CCTV cameras for the office areas. This is a cloud-based system so footage can be retrieved even if a camera is damaged or stolen. The system may later be extended to other parts of the church and site.
Bless this Home
Congratulations, Maya Gao, on the joyful blessing of your new home! May God’s presence fill every room with peace, love, and laughter, and may His protection always surround you and your family.
Warmest congratulations to Jean Hawkins on settling into her beautiful new home in The Granton. May this new chapter be filled with joy, peace, and countless blessings.
A heartfelt house blessing by Xev to mark the occasion.
Moon Cake Festival
English Conversation Group
Each week during term we welcome locals and parents of Firbank and Brighton Grammar students and others whose principal language is Chinese, to join us in conversation in English. On Tuesdays during school terms at 9.30am in the Parish Hall.
This week
Rosters
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