What Did Dante Actually Think of Salvation? Presented by Vittorio Montemaggio, King’s College London. Thursday 16 January at 5pm, in Pemberton Lecture Room PG20, Palace Green.
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Light of the Nations
John the Baptist was a powerful and challenging preacher – a prophet like the prophets of the Old Testament. He called the people to repent of their sins and receive baptism in the River Jordan – the same river that the people of Israel crossed when they entered the Promised Land. But when Jesus came for baptism, John demurred, knowing that Jesus had no need to repent and no sins to be forgiven. Jesus replied, ‘Let us do all that righteousness demands.’ Jesus would teach the people a new understanding of ‘righteousness.’ For disciples of Christ, to be righteous means to accept God’s love and mercy, symbolised by the water of baptism; to know ourselves to be forgiven sinners; to live the commandments of love of God and love of neighbour. Anyone who lives righteousness in this way, Peter says, is acceptable to God. Jesus’ mission is prefigured in Isaiah’s prophecy of God’s servant, who brings true justice to the nations. On the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we celebrate the beginning of Jesus’ mission to reveal God’s mercy to all the nations of the world.
Christmas Crib
Message from Fr Andrew
Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make our Christmas liturgies so beautiful and welcoming – many people gave generously of their time, energy and talents to make it happen. Thank you also for your Christmas greetings, and for your kindness to me, at Christmas and throughout the year – Fr Andrew.
A Light for all Nations
The wise men, or Magi, had travelled from a distant country in the East. They were astrologers, but somehow their study of the stars led them to seek the infant King of the Jews. They found the King they were looking for, not in Herod’s palace in Jerusalem, but in the poor family of Mary and Joseph.
On the feast of the Epiphany – a word which means ‘revealing’ or ‘manifestation’ – the Saviour begins to become known to all the nations as a light of hope, shining in the darkness of our world. The Magi were pagans, but they were sincere seekers after truth. They brought costly gifts: gold for a king, incense for the Son of God, myrrh symbolising Jesus’ suffering and death. The Magi were delighted to recognise and worship Christ, while Herod and his courtiers were ‘perturbed’ at the thought of another King arising in Israel. As we know, Herod did not hesitate to commit murder to protect his position. In contrast, the Magi show us an example of true discipleship: ready to recognise Christ, wherever we find him, and ready to bring the most precious gifts that we have to honour him.
Which Parish Charities, April 2020 to March 2021?
Each year, the proceeds from tea and coffee after Mass, the sale of refreshments at the Miner’s Gala and other parish events are divided between one international and one local charity. Currently these are St Cuthbert’s Hospice in Durham and the Adhanur Helping Hands orphanages and education project in India. The latter is also supported by Durham Martyrs Parish. In January 2020 we decide which two charities should be supported during the next financial year. Please offer some suggestions using the form in the narthex. You can opt to keep either or both of the current charities, or go for different ideas. Charities need to be UK registered and information about them needs to be provided to Father Andrew or the Parish Secretary.
New Year’s Day
Carol Singing
Confession & Morning Prayer
Parish Office
Durham Churches Together New Year’s Eve Service
Gather in the Market Place for the procession to Durham Cathedral, leaving at 6.15pm (bring your own lantern.) The candlelit service begins in the Cathedral at 6.30pm. The brief Address will be given by the Revd John Squares, Superintendent Minister at Elvet Methodist Church. Everyone is very welcome.
Singing rehearsals for the service will be in the Cathedral prior to the service (around 5:30pm). We are singing John Rutter’s “The Lord bless you and keep you.” Copies of the music can be sent out ahead of time if you wish to see it. Anyone interested in singing should contact David Harris by email at d.m.harris108@gmail.com
The Feast of the Epiphany
God’s Dream
The Gospel tells us that Joseph was a ‘man of honour.’ No doubt he was steady, hard-working, faithful – a suitable husband for a devout young girl like Mary. Joseph probably dreamed of a peaceful life, building a home with Mary and raising a family together. His dream was turned upside down when Mary was found to be expecting a child. Joseph knew that the baby was not his. He must have felt terribly disappointed and betrayed. And then, another dream turns everything upside down again. The angel reveals to Joseph that the child will be born, not as a result of human infidelity, but of God’s saving plan. Joseph is asked to give up his own dream and, instead, to become part of God’s dream for the world. God’s plan is to send his Son into the world as ‘God-with-us;’ to reveal to humankind a love beyond our imagining, save us from our sin and open the way to eternal life. Joseph, like Mary, was told by the angel, ‘Do not be afraid.’ He set aside his doubts and fears, and trusted absolutely in God. As the Christmas story unfolds, we see how the Saviour comes into the world through the faithful obedience of Mary and Joseph, and how we too are called to put our trust in God.
Justice and Peace Refugee Project
Our parish collects biscuits and toilet rolls to help provide basic supplies to asylum seekers in the diocese. These are collected regularly, on the first Sunday of the month. If you would like to donate items please remember to bring them to Church next Sunday 5th January and place them under the bench in the narthex ready to be collected.
The centre is always very grateful for our supplies and with the holiday period coming up they would welcome an even bigger stock of things to draw from. Please give generously.
Welcomer’s, Readers and Ministers of Holy Communion
The current rota ends today. Please could you let the parish office know on 0191 3843442 or email office@stcuthberts-durham.org.uk of any Sundays you will not be available for the new rota by noon on Thursday 19 December. The new rota will run from Sunday 22 December until Sunday 8 March. If you would like to be included in the rota more or would like to be on a little less, please do get in touch, thank you.
Thank You
Are You the One?
Last Sunday, we met John the Baptist; a powerful, fearless prophet, like the prophets of ancient Israel. In today’s Gospel, John has been imprisoned by King Herod, and will soon be executed. John sends messengers to Jesus, with a question that reflects his own uncertainty. John prophesied the coming of the Messiah, but he expected a king who would sit in judgement. The prophecy of Isaiah in today’s First Reading, with its promise of the ‘vengeance’ and ‘retribution’ of God, reflects the hopes of many in Israel at that time. Jesus’ reply is meant both as a reassurance and a challenge to John. The kingdom of heaven is at hand; Jesus is bringing life and healing for God’s people. The prophecies are being fulfilled, as John foretold. But Jesus comes with mercy and not vengeance; forgiveness and not retribution. The powers of evil will be judged and defeated – not by violence, but by love and mercy. So Jesus challenges John to open his heart to God’s ways; to keep faith, and to recognise that Jesus truly is the one who is to come. As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, we too are challenged to recognise the child in the manger as our Saviour.
St Leonard’s School Concert
Advent Appeal in aid of St Cuthbert’s Care
Please consider supporting the Red Van, which over the past two years has delivered thousands of food parcels, good quality clothing and toys to some of the most needy families and individuals in our Diocese. Your Advent Alms will help to keep this essential service on the road. www.stcuthbertscare.org.uk
