BUSINESS as USUAL
Although worship services are temporarily suspended and our church building is regrettably no longer open, we PRAY ON !
Rev. Stephen Hazlett
( Interim Priest) is available for all pastoral needs and prayer requests on 01557 620132 / 07900231360
stephen.hazlett@greyfriarsstmarys.org.uk He will also visit emergency situations.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
Rector’s “Thought for the week”
Happy Ascension-tide! This is the Christian festival when we remember Jesus ascending into heaven, returning to God the Father. It is at the root of what we believe, and is an integral part of our Creed. Exciting stuff really; faith rising above whatever our earthly circumstances may be. Lock-down continues, and it is particularly trying for the vulnerable and those who care for them. A hard time too (and we fervently pray for them) for our many small businesses and people made redundant. So how do we rise above that? I have felt throughout this crisis that although it may be necessary that we stay at home, many of us believe that the church not only witnesses to obeying this, but should offer something more. The churches did not close through two world wars and the umpteen epidemics we have previously endured. Indeed it was a light for millions in times of worse darkness. I believe it is time to be seen, the clear message of Ascension. Albeit in accordance with “social distancing”.
I’ve been inspired by reading particular modern faith heroes. Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty (made famous by Gregory Peck in the film the Scarlet and the Black) literally stood on the Vatican steps in full view of the Nazis who knew he was rescuing local Jews and Italian resistance, American airmen and British spies. He even persuaded a weak Pope to eventually back him. Dumfries woman Jane Haining paid the full price for being seen when she ended her life in Auschwitz alongside the Jewish girls she cared for. Ironically the CofS had forbidden her to be in Hungary in the first place. Imagine that — Now I have a cunning plan within our present restrictions— see News section below. God bless ! Stephen
NEWS. Something for Ascension. Not being particularly gifted with hi- tec presentations, as part of Morning Prayer which I read alone in our churches, I intend to say a prayer, a reading, and a blessing outside St. Mary’s Gatehouse at 9.30am & Greyfriars Kirkcudbright at 11am this Sunday. Ten minutes only & no sermon! Should you happen to be taking your daily constitutional around that time, feel free to say “hello”. This is not a service (public gatherings still banned). I pray soon the churches may be open at least for “quiet” worship for those who wish it, and distancing observed. I will be doing the same in spirit for Challoch, Portpatrick, and Stranraer! Stephen
All services and other meetings are cancelled until further notice. For pastoral info please see contacts page.
Welcome to
St John the Evangelist,
Stranraer
A member of the Scottish Episcopal Church
Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway
Charity No. SCO23329
An Incumbency
North Strand Street, Stranraer, Wigtownshire DG9 7LD
email stjohnsstranraer@hotmail.co.uk
Secretary to the Vestry
Tel 01581 400 284 / 0756 1020 831
Regular Weekly Services
Sunday Communion 11am 1982 Liturgy
Thursday Communion 11am 1970 Liturgy
Easter/Christmas/Saints days etc as advertised.
Scottish Liturgy 1982
Scottish Liturgy Reserved Sacrament 1982
Scottish Liturgy 1970
All are welcome at our services and all who are baptised are invited to share our Eucharist. We are in Communion with the Anglican Church, Church of Ireland, Church in Wales and the Worldwide Episcopal and Anglican Churches.
Refreshments are served after every service.
Our church is on the 1st floor of a building shared with the Library. It is a modern tranquil space built in the early 1990’s overlooking Loch Ryan. The space is versatile and is used by numerous local groups for a wide variety of services, meetings and concerts. Contact Anne tel 01776 258518 for bookings.
Disabled Access The church is on the first floor and access is by a modern Stannah lift. The building is then completely level, ideal for wheelchair users. Disabled toilets, Induction Loop, Sound system, Large/coloured print and Braille liturgies permits inclusion for all. We even offer Gluten Free wafers.
Back issues of Church News can be found on ‘Notices’ page.
Get in Touch
St. John the Evangelist
North Strand Street, Stranraer, Wigtownshire, DG9 7LD.
Secretary to the Vestry Tel 01581 400 284: Mobile 0756 102 0831
Email; stjohnsstranraer@hotmail.co.uk
Copyright St. John the Evangelist – All rights reserved
