Today we had a splendid sunny day after the gloom and greyness of the last week. The church was resplendent as usual with lovely flower arrangements in the church.




Father Roger gave us the sermon his week and rushed off immediately afterwards as his ministry was needed elsewhere.

Fr Roger told us that his 55 years of meetings with church hierarchy usually do not go well. This was also the theme of the Gospel reading of the Pharisee and tax collector. The Pharisee is a man at the top of his game, he is well respected in his religion.  The Tax collector is almost a betrayer of his people, a Jew who works for the Roman conquerors, collecting money from his neighbours. The Pharisee goes above and beyond what his religion requires.  He fasts more than he needs, he gives away more alms than is required and sticks absolutely to all the rites of his religion.  The tax collector is nowhere near as devout. At the start of the parable, people would think that the Pharisee is  the "good guy" of the tale, but he is boastful when he prays to God in the temple. He glorifies his wonderful behaviour.  He focuses on himself and how he looks. He is not leading his people. His attitude is incorrect. The Tax collector on the other hand, knows he is falling short of what God wants from him and humbly appeals to God. His attitude is correct.

St Paul says we should be justified by faith and not by works.


Next week as well as our Family Communion at 10am we also have a special service for All Souls at 6pm.  There is a Requiem for All Souls' with Fauré's Requiem setting. There is a list of names in church.  Please add the names of those you wish to be remembered during the service.  The list will be placed on the High Altar during the service.  Also after receiving communion, you will have the opportunity to light a candle of remembrance adjacent to the sanctuary.