Parish News: 16th Sunday and Week of the Year

Strength is usually thought of as that which is largest and most powerful. And yet Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven as being like the mustard seed – the smallest of all seeds. From what seems to be small and insignificant a great tree grows in which birds can find nest and find shelter. Or to put it another way, when it comes to enduring strength and power, all is not always as it seems.

St Benet’s is self supporting: we receive no regular central church or government funding, so you can donate using card online to support St Benet’s: and every penny really does count! You can also donate by cash or card in person, by texting BENET followed by your donation amount to 70450 to give that amount. Or why not set up a regular standing order with your bank?

The readings for this Sunday are available here.

Please pray for:
The sick and those in need
Brenda, Reece, John, Cheryl, Ann, Chika, Sonny, Danielle, Grace, Mary, Hugh, Mary and Chinye.
The Faithful departed
All who have worshipped and served here, those who have died recently and those whose year’s mind falls about this time, amongst them Bill Bartlett (19th), Alfred Farrer (21st) and Charlotte Ann Wilson (24th).

George Wright has been with us as Pastoral Assistant for the last two years, during which time he has been working through the vocations discernment process to understand whether or not God is calling him to offer himself for service as a priest. I’m delighted to say that our Bishop has made his decision and is sending George to St Stephen’s House, Oxford to train for ordination for the next three years. His last Sunday with us will be next Sunday, the 26th of July, so do please come and see him off!

Organ blessing & recital: On Friday 24th July at 6.30pm we will welcome organist David O’Shea to give a recital on our new organ. This will include a blessing of the organ and will be followed by a drinks reception. 

The cover art is Garden (From Regia Carmina di Convenevole da Prato) by Pacino di Buonaguida, c. 1340 held in the British Library.