We shared another ninetieth birthday celebration after church recently. Congratulations Ruth Prater, long time faithful parishioner!

This season’s fascinating reading is now on our publications page!

Our You Tube Channel “VISIT GOOD SHEPHERD” went live this morning, showing the four videos listed below. The singer, Chris, is a much-loved member of the Evensong Singers (Sacred Space on Saturday) – his “Magnificat”, which he sang at our last Evensong, had already been booked for the next but, by then, the church was closed for services. 
The other videos show songs that Chris had prepared for singing in the Holy Week season. The “Women Blessed in Christ” spans the period from Christmas to Easter, mentioning five women: the Virgin Mary; the Samaritan woman who spoke to Jesus at the well; and, finally, the three women who see the risen Christ – “Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the Mother of James” Luke names these women and speaks of “the other women with them”. Mark’s account names one of the “other women” Salome.
“Take My Mother Home” is a meditative reflection on some of Christ’s journey towards the cross and death which uses the idea that Christ will die easier if he knows his mother has been taken home. 
“Before the Cock Crew Twice” is a meditation on Peter’s experience (and our own). Jesus’ compassion, grace and love flow through it. 

The Songs are beautifully sung but inexpertly filmed. Forgive the filming and enjoy visiting Good Shepherd while the effort to manage COVID-19 has closed our church to public worship. 

Take My Mother Home https://youtu.be/KiNf2YlrgJM

Before the Cock Crew Twice https://youtu.be/lWklqsaBsIc

Women Blessed in Christ https://youtu.be/O-wAIQWSBes 

Magnificat https://youtu.be/sZg2pQFwCno

Reverend Michael Lane

Two celebrations of maturity this month!

First it was Joan Middleton’s 90th and then a short time later Mary Davey clocked up 100! It was wonderful to recognise and celebrate with these two lovely ladies who have been an important part of our for community for so long.

On Sunday morning after our 10 am service, Julia gave thanks for the successful completion of her university studies.  Celebrating the milestone too, were her tutor and about a dozen of her Kenyan friends who demonstrated their thanksgiving and joy in song and dance … and of course they provided cake and morning tea. Congratulations Julia!   

The Parish Christmas get-together was held last week and here are the pics – plenty of smiling faces and empty dishes.

We have a public Facebook page. You can access it here: https://www.facebook.com/GoodShepherdAnglicanChurchPlympton/ 

GOOD SHEPHERD AFTER HOURS 

Exploring Sacred Space on Saturdays

Good Shepherd Anglican Church (13 Clayton Avenue, Plympton) explores pathways into Sacred Space starting at 5:30 pm each Saturday. Church opens at 4:45 pm for rehearsal and other preparation. 

The 4 (or 5) Saturdays in each month follow the same pattern: first Saturday, a traditional liturgy; second Saturday, silence; third Saturday, a contemplation through meditation and music; fourth Saturday, a meal; fifth Saturday, make a suggestion… 

Exploring sacred repetition (first Saturday of each month)
The traditional Anglican service of Evensong asks that “we, who are wearied by the changes and chances of this fleeting world, may rest on [God’s] eternal changelessness”. Take time to wonder on this fleeting world and Cosmic changelessness in a gentle, reflective service based on Evensong 

Exploring sacred silence (second Saturday of each month) Find sacred space in silence using: 

• Meditation-guides available in the church; 
• Meditative material you might bring with you; 
• Individual prayer; 
• Exploration of church and garden; or 
• Quiet conversation over refreshments available in Garden Room 

Exploring sacred contemplation (third Saturday of each month)
Fill all your senses at this candle-lit contemplation through meditation and music in the style of Taizé. Bring voices and instruments – scores and song books available 

Exploring sacred relationships (fourth Saturday of each month) Sharing a meal: a journey into sacred space through enjoying hospitality 

• Meeting others and introducing ourselves over a simple meal 
• Basic food provided – bring dishes to share when you wish 

Singing, Praying, Sharing, Exploring, Eating, Searching, and Discovering at Good Shepherd 

Lent is finishing and the church is decorated in preparation for the Palm Sunday procession. Easter here we come!