Good afternoon everyone,
You may have heard that the Premier has announced some lifting of Covid restrictions, to commence March 31. The 2sqm rule and mandatory mask wearing still apply; I am seeking clarification regarding checking-in. At the moment we simply continue as we are.
Did you know that this Sunday, as well as being the Fourth Sunday in Lent, is Mothering Sunday– not to be confused with the commercial ‘Mother’s Day’ which is all about selling cards, flowers and gifts. If you Google ‘Mothering Sunday’, as I did, you will be presented with a list of reviews of a movie of that name which came out last year; I haven’t seen it so I don’t know if it’s any good.
The truth is that for people who don’t attend church, ‘Mothering Sunday’ isn’t a thing: Mother’s Day is what it’s all about. In Australia, Mother’s Day will be on the 8th of May; Mothering Sunday is always celebrated on the Fourth Sunday in Lent as it has been since the 16th century. Mothering Sunday has several traditions associated with it. Originally it began as a day of veneration and thanksgiving for the Virgin Mary.
It became traditional to visit one’s ‘Mother Church: the cathedral perhaps or your ‘home’ church, where you grew up. Gradually the celebration of all mothers was incorporated, and domestic servants were given this day off so they could visit their mothers.
Mothering Sunday was also known as Refreshment Sunday, because it is a celebration held in Lent, giving people an opportunity to enjoy Simnel cake and flowers during this otherwise austere time.
As we know Lent is a time for reflection, for prayer, and for repentance. Mothering Sunday may not be a celebration for everyone; not everyone has or had a loving relationship with their mother; some people never knew their mothers; some will be grieving their mothers. Having an awareness that such days are not a cause for celebration for some among us shows love and consideration for our neighbours and friends.
Yesterday we had a trial run of live-streaming just the sound, with the words on the screen but no visuals- and it worked well! This Sunday the 9:30 service will be streamed so if you are at home you will be able to listen in and read the words on the screen; you won’t see the people, but will be able to listen and join in. Then it shouldn’t be too long before we can stream visuals as well. Please be patient for just a little longer; we want to get this right so that those joining us from home can have as good an experience of the worship as possible. I will send a link to you on Saturday, so on Sunday morning you will be able to click on it (on your computer, tablet, or smartphone) and join us from home.
Here is the Collect Prayer for this week:
Lord God, our Redeemer,
who heard the cry of your people
and sent your servant Moses to lead them out of slavery:
free us from the tyranny of sin and death
and, by the leading of your Spirit,
bring us to our promised land;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
God bless,
Lorna
The Reverend Lorna A M Green
St Nicolas Anglican Church 