TWENTY - FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
Christian Service and Trust in God
Faith in God's care is essential for imitating Christ, who serves. Jesus, though King of glory, chose the path of service, even unto death. The first reading from Isaiah (50:5-9) talks about God’s Servant who, despite suffering, trusts fully in God. This passage points to Jesus and calls us to imitate Christ in our struggles. Serving God and His people often brings suffering, but we trust in the Lord, who will not allow us to be put to shame. The Resurrection assures us of this. Jesus was broken on the cross, yet, on the third day, he was raised in glory. This promise extends to all who patiently trust God in their sufferings.
St. James reminds us that our faith/trust must be demonstrated through our works. However, our works must stem from our belief in who Jesus is, the Christ. Our service and endurance in suffering find strength in our conviction of who Jesus is as St Peter confessed in the Gospel. In moments of trials, this conviction sustains us. Thus, St. Paul says to Timothy. "I know whom I have believed" (2 Tim 1:12).
With the prophecy of Isaiah, we confess we will not be shamed. May our faithfulness in suffering, strengthened by our deep conviction of who Jesus is, produce in us an unfailing hope and make us in Christ's glory. Lord, strengthen our belief in who you are. Amen
You can access Fr Chinedu's full video reflection on Purifying Word
Happy Sunday.
Fr Chinedu
EVANGELLI GAUDIUM SUNDAY
Growing as missionary disciples
A second collection will be taken today to support the work of the Bishops’ Conference Mission Directorate. Please hold this important work in your prayers.
LAST FRIDAY EVENING OF PRAYER AND ADORATION
There will be an evening of prayer and adoration on Friday 27th September 6-8 pm. There will be Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and Intercessory Prayers for various intentions.
SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT de PAUL (SVP)
We plan to start a Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) here in our parish. So, if you have been a member of SVP in the past, and would like to be part of its formation in our parish; or if you would like to join the society for the first time and are happy to be part of it, please, speak with and give your names and contact number to the priests or stewards after the masses. Thank you.
BAPTISM PREPARATION
There will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised Sunday 6th October at 4pm in the church.
MEETING FOR ALL NEW ALTAR SERVERS
The ministry of Altar Server is open to all who have received their First Holy Communion and demonstrate a wish to uphold the aims and objectives of the Guild of St Stephen. Those who would like to become altar servers are invited to attend two training sessions – the first on Monday 23rd September at 5.30pm and the second on Saturday 28th September at 11.30am. Both sessions will take place in the church and will last approximately one hour. Prospective servers must attend both sessions and those under the age of 16 must be accompanied to the first session by a parent/carer.
ALB AMNESTY!
If there are any albs or cinctures hiding in the homes of former altar servers, could they please be returned to the parish so they can be given to current and/or new servers. Thank you.
THE ANNUNCIATION INFANT SCHOOL
We still have a few nursery places available for the upcoming academic year. The nursery provides a nurturing and stimulating environment for young children to learn, grow, and develop essential skills. If your child was born between 1st September 2020 and 31st August 2021 and you are interested in securing a place for your child in the nursery, please email enquiries@annunciationinf.barnet.sch.uk
READERS, EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS & COUNTERS
The Diocese has asked for the above people to complete the Rota Consent Form. They can be found on the table in the porch. Please complete and return in the brown envelope marked Susan Office and give it to one of the priests.
EL SHADDAI MILL HILL OUTREACH PRAYER GROUP
Elshaddai Mill Hill invites you to her celebration of the 2nd Anniversary on Saturday 5th October, (9 am to 4 pm). Come and join a day of Praise and Worship Theme: ‘A Childlike Kind of Faith’. Venue: Church of the Annunciation, Burnt Oak. There will be Holy Mass presided by Fr Chinedu who will also give an inspirational talk. Healing talk by Bro. Jonas Gascon. All are welcome. Be blessed as you come.
FLOWER ARRANGING
We are very grateful to those who arrange the flowers in the church. However, we do need more flower arrangers to join the rota. No experience is required. If you would like to help, please speak to one of the priests.
FOUR:12 QUIZ NIGHT HAS RETURNED
You are invited to enjoy an evening of fun trivia. Friday 11 October 2024, doors open 7pm. Entry is only £10/adult and £5/child (under 16). Admission includes fish and chips. Sign up today by visiting four12.co.uk/quiz
FOODBANK FOR THE COMMUNITY
Non – perishable food is required for the foodbank, please leave your donations in one of the marked boxes in the church porch. -No soup- Thank you.
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