Services during the Covid-19 Pandemic
We re-opened for collective worship in the church on Sunday 5th July. Our 10am service is also be livestreamed on our YouTube channel for those who are unable to attend in person (search for "St Martins West Acton" and select the option with a picture of our church as its icon).
We also hold an online sevice of evening prayer on Sundays at 6:30pm via Zoom. See calendar below for details of services and dates.
Links to online services and a daily "Thought for the Day" are on our Facebook page - you don't need a Facebook account to view this: www.facebook.com/stmartinswestacton/
We are sending out regular email communications - please email stmartins@stmartinswestacton.com if you would like to be added to our email list.
If you need to contact the church for any reason call the office 020 8992 2333, or email stmartins@stmartinswestacton.com. Or contact the vicar - Rev Julia Palmer on 07939043959 – revjuliap@msn.com.
“I lift my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from. My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121 v.1,2.
Rev Bryony Franklin's ordination
Having been a deacon for just over a year, we are delighted that Rev Bryony Franklin was ordained as a priest by the Rt Revd Pete Broadbent, Bishop of Willesden, on Friday 25 September. This should have taken place at the beginning of July, but was postponed due to the pandemic. It went ahead in a small service in St John’s Church in Southall, and was a very special occasion in spite of the required infection control precautions. The service was streamed online and remains available to watch here: https://www.facebook.com/stjohnsouthallgreen/videos/805208563588397/. The ordination service includes the laying on of hands by the bishop. Following this, the newly ordained priest adjusts their stole (representing the towel that Jesus used when washing his disciples’ feet) from wearing it diagonally across their body, to instead wear it hanging straight down.
As with all ordained clergy, Rev Bryony remains a deacon as well as now being a priest. The deacon’s role emphasises loving service to others, whereas a priest’s also includes administering the sacraments of Holy Communion and Baptism, and declaring the absolution and forgiveness of sins in Christ’s name, as well as a greater focus on leadership. Both priests and deacons seek to proclaim the word of the Lord, to teach, and to nurture others in their faith.
Rev Bryony says, “I am passionate about the importance of community, and wanting others to experience God’s love. I am delighted to now be able to assist the Vicar of St Martins, Rev Julia, as a priest, while continuing to serve St Martins and the wider local community.” She also continues in her paid roles at UCL School of Pharmacy and at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.
The photos show Rev Bryony with Bishop Pete following her ordination, and in St Martins church after having celebrated Holy Communion for the first time as a priest.
