Thursday 24 September 2020

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

I look forward to seeing many of you on Sunday. The church is now full, but you can listen to the service online. This will be available from Saturday evening. Thanks, as always, to Hector, Martin and Art for putting this together. If you miss the service this Sunday, you are also welcome to join us at Chapelle Romande in Thun, 6.30pm, 1st October. This will be a repeat of the Sunday service. Please ask for further details

From this Sunday, 27th September, we will be following the new Covid protection measures from the Diocese of Europe and we ask that all adults wear a mask inside church. I know that noone enjoys wearing a mask, but I hope that we will all do so for the common good. (Of course, I understand that very occasionally someone may have a medical issue preventing them wearing a mask).

Next Sunday, 4th October, will be the final Sunday in Creation Season and we will be remembering Francis of Assisi. The booking link for next Sunday is here. Or you can ring the office.

On Sunday 4th October, we will have our Junior Church open again. This will take place the first Sunday of every month. Any children attending should be taken straight to the lower hall before the service starts. We want to encourage all families with children to attend this service so we plan to give them priority when sorting out the seating.

The service on Sunday 4th October will be repeated on Wednesday 7th October, 10.30am. If you are able to come to the service on the Wednesday please consider coming then rather than coming on the Sunday. There is no need to book, but please let the office know if you would like to attend.

Creation Season

Children's song (enjoyable for EVERYONE!): I hope that everyone has been able to listen to the different YouTube versions of All God's Creatures have a Place in the Choir which I have sent out over the last few weeks. This brings a smile to my face every week! Here's a version for this week.

And if you missed the wonderful muppet version last week, here it is.

Jubilee for the Earth:
If you have not yet listened to it, you might want to listen to Sarah French's talk on environmental issues and what we can do. Those of us taking part found it both very sobering but also encouraging to share our thoughts and ideas together.

News from the Bishop:
You might like to read this short article from our Bishop Robert.

Inspiration from Trees
I love trees and feel very privileged to be able to walk in the woods most days. Trees are often mentioned in the Bible as examples of rootedness and fruitfulness. Below is a poem by Malcolm Guite which is based on Psalm 1. I may have quoted it before, but I make no apologies for that as it is well worth re-reading! You might find it a helpful aid for meditation and prayer.

Beatus Vir

Come to the place, where every breath is praise
and God is breathing through each passing breeze.
Be planted by the waterside and raise

your arms with Christ beneath these rooted trees,
who lift their breathing leaves up to the skies.
Be rooted too, as still and strong as these,

open alike to sun and rain. Arise
from meditation by these waters. Bear
the fruits of that deep rootedness. Be wise

in the trees' long wisdom. Learn to share
the secret of their patience. Pass the day
in their green fastness and their quiet air.

Slowly discern a life, a truth, a way,
where simple being flowers in delight.
Then let the chaff of life just blow away.

(Malcolm Guite)

With my love in Christ,
Helen