Thursday 29 October 2020

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

As you will be aware the cases of Covid-19 are rising very sharply in Switzerland. All gatherings over 15 people (including churches) are prohibited by Canton Bern (since last Friday). Taking into consideration the complexities of booking services for only 15 people, and also taking advice from medical professionals, the Standing Committee of the Church Council have decided that the best thing is to hold no 'live' services (either on Sundays or during the week) at present, at least for this month. We will keep the situation continually under review. This decision is the safest one as there are several people in our community who have been in touch with those who have tested positive or who have tested positive themselves. It is also good to have a simple and consistent policy.

I am sad that we will not be meeting in person over the next few weeks, but I am very grateful for those who put together our online services. The service for this Sunday, 1st November, All Saints Day, will be on the website here by Saturday. As part of this service we will have opportunity to light a candle to remember before God our loved ones who have died. So you might want to have a candle and matches to hand as you listen to the service.

Our various online activities continue:

Online Quiz, tomorrow, Friday 30th October, 7pm: The last online quiz was great fun! It is not too late to register your team (up to 6 people) or join another team. You can register up to 6pm tomorrow here.

Lectio Divina, Thursday 10.30 - 11.15am: this is an opportunity to meditate on a short scripture passage in silence and then to share our thoughts together. If you would like to know more about this please do ask me.

Bible Studies, 7-8.15pm, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays. The next Bible study will be on Tuesday 10th November. These meetings have been very stimulating and encouraging. Again everyone is welcome.

Concern for Nigeria
Many of us will be aware of an unprecedented rise in police brutality in Nigeria. There has been a brutal response from the authorities against those who are simply seeking to make their voice heard, protest against corruption and bring about peaceful change. The Diocese has urged us to pray for Nigeria and for the church there and for Nigerians across the Diocese. Please can we join together in praying the prayer below. I am sure we will want to pray personally for the Nigerian members of our community here at St. Ursula's and for their families.

A letter from the Bishops about the situation in Nigeria (and including the prayer below) is attached.

A Prayer for Nigeria
Loving Father, hear the cries of your people in Nigeria who turn to you in faith. Grant them strength in adversity, comfort in their sorrow, and to those who have died, grant rest eternal. Save the people from further violence and oppression, and bring your justice, love and peace to the nation.
Amen.

In the midst of all that is happening at the moment, locally, nationally and across the world, we need to maintain our hope and pray in trust to God.

A Prayer of Hope
O God, who never forsakest those that hope in thee:
grant that we may ever keep that hope which thou hast given us by thy Word
  as the anchor of our souls,
to preserve us sure and steadfast, unshaken and secure in all the storms of life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
(source unknown)

A Blessing of Hope
May the God of hope
fill you with all joy and peace in believing
that you may abound in hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
(Romans 15 v13)

With love in Christ,
Helen