Thursday 19 November 2020

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

In the midst of these very challenging times, I am glad to know that many in our community are supporting one another. I am thankful for all those who are looking out for others and keeping in touch with those who are most isolated. Many of us may also be feeling anxious, or stressed, or depressed. Do let me know if I can be of help or support in any way.

This Sunday, 22nd November, we celebrate the festival of Christ the King. You can follow the service online as usual here. I am very thankful to Hector, Martin and Art for all their hard work in putting the service together. The service will be on the website by Saturday evening.

Also on Sunday 22nd, at 3pm, there will be an online service of prayer for climate justice organised by the Anglican Communion Environmental Network and several other Christian organisations and charities. You can access the service here.

The next Online Bible study group will be on Tuesday 24th November, 7-8.15pm. We are studying Paul's letter to the Philippians. I am delighted that James Morgan will be leading the session this coming Tuesday. Please let me know if you would like to join us.

The lectio divina group meets every Thursday, 10.30-11.15am to reflect on a Scripture passage and then share our thoughts together. If you would like to join us, please let me know and I will send you the link.

The Christmas Bazaar, as you know, will not be taking place but the events team have worked extremely hard to provide an online service. A wonderful selection of home made food, jams and cakes, Christmas decorations, and gifts, are all on offer, as well as items from the British Food Stall. A HUGE thank you to all the team who are organising this. Please do get your order forms in! We need to receive them by 23rd November. If you have not seen a brochure or order form, all the details are on the website.

Book Stall
The book stall is usually a big part of the Christmas Bazaar. We have decided to offer this in a very limited way, under strict safety precautions. A very big thank you to Allison and her team for offering their time and effort to make this happen. Only 6 people will be able to look at the books at any one time.
The book stall will be open:

• Saturday 28th November, 10am-1pm: ONLY for those coming to pick up their food orders that morning.
• For everyone else, the stall will be open Friday 4th December and Saturday 5th December, 10am-1pm. Please be advised that you may have to wait, as only 6 people will be able to look at the books at any one time.

THINK: What is happening now and why?
A series of monthly online zoom sessions with authors, theologians and thinkers are being offered by St Andrew's Zurich. The details are here. If you would like to join one of the sessions, let the office in St Andrew's know and you will be sent the link.

Praying for the needs of others
We are all aware the Covid virus is a threat to many people in so many ways. As we pray for those who are physically sick and isolated, let us also remember those who are stressed at work or desperate because they have no work.

Almighty God,
be with your people where they work; make those who carry on industries and commerce responsive to your will and to the needs of others. Remember those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work, and guide leaders to make wise decisions for the well-being of all in our societies.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen

With love in Christ,
Helen