Thursday 11 March 2021

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I look forward to seeing some of you in church on Sunday as we celebrate Mothering Sunday. For those of you joining in with the service online, you will find it at: https://www.stursula.ch/Services/index.html from Saturday evening. Thank you to Hector, Martin and Art as always.

If you would like to attend Sunday services in church, please ring or email the office by 10am on the Thursday before the Sunday.

Congratulations, Hector!
Hector has been chosen as one of 188 people from the Diocese in Europe to receive the Queen's 'Maundy money', following an ancient tradition dating back many centuries. Originally recipients were chosen for their poverty, but now recipients are chosen for their outstanding contribution to their churches or communities. The actual monetary value of the gift is very small but it is a big honour. We are delighted that Hector's extraordinary service is being recognized in this way. We are indeed blessed to have him among us.

Men's Group
The group will be meeting, via zoom, every Sunday, 10.45am, until Easter. If you are not on the mailing list for the zoom link, and would like to be, please let me know.

Sunday Coffee Time
Every Sunday, now at 11.30am to allow those at church to get home first. We meet together, via zoom, to share reflections on the readings and sermon. Ask me for the zoom link.

WHAT'S ON IN LENT

Lectio Divina continues on Thursdays, 10.30-11.15am, as we meet, via zoom, to meditate in silence on a short passage of the Bible and then share our reflections. Even if you don't usually participate, why not take up this discipline for Lent? Let me know if you would like more details.

Bible Studies
We continue with our Bible studies every Tuesday evening, 7-8.15pm, via zoom. looking at five different Old Testament prophets. It has been wonderful to have such a good number of people attending these sessions! This coming Tuesday, 16th March, James will be leading us as we look at the prophet Ezekiel. Let me know if you would like to attend.

Seminars run by La Côte Church
The Anglican church of La Côte are running two seminars on the theme 'Distorting truth and exploiting fear for political profit' on Wednesday 17th and Wednesday 24th March at 7.30pm, via zoom. Anyone is welcome to participate. I attach a flyer with further details.

Giving to those in need
Lent is a time to simplify our own lives and to be more generous in giving to others. There is a box in church collecting donations for the Passantenhilfe which helps those who are homeless and in need in Bern. Items of non-perishable food and toiletries are welcome. If you are not attending church, you can also take any donations directly to the Passantenhilfe at Gartenstrasse 8, 3007, Bern. Phone: 031 380 75 40.

Mothering Sunday
Mothering Sunday is an opportunity for us to give thanks for the love of our mothers and all they have given us.

There are several 'motherly' images for God in the Bible, and Jesus compares himself to a mother bird yearning to gather her chicks under her wings (Luke 13:34). Several writers over the centuries have portrayed Jesus' love for us as being like the tender, self-giving love of a mother. The canticle below was written by Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury in the 12th century.

Jesus, like a mother you gather your people to you;
you are gentle with us as a mother with her children.

Despair turns to hope through your sweet goodness;
through your gentleness we find comfort in fear.

Your warmth gives life to the dead,
your touch makes sinners righteous.

Lord Jesus, in your mercy heal us;
in your love and tenderness remake us.

In your compassion bring grace and forgiveness,
for the beauty of heaven may your love prepare us.

Prayer
God of love,
passionate and strong,
tender and careful:
watch over us and hold us
all the days of our life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

With love in Christ,
Helen