This is my 100th Being Church in Strange Times! I never thought when I first started sending these messages in the early days of the COVID pandemic that I would be sending a hundred and more.
I look forward to seeing many of you on Sunday when we celebrate All Saints and All Souls. If you have booked a seat and you are then are unable to come please let me know on 077 495 7419 so that I can offer the seat to anyone else who may ask for one. Please let me know by Saturday evening if you can.
If you are unable to be in church with us you can follow the service online at: Service Resources at St Ursula's Church, Berne. We are all very thankful to Hector, Martin and Art for making this possible.
Remembering Loved ones who have Died As part of the service this Sunday, we will be remembering loved ones who have died and commending them to God. If you would like the name of a loved one added to the list which will be read out in the service, please let the office know as soon as possible. Maria will hope to print out the list tomorrow.
young people talking about chaplaincy climate projects in the Diocese
Sing2G7 Youth Choir
An Eco-Church message from A Rocha
an interactive quiz
a message from Bishop Robert
Everyone is welcome.
Living in Love and Faith Thank you to all those who have joined us for the last 3 sessions. We now have 2 Tuesdays off, and meet again next on Tuesday 16th November.
If would like to look at some of the material yourself you can find it at the Living in Love and Faith Learning Hub.
Sunday 7th November: Service of the Word David and I will be away for a few days in early November and Sunday 7th November will be a Service of the Word, led by Archana. James Morgan will be preaching. I am very grateful to Archana and James for their help. Please do support them.
Nacht der Religionen This year's event is on Saturday 13th November. The theme is 'Hey, Alter!' looking at the relationship between generations. We will be joining in with other churches for a Vesper service in the Lutheran tradition, held at St Peter and St Paul at 8pm. I will be giving a short homily in this service. Details about all the activities of the Nacht der Religionen across Bern can be found here.
Christmas Bazaar: Friday 26th and Saturday 27th November We still need volunteers to help with setting up and running various stalls. If you are able to help, please be in touch with Maria in the office. We hope to move chairs and tables after church on Sunday 21st ready for the Bazaar and would be grateful for help then. Thank you.
COP26 Climate Change Conference The 26th UN conference on climate change will take place 31st October - 12th November, in Glasgow. This is a crucial meeting of world leaders and other representatives to make decisions and implement plans to reduce carbon emissions and avert climate change catastrophe. This has been described as 'the world's last best chance to get runaway climate change under control.' It is a highly significant moment in the history of our planet, and experts warn that action must be taken now.
Church leaders of different denominations have urged us to pray for those participating in this conference and for all involved in implementing its recommendations and agreements, including ourselves.
Prayer
Creator God, giver of life,
You sustain the earth and direct the nations.
In this time of climate crisis grant us clarity
to hear the groaning of creation and the cries of the poor;
challenge us to change our lifestyles;
guide our leaders to take courageous action;
enable your church to be a beacon of hope;
and foster within us a renewed vision of your purposes for your world;
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
by whom and for whom all things were made.
Amen