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Wednesday 22 December 2021
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Christmas is nearly upon us! I hope that you will all keep safe and well during these days and be able to celebrate the joy of Emmanuel, God with us.
There are several Christmas services this week. There are still seats available. If you have not yet booked a seat, please do so by tomorrow lunch time. Please would you email the office rather than phoning as Maria is working from home.
Christingle and Crib Service, 4pm, Christmas Eve
This is a short service especially for families and children. Everyone over 16 will need a COVID certificate and ID.
There will then be three Christmas Eucharists. We ask that everyone books a seat for ONE of these three Eucharists, at least initially, so that all those who would like to attend a Chrismas service can do so.
Christmas Eve, 9pm
Everyone over 16 will need a COVID certificate and ID.
Christmas Day, 10am
This service will include an All Age Talk rather than a sermon and be especially designed for families and children.
Everyone over 16 will need a COVID certificate and ID.
Sunday 26th December, 10am
This will be a non-certificate service.
Online Christmas Services
I know that many of you will not be able to come to a service at church but will be participating at home. There are two online services:
Nine Lessons and Carols
This is a repeat of the joint carol service with Bruder Klaus from last year, but with a new Christmas message. This service is already up on the website at the usual link: Service Resources at St Ursula's Church, Berne.
My message for this service focuses on joy.
Christmas Service
There will be a Christmas service also at Service Resources at St Ursula's Church, Berne This service will be put on the website by Christmas Eve. It will include my sermon for Christmas Eve (I will also preach this sermon, slightly adapted, on 26th December). You will be able to listen to this service at any point over the Christmas period.
Sunday 2nd January, Epiphany
Looking ahead, we will be celebrating Epiphany on Sunday 2nd January. Please email the office to book your seats. The service will also be online on the website as usual.
After Sunday 26th, David and I will be taking some time off. I hope that you will also be able to relax with family and friends.
I leave you with a Christmas poem which captures both the vulnerability of the infant Jesus and the sacrificial suffering which lies ahead of him.
Kenosis
In sleep his infant mouth works in and out.
He is so new, his silk skin has not yet
been roughed by plane and wooden beam
nor, so far, has he had to deal with human doubt.
He is in a dream of nipple found,
of blue-white milk, of curving skin
and, pulsing in his ear, the inner throb
of a warm heart's repeated sound.
His only memories float from fluid space.
So new he has not pounded nails, hung a door,
broken bread, felt rebuff, bent to the lash,
wept for the sad heart of the human race.
Luci Shaw
May you and all those you love know the joy and peace of Emmanuel this Christmas time.
Happy Christmas!
With love in Christ,
Helen
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