Tuesday 25 January 2022

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I look forward to seeing many of you back in St Ursula's this coming Sunday, 30th January. Please remember to book your seats and bring your certificates and ID with you. If you are not able to attend the service at church, you can listen to it online at https://www.stursula.ch/Services/ Many thanks to Hector, Art and Martin.

Philosophy and Faith
Isabelle Wienand, who teaches ethics and philosophy of medicine at the University of Basel, will lead an informal conversation on the relationship between Christian faith and philosophy after church this Sunday, 30 January. NB this is not a 'talk' by Isabelle, rather she will be leading a conversation based on a short chapter from a book, in French, by the Catholic philosopher Denis Moreau. This is attached in the original French and with an English translation. We are delighted that so many people have expressed a desire to come along. The meeting will be in the upper hall, with certificates required. If you'd like to take part in the conversation, please email David at revdem63@yahoo.co.uk.

Many of us very much enjoyed participating in the Ecumenical Service last Sunday at the Munster. For those who missed it, but would like to read the sermon (given by Luke Wittwer from The Salvation Army), I attach it.

Lectio Divina
We meet every Thursday, 10.30-11.15am via zoom, to reflect quietly on a short passage of Scripture and then share our thoughts together. It is a time of spiritual refreshment and encouragement. Why not come and join us? Please let me know if you would like more details.

Memorial Service for Niklaus Weibel
This will be in church, 2.30pm, this Friday 28th January. This is an opportunity to give thanks for Nik's life, to commend him to God, and to pray for Adoree and the family. There are a few seats left. If you would like to attend this service, please let the office know as soon as possible.

Cross in the Garden
For several months now, we have had a large cross in the church garden. Thank you to Brian who made it. The council will make a decision soon whether to put up a more permanent cross, but first we would like to ask for feedback from the congregation. If you would like to express your view, please send a message to feedback@stursula.ch

This Sunday we will hear the wonderful words of St Paul about love, from 1 Corinthians 13. I leave you George Herbert's poem 'Love', often regarded as the finest poem in the English language.

Love

Love bade me welcome: yet my soul drew back,
    Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-ey'd Love, observing me grow slack
    From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning,
    If I lack'd any thing.

A guest, I answer'd, worthy to be here:
    Love said, you shall be he.
I the unkind, ungrateful? Ah my dear,
    I cannot look on thee.
Love took my hand, and smiling did reply,
    Who made the eyes but I?

Truth Lord, but I have marr'd them: let my shame
    Go where it doth deserve.
And know you not, says Love, who bore the blame?
    My dear, then I will serve.
You must sit down, says Love, and taste my meat:
    So I did sit and eat.

With love in Christ,
Helen

PS Just to let you know that I am hoping to have a day off tomorrow (or at least as much of it as I can manage) as I will be working throughout Friday and Saturday this week.