Thursday 24 February 2022

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I hope you will be able to join us at church this Sunday. There is now no need to book for seats for the service. But we do encourage everyone to continue to wear a mask and keep social distancing to protect one another.

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.

Discussion of the Readings and Sermon
After the service on Sunday, you are invited to join in a discussion of the readings and sermon. We are keen that this does not become just an academic exercise but that we keep in mind the 'So, what?' question: what do the scriptures say to us personally and to our church today?

Music in Church
Thank you to all of you who participated in the Open Forum last Sunday about music in church. I attach the introductory comments I made at the meeting which outline some principles to keep in mind. We noted down the comments and suggestions of those who were present, but if you were unable to be there and have any comments you would like to make, please email them to me.

Shrove Tuesday
Do join us for savoury and sweet pancakes on Tuesday 1st March in the upper hall from 6pm. A time to celebrate before Lent!

Lent
The season of Lent is an opportunity to renew our spiritual disciplines and to make more time for prayer, fasting, and reading scripture. In the words of the Eucharistic prayer for Lent, we pray 'that through a pilgrimage of prayer and discipline we may grow in grace and learn to be God's people once again.' I encourage you to consider how you might approach this season that it might be a time of growth and fruitfulness. Two particular opportunities coming up are as follows...

Ash Wednesday, 2nd March
We mark the beginning of Lent with a Eucharist at 6.30pm. This will include special prayers of self-examination, reflection and repentance. Please do come along to this important service.

Prayer and Fasting Day, 9th March
Prayer with fasting is a traditional Christian discipline. If you have never tried fasting before I encourage you to join us for this day. I will provide material for prayer and reflection during the day as we pray for ourselves, our church and our world. Those taking part are invited to meet online, via zoom, three times during the day (9am, 1pm and 5pm) for some short prayers and an opportunity to share our reflections together. If you would like to know more, please let me know.

Pray for Ukraine
We will all be aware of the crisis in Ukraine. Let us pray for the people of the Eastern Ukraine regions; all those who have already suffered from the conflict over the last few years and who now face the threat of heightened violence. Let us pray for wisdom for world leaders and governments in their response to recent developments and that large scale conflict and violence will be avoided.

Saviour of the world, Prince of Peace,
we pray for your mercy for the people of Ukraine;
sustain in hope all those living in fear,
comfort those who are suffering,
and give wisdom and courage to all those in positions of responsibility.
We pray for your mercy and protection,
light and hope, in these dark times.
May conflict be avoided and peace and justice prevail.
We pray in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Amen

With love in Christ,
Helen