Wednesday 10 August 2022

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

It is good to be back in Bern after an enjoyable (but busy) time in the UK travelling round seeing family and friends. I am very grateful to Adèle and to Julie for covering the services while we were away. Thank you for making them so welcome. I know that Julie and Ernest very much enjoyed their stay.

David and I look forward to seeing many of you at church on Sunday.

If you are not able to come in person on Sunday you can find the readings and hymns for the service here: Service Resources at St Ursula's Church, Berne

Talk about Care for Refugees this Sunday
After church, this Sunday, we will welcome Carsten Schmidt and Selina Leu to talk to us and share their experiences. They are involved in organising and resourcing volunteer groups working with refugees. We hope they will be able to help us consider steps we can take as a church to support refugees. Please come and join us as we think about this very pressing issue.

Men's Breakfast
On Saturday 13th, 9am, there will be a breakfast for the Men's Group at our house. This will include an informal conversation with Beat about his life and work. If any men who have not already said they are coming would like to join us, please let David know.

Thun Quiet Afternoon
I am leading a quiet afternoon of prayer and reflection on Thursday 18th for the Thun congregation. If anyone would like to join us, please let me know.

Church Clean Up Day
Do come and join us on Saturday 27th August as we do a clear up of the church and hall. Details of exact timings will follow. I am sure it will also be fun and we will end with some refreshments. All help is very welcome.

I end with a short reflection which I hope you will find encouraging:

Seeking God

'You want to seek God with all your life,
and love Him with all your heart.

But you would be wrong
if you thought you could reach Him.
Your arms are too short, your eyes are too dim,
your heart and understanding too small.

To seek God
means first of all
to let yourself be found by Him.
He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
He is the God of Jesus Christ.
He is your God,
not because He is yours,
but because you are His.

To choose God
is to realise you are known and loved
in a way surpassing anything one can imagine,
loved before anyone had thought of you
or spoken your name.

Then live in joyfulness and hope,
unanxious, without a trace of fear,
at peace with yourself and the world,
in ceaseless reverence and thanks,
because God's love for you endures forever.'

(Rule for a New Brother)

With love in Christ,
Helen