Tuesday 13 December 2022

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Last Sunday we had a truly wonderful Nativity Play in church and I want to thank all the children, parents and helpers who were involved. I was very impressed by the children; we certainly have some excellent readers and budding actors amongst us! Thank you to Ruby, the musicians and all who made this possible.

Although we celebrated the Nativity Play last Sunday, we are still in the season of Advent. I invite you to join me for our final Advent Space evening, which offers time and space to reflect and pray in the midst of the busyness of these coming weeks.

Advent Space 3: Yes
The third and final of our Advent Space evenings is tomorrow, Wednesday 14th, 20:00-21:00 in church. I will offer some brief reflections but the main purpose will be to offer time and space for silent reflection and prayer. We will conclude the time by saying Compline (Night Prayer) together. Everyone is welcome.

Diocesan Prayers for Light for Ukraine
The Diocese will be holding prayers again 18.30 this Wednesday 14th, via Zoom, to pray for the people of Ukraine. Numbers are limited to join by zoom, but everyone is welcome to join in through the Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFPWCl3lijw

Christmas Sale Site
The online site from the Christmas Bazaar has been re-opened as we have some extra goodies for sale which have come from the chaplaincy in Basel. There are more old favourites, plus some different items for sale. Do have a look:
St Ursula's Sale Page – Home made and British food specialities
The site will close again midday, Friday 16th December.

This Sunday, 18th December, 10am, we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent. The service will be a Sung Liturgy, when we sing some short parts of the liturgy. I encourage all of you who know this well and enjoy singing it to come along to help with the congregational singing.

Carol Services
Thursday 15th December, 7pm: A service of lessons and carols at Chapelle Romande, Frutigenstrasse 22, Thun, followed by refreshments.

Sunday 18th December, 6pm: A service of lessons and carols at St Ursula's, followed by gl&ue;hwein and mince pies. Do invite your friends and neighbours.

I have been asked by several people about why we are not holding a carol service in the Heiliggeistkirche this year. This is because there was no town choir or anyone to lead it. The choir was one of the main attractions of the service for many people and without the choir we thought the numbers attending would be much lower. The prospect of a smaller congregation in such a huge church was rather depressing. Hence we are holding the carol service in our own church this year. We will review the situation for next year.

Other Christmas Services:

Christmas Eve, 24th December:

• Christingle and Crib Service, 4pm: a short service for families and children
• First Eucharist of Christmas, 10pm

Christmas Day, 25th December

• Eucharist for All ages, 10am

Please do come and join us for one, or several, of these Christmas services.

Advent Prayer and Blessing

Stir up your power, O God,
and come among us.
Heal our wounds,
calm our fears
and give us peace;
through Jesus our Redeemer.
Amen

Christ the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you,
scatter the darkness from before your path,
and make you ready to meet him when he comes in glory;
and the blessing of God Almighty,
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,
be upon you and remain with you,
now and always.
Amen.

With love in Christ,
Helen