Wednesday 15 February 2023

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

This Sunday is the last Sunday before Lent. We will be focusing on Jesus' Transfiguration on the mountain, when the disciples see his glory. Do come and join us. Junior Church and Creche will take place as usual.

This Sunday will be a Sung Eucharist when we sing parts of the liturgy. David Schweyer, who will be playing, will also be bringing his digital piano so that he can play traditional hymns and modern songs on the same instrument, rather than moving from organ to piano. This is a trial Sunday to see what people think of it.

Lectio Divina Meeting
We meet on zoom tomorrow, 10.30-11.15am. We will be reflecting on the gospel for this coming Sunday. Ask Helen for the Zoom details.

Pancakes, Shrove Tuesday, 21st February,
Come and join us for pancakes (with savoury and sweet toppings) in the church hall, from 6pm. Everyone is welcome.

Ash Wednesday
Our Ash Wednesday Eucharist will be at 6.30pm, Wednesday 22nd February.
Please come and join us as we mark the beginning of Lent. The service includes time for self-examination and repentance, renewed commitment to prayer and spiritual disciplines and the traditional ashing for those who would like to receive it.

Lent Course
For this year's Lent course, I will be offering 4 sessions on Praying with the English Mystics. These 14th century writers have a single-minded desire for God and their writings can inspire us to deepen our prayer and spiritual life and grow in our longing for God. The sessions will be on Wednesday evenings by zoom. (Time to be confirmed). The first session will be Wednesday 8th March.

Prayers for Ukraine
On 24th February, it will be a year since Russia invaded Ukraine. The Swiss Council of Churches is organising ecumenical services of prayer throughout the country. There will be a service 4pm, Friday 24th February, at the Munster. Everyone is welcome.

Time and Talent Auction
We are hoping to hold an auction of time and talents later in the spring/summer, with the money raised going towards church funds. There are some ideas of what you might offer in the magazine. Alongside raising money this should be great fun and we will learn more about the skills of many in our congregation! If you would like to offer something, please fill in a form. Forms are in the church porch and the upper hall.
Completed forms should be put in the red box in the upper hall.

Thankfulness at all times

'Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you'.
(1 Thessalonians 5: 16-17)

'Would you know who is the greatest saint in the world? It is not he who prays most or fasts most, it is not he who gives most alms or is most eminent for temperance, chastity or justice but it is he who is always thankful to God...'
(William Law)

'Thou that has given so much to me,
Give one thing more, a grateful heart...
Not thankful when it pleases me,
As though thy blessing had spare days;
But such a heart whose pulse may be,
 Thy praise.'
(George Herbert)

With love in Christ,
Helen