Wednesday 24 May 2023

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

This coming Sunday is Pentecost. Please don't miss this joyful celebration.

Pentecost, 28th May
This is a very special day in the life of the Church, when we celebrate the coming of the Spirit on the first disciples and the preaching of the gospel to people of different nations and languages. It is a good day to celebrate the international nature of our church community and to remember that we are all one in Christ.
There will be two special events taking place on Sunday:

• Time and Talents Auction: We are one in the Spirit but we are all different, with different gifts. As we celebrate this, we are invited to offer our time and talents to raise money for the church. After our worship on Sunday we will hold the auction and invite bids for the different talents and services offered.
  If you are unable to attend on Sunday but would still like to bid for some of the items/services, you can do so through Ricardo. See this link for a description of some of the items and services available.
• International Lunch: As we have done so successfully in previous years, we invite you to bring some food from your own nation or local area to share. If you have a national dress, we encourage you to wear it. The hall will be decorated with flags from nations round the world. This has been a very colourful and joyful occasion in the past, so don't miss it!

Online Study, Tuesday 30th May
Our next online study session will be on Tuesday 30th May, 7:00 - 8:15pm, via Zoom. We continue to look at passages from Dietrich Bonhoeffer's book, Life Together. Benji, who is doing a PhD on Bonhoeffer's vision of the church, is leading us in these studies and discussions. They have been excellent so far! Even if you have missed the first sessions, you are welcome to come along. I will be sending out some passages for us to read and talk about, and the Zoom link, on Monday.

Summer Fête
Our summer fête will be held on Saturday 10th June, 10:00 - 15:00.
Come along and enjoy our usual food stall, book stall, homemade goods, gift items, raffle and tombola and children's activities. The restaurant and cafe will be open all day. Please pre-order crumpets, scones and pies, and other gift items and cards here.
Items from the Food Stall need to be purchased at the Sale itself.

We still need help running stalls, setting up and clearing up and baking cakes. If you are able to help, please let the office know.

The Spirit is With Us
On Pentecost we especially give thanks for the gift of the Holy Spirit. I conclude with a short liturgy reminding us that the Spirit is with us. Let us pray for the Spirit to work deeply amongst us.

The Lord is near
His Spirit is with us
We need not fear,
His Spirit is with us.
We are surrounded by love,
His Spirit is with us.
We are immersed in peace,
His Spirit is with us.
We rejoice in hope,
His Spirit is with us.
We travel in faith,
His Spirit is with us.
(David Adam)

With love in Christ,
Helen