Wednesday 25 October 2023

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

David and I have had a lovely break away over recent days. A big thank you to Elizabeth Bussmann who took the service on Sunday and to all those who ensured things went smoothly in our absence.

Lectio Divina
A group of us meet every Thursday morning, 10:30-11:15am, via Zoom, to meditate on a short Bible passage and share our reflections. Ask me or the church office for the Zoom link.

Sunday 29th October
I am delighted to welcome Douglas Pratt, whom many of you will know well, as our preacher this coming Sunday. Douglas is from New Zealand. He is a Professor in Theology and has had a long standing relationship with the University of Bern and worships with us at St Ursula's when he is here.

Mental Health and the Christian Faith
After the service on Sunday, we will be having an informal discussion about Mental Health and the Christian Faith. This is an opportunity to share concerns and think about how we can better support one another. There will be a 'panel' of people with some expertise and experience in this area to help us in our discussion.
If you have particular questions, concerns, topics that you would like to raise please do send these to me before 29th October.

Theological Lecture at the University
Some of you may be interested in the lecture to be given at the university on Monday 30th October, 18.15-19.45, by Professor Martyn Percy, a well-known British theologian. The details are in this link.

All Saints and All Souls
We will mark All Saints and All Souls on Sunday 5th November, and during the service we will remember loved ones who have died. If you would like the name of a loved one read out during the service, please do let the office know.

Prayer for the Middle East
Our Bishop, Bishop Robert Innes, has shared:
'We have all been shocked and dismayed by the eruption of violence in the Holy Land. The destruction of the Anglican Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza city has been particularly horrific. Each act of aggression makes building peace more difficult. So I call on people across our diocese to pray fervently with me for an end to the violence, for the safety and wellbeing of innocent civilians and for the restoration of peace.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.'

A theologian who has worked with both Jews and Palestinians in Israel and in Gaza says:
'In the face of such pain, such loss, such evil; in times when...hope seems to drain away, and light is reduced to a hesitant flicker; when I see friends, colleagues, Jews, Muslims, Christians, fellow beings made in God's own image, suffering with no end in sight... Words seem too frail. I don't have the answers. I don't have the resources. And so, I cry out, even groan, to the God of creation.'

In Romans, chapter 8, Paul speaks of the groaning of suffering creation, the groaning of the people of God, and even the groaning of the Holy Spirit within us. In the pain and suffering of this situation, let us pray for the Holy Spirit to groan within us, to help us to pray:

'Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness: for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes to us with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.' (Romans 8: 26-27).

With love in Christ,
Helen