Tuesday 18 June 2024

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I hope you are enjoying the sunshine today!

I hope to see many of you this coming Sunday. In addition to the Junior Church and crèche, the monthly Teenager Group will be meeting during the service this Sunday.

There are also various events coming up which I draw your attention to below.

African Social Event, Saturday 6th July, 11.30 -15:00.
The event (held in the Upper Hall) will be organised by several members of our congregation from Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana. Come and enjoy delicious food and music, and find out about life and faith in these countries. Entrance is free, but donations are welcome. Here is a flyer.
Everyone is welcome, but numbers may be limited.
If you would like to come you MUST let the office know by 30th June.

James Morgan's Ordination
James will be ordained deacon at Holy Trinity, Brussels on Sunday 30th June. Please pray for him as he prepares for this service and his subsequent training and ministry as a curate at St Ursula's, and for my role as training incumbent. Please also pray for Lilian and all the family.
We will welcome James as our curate on Sunday 7th July, when James will preach and we will have a celebratory glass of wine after the service.

Malcolm and Maggie Guite
When David and I are away in the summer (22nd July - 5th August), Canon Maggie Guite will be taking the services. I am delighted that Malcolm and Maggie (who are good friends of ours) will be coming to St Ursula's and I have no doubt you will enjoy their time with you and be greatly enriched by all they offer.

Songs and Sonnets Evening with Malcolm Guite, 2nd August
Malcolm has offered to read some of his poems and sing some of his songs at St Ursula's Friday 2nd August, 19:00. Many of you will be familiar with Malcolm's poems as I often include one at the end of my email message (as today!). He is wonderful to listen to, so do come along if you are around in August.

Children's Activity Day, Saturday 24th August, 10:00 - 14:00
Following on from our successful children's Activity Day last year, we are holding another this year on the theme: 'God Feeds Us.' There will be music, games, baking, and input on this theme. The day is for children aged 3-12. (Children 3 - 6 need to have a parent with them).
Please do register your children as soon as you can if they want to come. And please pass this on to other families you know. (There are flyers with application forms about this day in church).

House Groups
As you know the House Groups have now started. A big thank you to those who are leading and hosting.
There are two groups in Bern: one meeting on Tuesday evenings and one on Thursday evenings.
There will also be a group meeting (monthly) in Thun.
If you haven't expressed an interest before, but would now like to know more about these house groups, please do let me know.

Jesus Calming the Storm
The gospel on Sunday is about Jesus calming the storm and we will be reflecting on the call to trust Jesus in the various storms we may face in our own lives. The poem below speaks of discipleship as a stepping aboard the ship with Jesus, launching out into the deep, and trusting him even when storms and floods threaten us.

The Call of the Disciples
He calls us all to step aboard his ship,
Take the adventure on this morning's wing,
Raise sail with him, launch out into the deep,
Whatever storms or floods are threatening.
If faith gives way to doubt, or love to fear,
Then, as on Galilee, we'll rouse the Lord,
For he is always with us and will hear,
And make our peace with his creative Word,
Who made us, loved us, formed us and has set
All his beloved lovers in an ark;
Borne upwards by his Spirit, we will float
Above the rising waves, the falling dark,
As fellow pilgrims, driven towards that haven,
Where all will be redeemed, fulfilled, forgiven.
- Malcolm Guite

Love in Christ,
Helen