Tuesday 3 December 2024

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

We are now in the season of Advent. I pray that this season will be a time of light and hope for you all.

Teens Group Event, Friday 6th December
The teenager group are meeting in the Upper Hall at 17.30 on Friday 6th for games and cookie decorating. A short informal service of carols and readings will follow at 18.30, and pizza at 19.00. The teenager group invite parents and others to join them for the service (at 18.30) and pizza afterwards.

Sunday 8th December, Special All Age Eucharist
This coming Sunday will be a very special Sunday when several children receive communion for the first time. Please do pray for the children:
Erik, Frederik, Leo, Charles, Jemimah, Purity and Emily.
We also look forward to welcoming several members of their families who will be with us on Sunday.

Sad News

We have just heard that Violetta, Dmytry's mother, has died. We commend her to God's love. Please do keep Dmytry and his family in your prayers, praying that they may know God's strength and peace.

A Herdsboy's Whistle
Jorum Kirundi has written a new thought-provoking piece called 'In Response to his Question', which I attach.

New Suffragan Bishop: Canon Andrew Norman
The new Suffragan (Assistant) Bishop for our Diocese in Europe has been announced this week. I attach a letter giving more information. Let us pray for Andrew Norman and his family.

Nativity Play
Our Nativity Play will be on Sunday 15th December. This is always a joyful service. Do join us.

Carol Services

Heiliggeist Carol Service, 19.30, Thursday 12th December (at the Heiliggeistkirche, Bern). A service of readings, carols and prayers. The Berner Motettenchor will also be singing. Thun Carol Service, 19.00, Tuesday 17th December (at Chapelle Romande, Frutigenstrasse 22, Thun)

Do come along to either or both of these services and bring your friends!

Advent Prayer

Recently I came across this Advent prayer from the 10th century:

You are our eternal salvation,
the unfailing life of the world.
Light everlasting,1111111
you are truly our redemption.

Grieving that the human race was perishing
through the tempter's power,
without leaving the heights
you came to the depths in your loving kindness.

Readily taking our humanity by your own gracious will,
you saved all earthly creatures, long since lost,
restoring joy to the world.

Redeem our souls and bodies, O Christ,
and so possess us as your shining dwellings.

By your first coming, make us righteous;
at your second coming, set us free:
so that, when the world is filled with light
and you judge all things,
we may be clad in spotless robes
and follow in your steps, O King,
into the heavenly hall.

(source unknown)

With love in Christ,
Helen