Wednesday 29 January 2025

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

I hope you are enjoying the sunshine today! I know that some of you will be away for ski week this coming week, but I hope to see many of you on Sunday, for our special Candlemas service.

Candlemas, Sunday 2nd February
On Sunday we remember the Presentation of Christ in the Temple (traditionally known as Candlemas). In this service we both look back to Christmas and look forward to Easter. At the end of the service we will all light a candle to take out with us, remembering that we are called to take Christ's light out into the world.

Eco Forum Questionnaire
If you were not able to be at the Eco Forum on Sunday 19th January but would still like to join in the feedback and share your thoughts, please fill in this very short questionnaire.
The Eco Group will analyse all the feedback we have received to plan our next steps of Eco activities.
Watch this space!

Musicians Needed
We are very thankful to our team of dedicated musicians who take turns on a rota to play the music at our services at St Ursula's. We would be glad to have more musicians on the rota especially as one of our team will be leaving later in the year. There are many new members of our church and perhaps some of you play a musical instrument? If you are interested in joining the team, do let Helen know.

Electoral Roll
Would you like to be on our electoral roll? This means you can vote at our Annual General Meeting. You need to be baptised but you don't have to be an Anglican: you can be a baptised member of any church in communion with the Anglican church. You need to have worshipped with us regularly for at least 6 months. If you would like to join the electoral roll, please do ask Tricia and she will give you the simple form to complete (Forms in the Upper Hall).
NB. This year the electoral roll is completely revised (it has to be done every 6 years) so EVERYONE has to complete the form. (Even if you have been on the electoral roll in the past).

Wise Words When we are angry or upset about something, we can sometimes make things worse by getting even more cross with ourselves for responding in that way. In such circumstances I find these wise words below very helpful. They are written by Francis de Sales, a Bishop in Geneva in the beginning of the seventeenth century, who was well known as a wise and sensitive spiritual director:

'Finally, don't be angry, or at least don't be agitated over the fact that you've been agitated; don't be disturbed at having been disturbed; don't be upset at the fact that these annoying emotions have upset you. But very gently put your heart back into the hands of our Lord, begging Him to heal it.' (Francis de Sales)

With love in Christ,
Helen