Wednesday 9 April 2025

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I know that some of you are away on holiday as the school holidays fall at this time. If you are away for Holy Week and Easter, I do hope you will be able to find a church to celebrate these central events in our faith. If you are still in Bern, then I hope to see you on Sunday and during this coming week.

It has been good to have some of you joining us during Lent for Morning Prayer online, Monday - Thursday, 8.30am. Perhaps you might want to join us for the rest of Passiontide and Holy Week? The zoom link is here.

Climate March, Friday 11th April, 17.30 - 21.30, Bundesplatz
If you are concerned about the effects of climate change, and the future for your children and grandchildren, you might like to join this march in Bern on Friday. It is organised by Klimastreik, and supported by many other organisations (both international NGOs and political parties). Click below for more information: Climate March, Friday 11th April

Reflection from Jorum Kirundi
I am delighted to be able to attach another piece by Jorum on anger and fear and our need for God's peace. You might want to ponder these things as we approach Holy Week.

Holy Week and Easter Services...

Palm Sunday, THIS Sunday 13th April
We meet at the entrance to the Dählhölzli (near the recycling bins) at 9.50am for the blessing of the palms, and then we process to church singing, remembering the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem riding on a donkey. The rest of the service continues in church as we listen to the long Passion Gospel and reflect on Jesus' betrayal, false trial and death. NB please note that when the procession arrives at church, children should go straight to Junior Church.

The period from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday is called Holy Week and during this week we follow the events from Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, through the Last Supper, his betrayal and false trial, his torture and death on the cross, to his glorious resurrection. Please do come along to as many of these services as you can. This helps us to enter more deeply into all that Christ has done for us.

Chrism Eucharist, Monday 14th April, 11.30am
During this service Anglican Chaplains of Switzerland will gather at St Ursula's to renew their ordination vows. The service also includes the blessing of the oils used in baptism, confirmation and for healing. The service will be led by our new Suffragan Bishop, Andrew Norman. You are welcome to attend the service, but please do let me know if you would like to come asap.

Maundy Thursday, 17th April, 6.30pm
This special Eucharist recalls the Last Supper and Jesus washing his disciples' feet. At the end of the service the altar is stripped and we listen to the Gospel of the Watch. You are invited to stay and pray in silence. If you are willing to have a foot washed at this service, please do let me know.

Good Friday, 18th April
There are two services this day:
Family Service, 10am: A short service of readings, hymns, reflection and prayer for people of all ages.
Liturgy of the Cross, 2pm: A service of readings, hymns, canticles, reflection and silence, focused on the cross.

Easter Sunday, 20th April, 10am
Do join us for the joyful celebration that Christ is Risen! The last few years we have had a packed church for Easter Sunday. Do bring your friends and neighbours.

I leave you with a poem reflecting on Palm Sunday which prompts us to think about our own attitudes to Jesus.

Palm Sunday
Now to the gate of my Jerusalm,
The seething holy city of my heart,
The Saviour comes. But will I welcome him?
Oh crowds of easy feelings make a start;
They raise their hands, get caught up in the singing,
And think the battle won. Too soon they'll find
The challenge, the reversal he is bringing
Changes their tune. I know what lies behind
The surface flourish that so quickly fades;
Self-interest, and fearful guardedness,
The hardness of the heart, its barricades,
And at the core, the dreadful emptiness
Of a perverted temple. Jesus, come
Break my resistance and make me your home.
(Malcolm Guite)

With love in Christ,
Helen