#thoughtforthisweek
For a number of weeks now our children have been focusing their learning time on some Hebrew Bible personalities such as Samson, Daniel, Hannah and still to come are Ruth and Naomi, David and also Miriam. All these under the umbrella term of ‘Super heroes’.
Today most super heroes are more Disney driven than biblical and who knows what secrets all of us harbour about heroes we may have had in the past or indeed still do ?
What I find exciting and scary in about equal measure – is that for young children at least, we their parents, godparents, grandparents, aunts and uncles….. are heroes too.
Our attention is sought by them in a variety of ways. Attention is given to us with an intensity that is humbling. Love is lavished. Yet that ‘window’ is a small one, to be cherished while it lasts. But what a responsibility too.
Over the summer months too our gospel readings take us back to early chapters when the disciples of Jesus get an early measure of who this man is. Is he a hero or not. And opinion changes from event to event. Throughout that process the character of Jesus and all he says and does that arise from his very nature, remain consistent.
Put those two paragraphs together and perhaps what might emerge for us who are role models and heroes to our youngsters is this – the core of what is needed is consistence and that of a nature that remains true to our core or our souls, shaped as they are, by God himself who made us in his image. The rest of what our youngsters might enjoy about us is a bonus, to them and to us.
Super heroes – it’s not what we do and say, but who we are. And our Super-Powers ?? – come direct from the Pentecost Spirit and in abundance.
#forourprayers
Our children, our Sunday School Teachers and all of us as we model faith in our daily lives.
#justsoyouknow
Thank you to all who have completed their ‘Data Protection’ forms and returned them to us. A form can be found online too as well as at the back of church after services. Completing this process should make all of us feel less anxious about how our details are being used and by whom.
Are you ready to celebrate 150 years since the consecration of the original church on the site of St. Catherine’s?
The Old Catholics are planning 150th Anniversary celebrations of the consecration of St Catherine’s in 1868 with a week of events in the last week of July, 22nd to 29th.
It begins and ends with a 10.30 Sunday service (please note starting time), and the opening service on 22nd is to be attended by the Bishops of both our churches. The Anglican congregation, that is us, will be hosting the refreshments, please make offers of, finger food, cakes etc. to Eric or Alison.
The other events will comprise a Taize service on Tuesday, a concert on Wednesday and a Lichtvesper on Friday, details of which are available in a programme leaflet obtainable in the church or on the website. There will also be an exhibition of photographs portraying the lives of both our churches.
We plan to give a light-hearted variety concert on Saturday 28th July in the evening, and I am now appealing for volunteers to give a short performance – instrumental music, songs, a recitation – in fact, anything entertaining. Please don’t be shy- it is just for fun. Items with audience participation are particularly welcome. Offers to Eric, please.
Last week was Refugee Week – building on what we heard in Sunday’s sermon you can keep those seeking safety and security in your prayers with this prayer from the Church of England’s topical prayers;
For Refugees
Almighty and merciful God,
whose Son became a refugee and had no place to call his own;
look with mercy on those who today are fleeing from danger,
homeless and hungry.
Bless those who work to bring them relief;
inspire generosity and compassion in all our hearts;
and guide the nations of the world towards that day when all will rejoice in your Kingdom of justice and of peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St. Catherine’s Ladies’ Evening Group – July Meeting – postponed
In July the LEGS will meet at Trollinger-Stubn – Rotebühlstraße 50
70178 Stuttgart – hopefully we’ll be able to get a table outside.
Date: Monday 16th July, Time: from 19:00
Please e-mail legs@stcatherines-stuttgart.de if you’d like to join us
Bible Study Here is the Gospel reading for tonight’s Bible study meeting: Mark 5:21-43
(Wednesday 7.30pm at the Anglican Centre as usual :)). The study session will be led by Solomon. Looking forward to seeing you then!
Best,
Katy
biblestudy@stcatherines-stuttgart.de
