CHAPLAIN’S MUSINGS 13th February 2019

#thoughtforthisweek
Because Easter is almost as late as it can be this year, 21st April, we have room to draw breath in what is, I think humorously, called ‘Ordinary Time’. The first of our annual journeys is complete – we travelled together through Advent – Christmas – Epiphany. The next is some way off yet.
The journey of Lent – Holy Week – Easter begins with Ash Wednesday and will end with Pentecost, the birthday of the worldwide church.
For Ash Wednesday (6th March) this year – come and join the Old Catholics and Anglicans as we worship together at a Eucharist with ‘ashing’ (“remember you are dust and to dust you shall return. Turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ”) followed by a Fish Supper in the Gemeindesaal.
The 5 Wednesdays that will follow, offer the usual Bible Study slot but with a Lenten theme – even if you don’t usually join this group, might you do so for these 5 weeks this year ??
Some of our sermon slots during Lent will focus on Stewardship and that aspect of our discipleship.
Holy Week will as its name suggests, grows ever more holy as it moves us towards its climax.

  • Maundy Thursday – a short evening service this year possibly without the ‘foot washing’.
  • Good Friday – open house all day, drop in any time and stay as short or as long as you would like to reflect in silence on what is on offer there. Unlike a Good Friday Liturgy, this Will be suitable to take children to and converse in hushed tones about what you can see.
  • Holy Saturday we begin once again at the Leonhardskirche and process and conclude at St Catherine’s.
  • For those with stamina we return not much much later for Easter Sunday Family Eucharist and ‘bring-and-share’ lunch. (for all the timings and further details – keep eyes on website and Notice-sheets)

Two more things I would like to add to this journey from Ash Wednesday to Pentecost.
We normally in our worship, rely very heavily on words and listening to them, joining in with them. The liturgy, the readings, and prayers, even the music…….
Might we on this next journey draw in a couple more of the five senses we have been given – movement and smell.

During Lent – for the prayers of intercession there will be a world map on the floor in that big space behind the altar and people will be invited to get out of their seats and pray for a country, an area…… in silence !

During Easter – I would like us to waft some incense, which was indeed one of the gifts offered by the magi to the infant Christ, and is often mentioned as representing both the holiness and the presence, of God.
(more details will be given nearer the time, but if you have asthma / other problems with incense, please talk to me so we can make sure you are safe)

Before Lent starts we will hold our traditional Pancake Sunday Lunch after the service on Sunday 3rd March. We are looking for cooks who can help rustle up an international pancake – or equivalent – feast. Please speak to Gary (facilities@stcatherines-stuttgart.de) if you would like to cook and he will help organise hotplates to cook on.
Helpers are also sought to set up and clear away after the feast.

#forourprayers
we pray for those unwell and for those undergoing treatments and recovering from surgery – for healing and for peace

#forthehealingofthenations
we pray this week for the nations in the headlines

#financialupdates
again two things this week:

  • firstly we had an update at the most recent Council meeting and we are well behind in our ‘giving’ for where we are in the financial year and something we all need to take responsibility for
  • secondly an appeal to anyone who has either experience or a passion for fundraising and grant application to join our finance team – you can email them on finances@stcatherines-stuttgart.de

#februarymemoryverse
comes from one of our Isaiah readings this month

“Arise, shine, for your light has come and the glory of the Lord shall be upon you.” ISA60.1

#justsoyouknow
I am collating a skills audit for our church

  • any ‘techies’ out there to help with IT issues?
  • The Church Council will need a new Council Secretary, from April onwards – could this be You? (ask Kara what is required in skills and duties)
  • I have now come across Four !! people who have certificates in some form of pastoral or sacramental or ministerial training – please let me know if there are others among you…….

#foryourdiaries
upcoming services:

  • we are now in Ordinary time and will continue our series on topics you’ve asked for….. including faith/doubt and liturgy
  • Women’s Group – 21st February – 10:00 in the Anglican Centre
  • World Day of Prayer – 1st March – 19:00 – in church
  • Sunday 3rd March – Pancake lunch – after church in the side room
  • Men’s Pub Night – 7th March – 19:00 – TBC
  • Ladies’ Evening Group – 20th March – Sophies’ Brauhaus – contact legs@stcatherines-stuttgart.de if you would like to be added to our WhatsApp group
  • looking well ahead:the Annual Meeting will be on Sunday 7th April 2019 after the service – please pray whether joining the Council is something God may be calling you to (in whatever capacity)
  • August 2019 – chance to join a pilgrimage with form Chaplain, Rev’d Ken Dimmick Pilgramage2019

#comingsandgoings
we welcome those new among us and pray they will soon feel at home at St Catherine’s

#chaplain@theoffice
Chaplain – every Monday: 14.30 – 16.00 and every Saturday: 11.00 – 12.30
If I am not there at these times there will be a very good reason! I am also at the Centre at other times so feel free to drop in – no appointment needed ! Or DO make an appointment if that more suits your needs.
Chaplaincy Administrator – every Thursday: 10.00 – 12.00


FINANCIAL SUPPORT

St Catherine’s Anglican Church does not receive financial support from the German government or the Diocese in Europe. We depend on the generous financial support of those that worship with us to support our ministry.

Thank you in advance for your support !

Your contributions may be paid by Überweisung to St Catherine’s Church:

The Friends of the English Church e.V.
Evangelische Bank:
IBAN: DE67 5206 0410 0000 4022 22

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