CHAPLAIN’S MUSINGS 15th May 2019

#reflectionsforthisweek

A recent addition to the Church of England liturgical calendar is Vocation Sunday which has now sat at Easter4 for a number of years. For us at St Catherine’s this year, it clashed with Mothers’ Day. But it was in my prayers and in my thoughts and will feature more overtly next year.

In anticipation of my thoughts and prayers around this theme, I have compiled a list (from memory) of all those who volunteer in any capacity. I need some other eyes to help me catch the people I have missed ? I have entitled that list ‘Valuing our Volunteers’.

From my preaching, many of you will know that theologically I believe Vocation to be rooted in our Baptism. As such ALL the baptised have a vocation and as we meet together to pray and worship together week by week we help each other not only discern what that vocation is, but to grow into it more fully.

Personally any idea of limiting the scope of Vocation to authorised ministry is in effect ‘crippling’ the body of Christ. For it is such imagery that is used when talking of ministry and vocation in our Bibles.

As well as forming the list, I am setting someone with an interest in Intercultural Theology, the task of doing some research for and with me among our church family. We want to learn how Vocation is understood in those of 20 or so different nationalities that make St Catherine’s their home. Understood and also exercised. This way enabling and encouraging Vocations can be done in a culturally appropriate manner. I am really excited and hope you will join me in prayer as we continue to see vocations of all types and scopes, flourish among us.

#forourprayers
– we pray this week for all our Volunteers – there are dozens at St Catherine’s not all of them known or visible in what they do but we give thanks for their skills and the time they offer
– also my prayer list – people who have asked for my prayers – is getting longer. Please pray for those people too (you don’t need to know who they are or what their needs are)

#forthehealingofthenations
-we pray for all who will be voting, not only in Europe, but across the world in these coming weeks – for peace and fairness and honesty to prevail.
-we pray for places of worship including churches, synagogues, temples, mosques and other places of worship across the world who are now anxious about safety

#memoryverse

Peace be with you ! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you. JOHN 20.21

#financialupdates
always:
a big Thank You to all who give regularly or at all
secondly there are now hard copy forms available as well as website links for those who want to switch to ‘planned giving forms
finally too 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

#timeandtalents
gifts or occasional help sought please:
– technical support especially for ‘Apple’ / iMacs
– intercessions – public or private
– healing prayer – private
– fundraising
– do you play an instrument – our much loved organist is allowed holidays…….
offers of help to chaplain@stcatherines-stuttgart.de or speak to Kara
– ‘Catering Coordinator’ for our hosting of the chaplains and lay reps (40-50) from all Germany FR 13. / Sa 14.09.19

#foryourdiaries
this week:
Bible Study – resumes this week Wednesday 15th May @ 19.30 in Anglican Centre, all are welcome
Annual Book Sale – SA 18th May – all day with world class café. Help needed. Bring your friends and neighbours to shop!

looking ahead:

Concert – we have invited the Shepherd’s Symphony, a children’s choir from India, who are on tour, to visit Stuttgart.
Tuesday 28th May
The concert will be @18.30 in Leonhardskirche near the Rathaus UBahn

 


Ascension Day Walk – Thursday 30th May meet at the Centre around 15.45 for an opening prayer and then a walk up to Bopser Tea Rooms where we shall read the Ascension story and pray some more and then people can stay or go …… the walking bit will be either in silent prayer or with family and friends (Kara to sort on the day)

#comingsandgoings
– we welcome those new among us and pray they will soon feel at home at St Catherine’s – if you would like to receive the news direct to your inbox please sign up via the website.
– some new faces and also some baptism families will join us for their special day on 21st July and and 22nd September.


#keepingyousafe
our Chaplaincy Safeguarding Officer is Katy Kefferpütz who can be contacted at safeguarding@stcatherines-stuttgart.de should you have any queries or concerns or feedback

#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 !
Chaplaincy Administrator aka the lovely Lauris – every Thursday: 10.00 – 12.00
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.


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

Arrangements can also be made for those wishing to give from other countries because they no longer live in Stuttgart / Germany – please contact finances@stcatherines-stuttgart.de

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