#thoughtforthisweek
overwhelmingly the most important thing to say here is ‘Thank You !!’
– to those who ‘managed’ the Carol Service Event on Sunday
– to those who will give their time to facilitate welcoming worship services in these coming days
– to those who year round do the countless tasks that often go unseen
– a personal ‘Thank You’ to those who have cared for me and prayed for me in the 8+ months I have been among you
At a time of year when we are caught up in celebration ‘Thank You’ is more on our lips than at other times of year, and I hope that too will come across in our Christmas worship on 24. / 25. December.
I introduced the ‘Lessons and Carols’ with this anecdote:
the US astronaut Col Jim Irwin, the 8th man to stand on the moon, as part of the Apollo15 mission, was reported to have said after returning to earth from that experience: “the most significant achievement of our age is not that man stood on the moon but rather that God in Christ stood upon this earth”
The only response to that is gratitude and awesome wonder and worship.
‘As we meet to celebrate anew the coming of God’s Kingdom, we hear revealed the mystery of God’s loving purpose for us…….’ from the ‘Lessons and Carols’ Bidding Prayer
In case you didn’t make it to the Carol service yesterday but would like to give to the St Catherine’s outreach programme – I will leave the details up for one more week……
At the Carol Service this Sunday the money collected will be supporting:
- St George’s Anglican Chaplaincy Baghdad
- Indian Widows – a direct link via our former Chaplain Rt. Rev. Surya Prakash, supporting a community of widows in India.
- Café Strichpunkt
If you are unable to join us for the Carol service but would still like to give to this work please be in touch via our website www.stcatherines-stuttgart.de
(and there is always the option to email: finances@stcatherines-stuttgart.de for info or help to make donations)
And finally may I add my own greetings and blessings for you through these coming days and into the new year. ‘Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace, that you may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.’ ROMANS 15.13 May you know God’s abiding love and presence now and always.
#forourprayers
– we pray for all for whom this time of year is a real struggle
– we have been asked to pray for the International Christian School of Stuttgart as they seek a new site
– we pray for all those of the St Catherine’s family who are away from loved ones over Christmas and New Year
– we pray for all those of the St Catherine’s family who are travelling that they may stay safe
#justsoyouknow
– we are still needing sermon topics for the new year
– we have our next Joint (bilingual) service with the AKs on Sunday 30.12.18 @11.15
#foryourdiaries
upcoming services:
Sunday 23rd December – Advent 4 – Eucharist @11.15
Christmas Eve – Crib Service @ 14.00 (dress up as something from the nativity!!) and candlelit Eucharist @20.00
Christmas Day – Eucharist @10.00
looking well ahead – the Annual Meeting will be on Sunday 7.04.19 after the service – please pray whether joining the Council is something God may be calling you to (in whatever capacity)
#comingsandgoings
may all who join us in these coming weeks find a warm welcome among us
#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 !
