#thoughtforthisweek
We are all caught up in the cycle of Autumn-being-a-busy-time. Be it the start back to work after summer holidays away or the beginning of the academic year, even the weather changes as if to emphasise this.
In churches too autumn / fall is a busy time – with Harvest, St Luke invites a focus on the churches’ Healing ministry, All Saints and All Souls lend themselves to reflecting both on the recently bereaved and on baptism and our fellowship with the world-wide church, parts of the world have something in this part of the year to pray for peace (Remembrance), and all of that before Advent. Add to that at St Catherine’s our joint service with the AKs and one with the ICN to mark the end of America Days, and our Patronal / Birthday service which falls on the Sunday nearest to St Catherine’s day on 25.11., and the annual Bazaar (and for some panto rehearsals)……. And Stephen is already hard at work in preparation for the Lessons and Carols !
It’s exhausting just reading all that. For some, this makes exciting reading – a contrast to what responsibilities are borne the rest of the week. To others all this will not look like good news. Those who come to church for peace and stillness, a re-centring before the next week begins. So those of us who lead worship work hard to ensure that there is peace and stillness in every service. Much of this is already there in silences built into the liturgy, if observed rather than rushing on. More comes from all of us as worshippers working hard at the quality of those silences. Even a Songs of Praise (28.10.) should not be thought of an hour of noise. I often mention our many children – they will learn about stillness by being caught up in our stillness.
For newcomers let me just add something here about harvest. Preparations for a lunch are underway. The focus of our harvest intercessions this year will be the continent of Africa. Our harvest gifts, to be brought o church on 14th October, though are dry goods please – tins and packets, store cupboard items (please not out of date). They will go to Schwäbische Tafel. By all means do your own research but as far as I can see it serves a double blessing. Those whose finances are limited can buy food itrms there at much reduced prices, that are of greater quality nutritionally, than cheap food in shops would be, and, it reduces food waste from shops where items are nearing their best-before dates, instead of being thrown away, are donated.
Once again our harvest blessing: may you be blessed may we all be blessed and our cups filled to overflowing by a God who promises abundance.
#forourprayers
we pray too for Brigitte’s Walter in his illness with currently much pain and for Brigitte as she cares for him
we pray for Ashley Williams who was to do a ministry placement with us next spring but has delayed because of being ill
we pray for the people of Indonesia following earthquake and tsunami and the untold suffering in their wake
#justsoyouknow
the ‘Harvest Festival’ this year will fall on Sunday 14.10.18 – please bring tins and dried goods to give to Schwäbische Tafel (food bank) which will be collected during the Harvest Thanksgiving Eucharist
#foryourdiaries
Harvest on 14.10. – for all the church family
Konfi@56 – for youngsters between approx. 11-14 starts on 02.10. @17-19.00 in Centre
#comingsandgoings
we pray for any newcomers that they might feel truly welcome among us and as they discern what gifts God is calling them to share 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 !
Chaplaincy Administrator aka the lovely Lauris – every Thursday: 10.00 – 12.00
I am often at the Centre at other times so feel free to drop in – no appointment needed !
