Retiring Collection As I mentioned last Sunday there will be a retiring collection 'a love gift' after the 9.00 and 10.30 services today for the former Archbishop Njojo of Congo. Archbishop Njojo now plans to return from Uganda to the Congo though many of us remain seriously concerned as the eastern part of that country is still very disturbed. As many of you know his son-in-law, Dr Nestor Bebwa, is a valued member of our congregation and he will see to it that the money reaches his father-in-law.

Worship at 10.30 'Model D' Council discussed my proposed 'Model D' Service last Monday. One or two suggestions were made and a copy of the proposal, incorporating those suggestions, is at the back of the church. Reasons are set out in the paper and, if agreed, would be implemented after the renovations have been completed.

ICS Conference All the clergy of HTB attended the conference in Interlaken last week and benefited enormously from the talks, seminars, fellowship and sheer beauty of the scenery around us. This was a valuable opportunity for us to spend time with the many other continental chaplains who were there and to reflect, by listening to God's word, on the pastoral ministry to which we are fully committed. We would all like to thank both the Council and the congregation for enabling us to be away together for this important week.

Amnina Lawal Unknown to any of us but due to be stoned for adultery (Sharia Law) in Nigeria on 3 June. I would like to urge the congregation to protest to Amnesty International's Spanish arm that is handling this matter. Look up http://www.amnistiaporsafriya.org/ It is in Spanish so: enter your first name in the space marked 'nombre', last name (apellidos), county (provincia), country in the drop down box which you should be able to recognize. Then click on 'Seguir' and go to the second page. There you have the option of entering your email address if you wish to receive follow up information. In any case be sure to click on 'aceptar' to have your name added to the petition list. I have also written to the Nigerian Embassy. A copy of the letter is on the noticeboard.

Diocesan Synod. The Synod comes round again next Monday (19^th) through to the following Friday. Both Paulina and I will be attending. I then expect to visit Sarah Pennington, training at All Nations College in preparation for missionary work and James and Birte Day in Cambridge, prior to their ordination in Antwerp in July. I shall then take a few days holiday but return in time for Sunday 1 June.

Nigel Walker, Chaplain

                                                                                                           

Today is also Bun Sunday. Please support us after the 10.30 service by buying our cooked goodies, marmalades and jams, etc. so we can help smaller charities not supported by the Church's Missions Giving.

Grand Prayer March TODAY at 15.00 to pray for Brussels, Belgium and Europe. See posters for more information.

COMING SOON . . .

The Men and girls' choir of York Minster will be singing at our 8pm service on Ascension Day, Thursday 29 May. Please make this widely known.

The Christian Women's Club of Brussels A brunch takes place on Tuesday 13 May from 9.45 - 12.00 at La Chevalerie, ave Brassine 38, 1640 Rhode St Genèse. €10 per person. 02/353 19 23 or chardome@skynet.be for reservations.

 

Christian Outreach Through Sport Please note our annual Golf Day at Bercuit is arranged for Friday 13 June. Contact Ken Thomas on 02/657 05 57 for further info.

INFORMATION

Intercessors, lesson readers, lay assistants etc Please would you put your 'away dates', at the latest by today, on the form you have from Jennifer Le Jeune and send it to her or put it in her pigeon hole. Please notify any swapped duties to the Church Office by phone,fax or e-mail (admin@htbrussels.com).

 

The Mission focus for this month is on the work of the Protestant Social Centre. Loose plate collections next Sunday will go to this organization.

 

 

Helpers needed! The Climbers and Scramblers groups could really benefit from some additional helpers for their Sunday morning activities.  Could you give up one Sunday morning a month to help?  If we could find at least four people then that is all you would have to do! If you would like to know more please contact Heather
Roy at hjroy@yahoo.co.uk  THANK YOU

 

Centenary Renovation Project With the important permission received  for the first phase of the building work, and the authority for the rest of the work promised, the first contract was signed on 23 April. And the real work will begin at the end of this month!  By now most of the congregation have collected the letters from the back of Church. If you have not already collected your letter outlining the final stage of our appeal and containing the pledge form, please inform Vicki at Church Office Monday to Thursday mornings. We will invite you to return your pledge form in a sealed envelope at special services on Pentecost Sunday, 8 June. Alternatively you can place yours (also in a sealed envelope) at any time in Andrew Johnson's pigeon hole in the porch. And finally we invite your prayers for the successful completion of this important work to strengthen the work of God here in Brussels.

 

The congregational singing at Holy Trinity is really very good! If you are one of those who make it so, why not join the 10.30 Choir? We welcome all voices. A little elementary knowledge of music reading would help. We don't expect people to come every week – this is Brussels! If you could sing occasionally, speak to David Iliff at the organ after the service or speak to any member of the choir. Alternatively contact David on 02/767 71 40 or David.Iliff@Pandora.be

 

PREPARING FOR CHANGE Are you preparing to relocate to a new country or 'back home' or are you new to Belgium? This is a 4 week interactive course to help deal with the issues of change that a move entails. Course run by St Paul's Tervuren

Three Friday evenings May 9, 16 and 23 8-10 pm and Saturday 7 June for a BBQ and talk given by Peter and Helen Walley - Cost €20 At St Paul's Church Centre, Tervuren Friday nights. For more details, contact: Ann Start 02 768 2876 e mail: ann.start@belgacom.net or St Paul's Church centre 02 767 3435. Or ask Peter and Helen Walley 02 354 5985

 

For Your diaries

Chassepierre 2003

This year our annual weekend away in the Ardennes is from 13 - 15 June. This is a great opportunity to meet new people, relax and sample the beauty the Ardennes have to offer... Information sheets are available at the back of the church. Places are limited and are going quickly so sign up soon! If you would like more information please contact Heather Roy, Lucy Whittles, Jon Morgan, Becky Foreman or Ingrid Kelling. Alternatively email hjroy@yahoo.co.uk See you there!!

The new Alpha course is starting on Thursday 15 May . This course is recommended for those who want to learn about the basics of Christian faith. For more information, please pick up a leaflet at the back of the church.

 

The French to English translation team is doing a wonderful job on the Newsletter but still needing more members. If you master both languages well, and have some spare time, please get in touch with Vicki at the office.

 

A new 'HTB Classified' space has been created on the church website for all those Wanted – Needed – On Offer ads you would like to post up. Please send the exact text and format you want to appear to webmaster@htbrussels.com