CHAPLAIN’S NOTES

Carol Service May I once again record our thanks to all those who made the Carol Service last Sunday so memorable. Some people described it as the most beautiful they had ever attended. Very special thanks to Richard Peppiette (sound), Peter White (lighting), Becky Foreman and her team (candlelight), Petra  Zollner (who organised the Readers) and the ushers at the back who ran everything so smoothly. Supremely, however, to David Iliff for his leadership of the singers and instrumentalists and his very hard work in making the evening such a memorable event.

Bible Notes Please do not forget to renew your Bible notes for the New Year. Use the form at the back of the notes and send it direct to Scripture Union. A few people made use of our direct order but I am afraid we cannot take any more orders for the coming quarter.                                                    Nigel Walker

 

A big thank-you to all the Bun Sunday bakers and buyers. We raised over €350. We still have some Christmas goodies left (puddings and rich fruit cakes) so this Sunday, the 21st, we will be holding a small Bun Sunday.

 

OPPORTUNITIES

The Evening service tonight, at 19.00, will be a Christmas Praise and Prayer service, when we will be exploring the diversity within our fellowship, as well as our unity in Christ. We invite people to share with us something from their own cultural backgrounds which makes Christmas meaningful for them as Christians:  a song, a poem, a tradition, something humorous - anything they feel is worth sharing. We will also express our unity in Christ in an informal celebration of the Lord's Supper. After the service we will enjoy mince pies and mulled wine (a very English tradition!), and invite everyone to join us! Please note, there will be NO evening service on 28 December, but we meet again in the New Year on 4 January.

Christmas Day celebrations If you do not have anywhere to spend Christmas day this year and you would otherwise be alone, please do let us know so that we can link you up with a family.  Similarly if you would like to welcome someone from the congregation who would otherwise be on their own then please could you let us know.  Thank you. Contact Helen Walley on helen.walley@belgacom.net or 02/354 59 85

Christmas Love Feast The 2pm congregation is organising their annual Christmas Love Feast on Thursday 25 December 2003. Far from home and family, alone this Christmas day? Come and join us for a love feast at 34-36, rue du Chimiste, 1070 Brussels. For further info contact Isaac on 0476 970 442 or 02 420 06 04. Any kind of help is also welcome.

Home carol-singing We will be singing a lot of carols (with prayer) with our family at home over Christmas and would love it if any family or anyone of any age from the congregation would like to join us (at a date/time that suits). If so, please contact James on eliane_pitts@yahoo.com or 02/453 95 63.

INFORMATION

December car park arrangements For the morning services of today and 28 December the shops will be open. The car park will be accessible but no special arrangements for Holy Trinity congregation will apply, we will be treated as the general public.

The Church Office The Church Office will close on Friday 19 December and reopen on Monday 5 January. This is our opportunity warmly to thank Vicki, who has completed her first year with us and to whom we owe special gratitude for her hard work among us.

The Prayer Chain welcomes requests for prayer for any situation in complete
confidentiality. Please pass your request to Sue Cox 02/767 29 11 or cottoncox@hotmail.com to Ann Milton 02/772 47 04.

Christmas presents Why not buy a lovely silver or golden cross for Christmas? They make perfect gifts for wives, daughters, nieces, granddaughters and friends. The profits from the sale of the crosses go to the renovation project. There are still 50 available at the old price: silver €50; gold (takes 6-8 weeks) €175. After Christmas prices go up. . . Sundays in church 10.30: Pam Mackenzie or Paulina van Rijn: e-mail pamela.mackenzie@mail.dss.mil or paulina@village.uunet.be

The Catholic Apostolic Service will take place at 12.00 on Sunday 28 December. No refreshments will be served after the 10.30 Service.

CRP Painting Volunteers If you have serious painting experience please come into the Hall for an on-site meeting at 10.00 on 10 January. No painting planned, just management preparation for the volunteers whom we want to start on 17 January at 08.00. About one hour of visits and organisation discussions is required.

Items for the Newsletter Please send these, at the latest by 9.00 on Tuesdays, to the Church Office or by e-mail to David.Iliff@Pandora.be Please note today’s is the last Newsletter till 11 January. Items for that should arrive by 9.00 on 6 January.