The flowers today are given to the glory of God and in memory of Blackie.

The Mission Focus for January is Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW). 

CHAPLAIN’S NOTES

CRP Self Help All able bodied members of the congregation are now requested, wherever possible, to give one or two Saturday mornings (8.00 - 13.00) per month to get our renovated buildings into good shape. It is a great opportunity to work and have fellowship and for our four congregations to work together. Peter Mackenzie, who has given himself to this project, needs all the support we can give him. Please come for all or part of that time.

Lent Two weeks ago I suggested that we might start reflecting about Lent (begins Ash Wednesday 25 February). While many value the giving up of something (and this must be good), it would also be good to reflect on something that is thoroughly positive and has long-term benefits. Way back in 1990 I first reflected, while on a sabbatical at a theological college in Kenya, how best Africa and Europe could help each other. That vision has started to come to fruition partly at least through my long friendship with Michael Cassidy from South Africa. Following his visit in 2000 an office was set up in Brussels and an African Enterprise Board was created with Lynn Badcock being appointed as Administrator. This opens up real possibilities for us in the coming years. Already support has been generated to help with the salaries of a number of evangelists in the Congo.

I am convinced that the two continents can help one another. In Europe we need a fresh injection of the Gospel that Africa can bring to us. This was again demonstrated recently with the Christian Impact Mission. It will be reflected again in Carolyn Walker’s musical play involving many African actors and around 50 people in total at the German School towards the end of March (24-26). Equally we from Europe can help with medical aid and other necessary support. Both Europe and Africa will benefit from this bridge. I will write further next week.

 

Lent Book May I suggest John Stott’s ‘Why I am a Christian’. It is, as his books always are, an excellent book where he states clearly and with deep conviction his reasons for being a Christian. It will help us sort out our own reasons for following Christ. Orders can be taken this weekend and during the next two weekends.

            Nigel Walker

 

COMING SOON . . .

The Marriage Course  Led, on video, by Nicky and Sila Lee, from Holy Trinity Brompton.  Course facilitated by David and Janet Sayers.  This is a very practical course, giving married couples the tools to build a strong and healthy marriage that lasts a lifetime. It is highly recommended by the chaplains (and their wives!).  It will be held at St Anthony's Parish Hall, Oudstrijderslaan 23-25, 1950 Kraainem on the following Fridays: 30 January, 6 and 13 February, 5, 12 and 26 March and 2 April.  (A commitment to all the dates is recommended.)   Cost per couple €125, which includes a lovely supper each week and all materials.  Pre-registration is essential.  You can do this through info@stpaulstervuren.org or call 02/767 34 35.  Payments made to St Paul's Events, 310-1075431-78.

There will be two opportunities to attend performances of Brahms’ Requiem next weekend; Friday 30 January at 20.00 in the German church and Sunday afternoon at 15.00 in Heverlee Abbey (Leuven). They will be given by the International Chorale of Brussels with orchestra, soloists Margaret Lysak, soprano, and our own Richard Craddock, baritone, directed by Pam Clements. For further information, see leaflets, poster, or telephone 02/768 13 27. This melodious work gives an opportunity to remember our loved ones in a particularly uplifting way, ending with a decorous celebration of their arrival in paradise.

Some people will know about Tigers Club which works amazingly successfully among street children in Kampala, Uganda. It was founded by Andy Williams, former Youth Worker at St Paul’s, Tervuren. On Saturday 7 February at 18.30 there is a cocktail reception with entertainment at the Koloniën Paleis in Tervuren. Tickets are €30 and all proceeds will go to Tigers Club. For tickets and more information contact Deborah Walker on tigersclub@skynet.be or 02/767 91 63.

 

INFORMATION

Congratulations to Coretta and Sam Van Leer on the birth of Nicolas in Bern last Monday, 19 January. Nicolas weighed in at 3.975kg and is 51cm long. You can contact the Van Leers on 0041 31 992 30 43 or samvanleer@bluewin.ch

The amount raised by the 2003 Bun Sunday sales was nearly €2500. A big thank-you to all bakers and buyers - despite the difficulties due to the building works the total is not bad. I look forward to receiving suggestions about charities or causes to be supported by Bun Sunday with this money. Please respond in writing to Ann Freeman (pigeonhole) or via annbarleycorn@belgacom.net as soon as possible.

Ann Freeman

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 or to Ann Milton 02/772 47 04.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Recovering from Divorce and Separation - Course run jointly by

St Paul’s Tervuren and Holy Trinity Brussels

 

Who is it for?                 Anyone struggling with the issues involved in divorce and separation, whether themselves, now or in the past, or in relation to a close relative or friend who needs support at this difficult time

What is it?                     A four-week course based on a video course produced by Holy Trinity Brompton, led by Christopher Compston. The format is small group discussion with complete confidentiality within the group.

Course content            How do you feel about what has happened?; Dealing with issues of conflict; Dealing with issues of family; Dealing with moving on.

When is it?                     Four TUESDAY evenings, 8 pm to 10 pm

                             3 and 10 February, 2 and 9 March

Refreshments                   Light Refreshments

What will it cost?         €15

Venue                              A home in the central Brussels area

What will I need?            A willingness to listen to each other.

 

Contact                    Peter Walley (Holy Trinity) 02/511 71 83

                                      or Christine Keen (St Paul’s) 02/345 21 55

 

‘A sensitive understanding of the breakdown of marriage and a valuable do-it-yourself guide on how to cope’ - Lord Justice Butler-Sloss,

 

The author, Christopher Compston, knows about divorce from personal and professional experience. His parents divorced when he was twelve and his first marriage ended the same way. A former barrister, he is now a judge.