The Mission Focus for February is the Karenni People of Burma.  See below for more information.

CHAPLAIN’S NOTES

CRP Self Help As the contractor moves out of the upstairs rooms so more and more space becomes available for us to sand and paint. Thus we need able-bodied hands to help us in this worthy task of completing this great project on time. I remind you again of Nehemiah and the many different groups who helped build up the wall in his day until it was finished. Nehemiah inspired Peter Mackenzie. Peter inspires us. We must support him! Come along and join us for all or part of Saturday morning (8.00 – 13.00).

Lent (Starts Ash Wednesday 25 February) Following my notes last week when I underlined what I believe is the importance of Africa and Europe working together I am organising just two meetings during Lent when I will be inviting folk from various African embassies to join us. I am especially pleased to welcome H.E. Harold Acemah, Ambassador from Uganda, to be one of our speakers. We will meet in Church House on Wednesday 10 and 31 March at 20.00 (refreshments) followed by the meeting, 20.30 – 22.00.

Some of you may well want to forego something during Lent this year and that is fine. Could we, however, positively reflect on how Africa and Europe can help each other? I write this because, like so many of you, I am very concerned about what the AIDS crisis might do (in Botswana 30% have HIV/AIDS) and what part we could try and play to alleviate the crisis. Equally, Europe has been bankrupted Christian-wise during the past 100 years. I believe we need Africa’s help to enable us to rekindle the flame.

Borzée Forms are now at the back of the church (or else you can book on line). This year the weekend will be a great mix with guest speakers Max and Sue Sinclair as well as ‘home spun’ events and workshops. It will be fun for all the family! See the leaflet.

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.

Bible reading notes Websites bring both Closer to God and Daily Bread daily Bible notes to the web – harnessing technology to deliver God’s Word in a new way. Visit www.closertogod.org.uk and www.dailybread.org.uk to try Bible study on line. Daily Bread is also available to download to Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs).

            Nigel Walker

 

COMING SOON . . .

Your last opportunity to attend a performance of Brahms’ Requiem is this afternoon at 15.00 in Heverlee Abbey (Leuven). It 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. Next 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.

Heartwarmer! The International Christian Women’s Club of Brussels invites you to Come in from the cold at their brunch on Tuesday 10 February, 9.45 – 12.00, at La Chevalerie, ave Brassine 38, 1640 Rhode St Genèse. Carmen Smith will share her strudel-baking expertise and the speaker will be Vicki McIntyre. Cost €10. Babysitting available. Reservations and info: Kathy Hansen on 02/652 45 38 or hlk700@aol.com Flyers at the back of church.

NW Europe Archdeaconry Retreats 2004 Two alternative Lenten retreats will be held in 2004in Oirschot, Netherlands. (Oirschot lies to the north‑west of Eindhoven). 12 ‑ 14 March: Retreat Conductor: The Revd Graeme Butter, Vicar of Horsley Hill, South Shields, England. Info and applications: Mrs. Maryon Jägers, 0031 30 637 1780 or theojagers@planet.nl 26 ‑ 28 March: Retreat Conductor: The Very Revd Kenneth Robinson, Former Dean of Gibraltar. Info and applications: Mrs Ann Turner, 03/440 25 81 or ann@turner.be Accommodation is in comfortable single rooms with hot and cold water. The fee is €80 for full retreat. This includes hire of bed linen and towels.

INFORMATION

Peter Kisitu of our congregation is looking for any type of paid work to help fund his studies. If you have any bright ideas or something to offer, please contact Peter on kbill55@yahoo.co.uk. Thank you.

Calling all bakers and buyers Next Sunday, 8 February, will be Bun Sunday. Please support us by buying or providing baked goodies. Birthday and other cards will also be available as well as TEARCraft teas and coffees. 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 Mission Focus for February is the Karenni People of Burma.  The  loose plate collection at all 4 services on Sunday 15 February will go towards the Karenni.  If you know you will not be in church on the 15th but would like to support the Karenni People, you may place your gift in an envelope, clearly marked for the Karenni People, and place it in the offering either the  week before or  after (8 or 22 February).  Thank you.

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