The Mission Focus this month is A Rocha – a nature conservation organisation working to care for the environment, based on Christian values. All plate collections on 31 October will go to their work.

Newsflash The new locks have been installed on most of the doors in the church compound, and the keys are being processed. But please bear with us this weekend as we are still working on the system. Distribution of new keys out of Church Office will start as of Wednesday next week.

CHAPLAIN’S NOTES

Ann Lewis. Today we welcome back Ann Lewis at the 10.30 Service. Ann is the widow of my predecessor, John Lewis, who died shortly after his retirement in 1994. It will be a real pleasure to see her again and to welcome her together with the friends who are accompanying her.

Our congratulations to Dirk van Leeuwen, Chaplain Antwerp, on his appointment as the next Archdeacon of North West Europe. He replaces Geoffrey Allen, who retires shortly.

Nigel Walker

EVENTS

Calling all bakers and buyers Next Sunday, 10 October, will be Bun Sunday.  We hope to have lots of baked goodies on sale like brownies, quiches and sausage rolls. We are always looking for new bakers so if you would like to join our team please contact Ann Freeman on 02/252 39 80.

The Alpha Course is a wonderful introduction to the Christian Faith for those who are on the edge of belief. Invite your friends and bring them yourself! When? continues on Wednesday 6 October at 19.00. Where? in the Charles Le Jeune Centre. More info Filip Ameloot t: 02/644 05 00 e: filip.ameloot@busmail.net or pick up a leaflet. We will aim to provide a cold buffet meal, for a small charge each week.

Morning Bible study for women  We are studying Philippians : RUN THE RACE, by Bill Hybels.  ‘Life as a follower of Christ is not a fifty-yard dash.  It's a marathon.  God offers strength for the race, cold water to quench our thirst, and fresh legs when we grow weary.  We never run alone.’ All women welcome at any age or stage.  We also offer a crèche for little ones under school or maternelle age for which we make a small charge.  New babies are welcome in the study with us!  Come and enjoy fellowship, study and support.   When? Tuesdays 10.00 - 11.45. Where? in the Charles Le Jeune Centre. More info Helen Walley t: 02/354 59 85 e: helen.walley@belgacom.net

Community Bible Study International, a non-denominational women's group,
continues its study of Acts. The Classes are available in English and French and there is a crèche and children's programme available. No previous bible study is necessary. When? Wednesdays 9.30 - 11.30. Where? International Baptist Church in Wezembeek-Oppem. More info Susan Srensgard t: 010/22 75 02 e: sstensgard@GEMission.com; Cheryl Ford t: 02/657 71 09; Sue Cox t: 02/767 29 11 e: cottoncox@hotmail.com

‘Presence – Songs of worship and songs of life’ with artist/worship leader, Sue Rinaldi. Organised by St Paul’s Church, Tervuren. When? Saturday 16 October at 20.00. Where? Cafeteria at British School, 3080 Tervuren. More info t: 02/767 34 35 e: Joanna.mckee@belgacom.net Free tickets at the door.

Also: Sue Rinaldi @ CYFA Open to any youth group ages 14-18. When? Sunday 17 October 19.15 – 21.30. Where? CC2, St Paul’s Church Centre, Hoornzeelstraat 24, 3080 Tervuren. More info: Paul Moynan - Youth Director t: 02/767 34 35 e: youth@stpaulstervuren.org  If you want to know more about Sue Rinaldi go to her website: www.soundhouse.uk.com

Learning To Listen Course (Acorn Christian Foundation) Encompasses teaching and practical learning on Listening to others, Listening to ourselves and Listening to God. Open to anyone who has not done a Listening course before or who has only done The Importance of Listening and would like to go further - or you may want a refresher.  Particularly recommended if you are in any kind of leadership rôle, prayer ministry or require good listening skills for your work or at home.  The course is a prerequisite for a series of small bite-sized courses which stand alone, entitled Time to Listen to Change, to Bereavement, to Young people, to Depression etc. which will be offered in Spring 2005.  Course tutors trained with Acorn Christian Foundation: Helen Walley and Julia Leigh, who have backgrounds in Counselling and teaching respectively.  When? Saturday 16 October and Saturday 4 December 9.30 - 16.30. Where?  Charles Le Jeune Centre, Holy Trinity Church. Bring your own packed lunch.  €35 covers required course fee, all materials, refreshments etc. More info t: 02/354 59 85 e: helen.walley@belgacom.net  or ask Helen for a brochure. Also available on church website www.htbrussels.com  Closing date for applications:  Friday 8 October.

INFORMATION

A big thank you to the congregation for your response to last Sunday's appeal for the people of Darfur.  At the morning service the collection for TEARfund's work in Darfur and Chad amounted to €1,450 and that does not include money given through bank transfers.   This is immensely generous and I would like to express grateful thanks on behalf of TEARfund for this very large gift towards their work amongst the people of  Darfur. Diana White

 

A big thank you also to everyone who helped clear the buildings of 40 years of accumulated rubbish/garbage. It was wonderful to see it all gone at last. But one thing we were not able to put on the skip was the old paint pots and brushes. These will need to be disposed of in local commune re-cycling yards. Please can as many people as possible take one or two pots with you in the boot/trunk of your car. They are currently stacked in the garden just to the left of the entrance door. We can provide black plastic sacks to put them in. Many thanks in advance.

Accommodation needed early 2005 Is there anyone willing to have a mother and her 6-year-old daughter as lodgers from 5 January to 25 March 2005? This lady is a Christian, British and an experienced nurse. She is coming to Brussels to do some research at VUB with the World Health Organisation. Her child will be going to a school in Schaerbeek. She would like to lodge with, housesit for someone or rent a flat during these nearly three months. If anyone can help or knows of a place please contact Helen Walley as soon as possible on 02/354 59 85 or Helen.walley@belgacom.net for more information.

Volunteer cleaning – still on the agenda! Our very grateful thanks to all those who have turned up to give cleaning coordinator Dora a helping hand over the last few weeks. However we are concerned that the number of volunteers is still not high enough to ensure a presentable, hygienic and pleasant environment each week. Please consider giving a few hours of your time occasionally to help with this important task. If you would like to join the volunteer team, please contact Dora de Maertelaere on 0473 527 977.

Last chance Brand new Canon BCI 21 printer cartridges (1 black, 1 colour) bought by mistake now available for anyone interested. Contact Vicki at Church House on 02/511 71 83.

The Prayer Chain welcomes requests for prayer for any situation with 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 Tuesday, to David.Iliff@Pandora.be or to the Church Office at admin@htbrussels.com