If you've come here looking for the Christmas services, fantastic: we're looking forward to seeing you!
We kick off on:
Sunday 23rd December at 4pm with our Carol Service. This is candle-lit and full of readings and carols that express the Christmas story. Mince pies afterwards.
Then
Christmas Eve (Monday): 4pm Crib and Christingle Service. This is when we create a Nativity play from scratch. An ideal service for children of all ages. Come dressed as an angel, wise man, shepherd or just as you are! Come early to get a seat. And look out for our live donkey.
Christmas Eve (Monday) 11.30pm Midnight Mass We'll be singing carols from 11pm but the service starts at 11.30pm. Dignified, amazing, beautiful. Come even if you've had two or three pints before hand, though if you've had eight or nine, then perhaps you'd be best just going home direct from the pub.
Christmas Day (Tuesday) 10am. Family eucharist. Bring your toys or that jumper from auntie Flo.
St Stephen's Day (Boxing Day) 10am. Quiet eucharist. Escape from your beloved family for a therapeutic 45 minutes.
In the meantime, of course, life goes on, as does death. On Wednesday, we held the funeral for a loved member of our congregation, Mabel Shilcock, in church. At the age of 98, she was born in her house in Trilby Road in 1909, and she died there earlier this month. In all that time, she had been a wonderful neighbour to generations of people. Several people paid her tribute at the funeral, including a neighbour who lived opposite. A much younger woman, this neighbour described how she was occasionally apt to moan about what had befallen her, but then she would look out of her window to see Mabel, slowly but surely making her way down the road to take the bus to Catford (whatever the weather), uncomplaining about her old age, and she was inspired to think afresh.
The funeral was a beautiful occasion. A memorial to a woman who inspired others and brought love and a smile into the world.
May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
Thursday, 20 December 2007
Monday, 10 December 2007
Come in at Christmas
Just up front so we're clear. Here are our Christmas services.
Sunday 23rd December 4pm CAROL SERVICE (candle lit, traditional, beautiful, mince pies afterwards)
Christmas Eve (Mon) 24th December 4pm CRIB and CHRISTINGLE SERVICE (for kids of all ages, Nativity story, a live donkey, a cracker to take home - come dressed as an angel, wise man or shepherd, or just as you are!)
Christmas Eve (Mon) 24th December 11.30pm MIDNIGHT MASS (beautiful, magical, worth staying up for)
Christmas DAY (Tues) 25th December 10am FAMILY EUCHARIST (bring your presents in to show off, or just bring yourself.)
Now obviously we're running services in the run up to this on Sundays at 10am, as ever. The theme of this season is Advent, that is, watching and waiting for the coming of Jesus. There are some really meaty topics, like thinking about John the Baptist and what a Prophet might be.
Just who was John the Baptist? Come this Sunday to find out.
And there are other affairs. Thanks to everyone who came to the Christmas Fayre: hope you enjoyed yourself. We certainly did and made almost £3000 for church funds.
Also, those who came to hear the fabulous Lewisham Concert Band kick us into the Christmas season with a combination of classical and light music together with a cracking accompaniment to some carols.
So remember, get your Christmas shopping done now, so when Christmas Eve comes, you can be in the warmth with us, not traipsing around Bromley looking for what to get for your nephew!
Fr Robert
Sunday 23rd December 4pm CAROL SERVICE (candle lit, traditional, beautiful, mince pies afterwards)
Christmas Eve (Mon) 24th December 4pm CRIB and CHRISTINGLE SERVICE (for kids of all ages, Nativity story, a live donkey, a cracker to take home - come dressed as an angel, wise man or shepherd, or just as you are!)
Christmas Eve (Mon) 24th December 11.30pm MIDNIGHT MASS (beautiful, magical, worth staying up for)
Christmas DAY (Tues) 25th December 10am FAMILY EUCHARIST (bring your presents in to show off, or just bring yourself.)
Now obviously we're running services in the run up to this on Sundays at 10am, as ever. The theme of this season is Advent, that is, watching and waiting for the coming of Jesus. There are some really meaty topics, like thinking about John the Baptist and what a Prophet might be.
Just who was John the Baptist? Come this Sunday to find out.
And there are other affairs. Thanks to everyone who came to the Christmas Fayre: hope you enjoyed yourself. We certainly did and made almost £3000 for church funds.
Also, those who came to hear the fabulous Lewisham Concert Band kick us into the Christmas season with a combination of classical and light music together with a cracking accompaniment to some carols.
So remember, get your Christmas shopping done now, so when Christmas Eve comes, you can be in the warmth with us, not traipsing around Bromley looking for what to get for your nephew!
Fr Robert
Monday, 3 December 2007
Christmas services
On the left are Daniel and Kate who got married a couple of weeks ago, and are graduates of the new Marriage Preparation Course. They are just back from their honeymoon.To be honest, I am just excited about working out how to insert photographs into this blog, and their photo was what came to hand. Cool, though.
A bit of a digression.
How about a bit more on Christmas services?
Well, if you like Carols, then the service to look out for is our fabulous Carol service on Sunday 23rd December at 4pm.
Then, if you like candles and the Nativity story told in a way that inspires children of all ages, come along to our Crib and Christingle service on Christmas Eve at 4pm. There will be a live donkey, and everyone goes home with a cracker. Come dressed as an angel, a shepherd, a wise man, or just as you are.
If you want Christmas in more majestic beauty, why not come for the excitement of Midnight Mass. Despite the name, come on Christmas Eve ready for the service to start at 11.30pm. It's utterly magical (in the best sense).
Then, there's a family service on Christmas morning at 10am. Bring along your new toy: or failing that, your new jumper from Auntie Flo.
Finally, if you've had it up to here with everything and everyone (which can happen to the best of us), relax with a quiet said Eucharist on Boxing Day (St Stephen's Day). St Stephen is the first Christian martyr and actually quite significant, so it's unfortunate that his name day is associated with Ben Hur, turkey sandwiches and too much port, but this gentle service can offer you a little gentle therapy in remembrance of a guy who cared deeply about God's life changing love.
Fr Robert
Sunday, 25 November 2007
Christmas Fayre, Advent Sunday
Come to St George Christ Church St Paul this Saturday for a good, old-fashioned Christmas Fayre.
It starts at 11 and will have an array of stalls, with the chance to buy cakes, Christmas goodies, decorations, Christmas cards, Caribbean food, CDs...
And there's a bottle tombola that has to be seen to be believed.
You'll be very welcome.
Then on Advent Sunday, we begin the start of our Advent preparations - Advent, the season in which we prepare for Christmas.
Our preacher will be the Diocese's Canon Missioner, Michael Hart. Find out more about him with this link:
http://www.southwark.anglican.org/news/pr266.htm
Obviously, 2008 will be an exciting time for us. As well as the growth we are currently experiencing, there will also be what we can find from the new Chancel Church.
What will happen there? What exciting things will be possible? God will guide us.
It starts at 11 and will have an array of stalls, with the chance to buy cakes, Christmas goodies, decorations, Christmas cards, Caribbean food, CDs...
And there's a bottle tombola that has to be seen to be believed.
You'll be very welcome.
Then on Advent Sunday, we begin the start of our Advent preparations - Advent, the season in which we prepare for Christmas.
Our preacher will be the Diocese's Canon Missioner, Michael Hart. Find out more about him with this link:
http://www.southwark.anglican.org/news/pr266.htm
Obviously, 2008 will be an exciting time for us. As well as the growth we are currently experiencing, there will also be what we can find from the new Chancel Church.
What will happen there? What exciting things will be possible? God will guide us.
Monday, 19 November 2007
Christ the King, Christmas Fayre
Autumn turns to winter and we are at the turn of the year: in Christian terms that is.
The Christian New Year starts with Advent: four Sundays before Christmas: this year, that's Sunday 2nd December. We'll be waiting in hope and expectation for Christ's coming. Traditionally, it's a penitential season, like Lent, but that doesn't work so easily these days, as most people's office parties, pre-Christmas drinks parties and mulled wine brewing sessions come in the middle of December.
Still, there can be a real sense of expectation and anticipation: can you remember what it was like when you were five and you went to be bed not knowing what would be in your stocking (if Santa came at all, that is). That's the kind of thing we're talking about.
But before then, we have two big events. The first is next Sunday it's the festival of Christ the King: trying to describe how Christ's rule engages with the world. The second is the Christmas Fayre which takes places on Saturday 1st December from 11am till 3pm.
This is in the traditional run of Christmas Fayres: i.e. mulled wine, cheap gifts, tombola, bottle stall... it's great fun. Loads of people pass through who wouldn't do so otherwise. You'll be very welcome.
Fr Robert
PS It's World Aids Day soon (Dec 1st) and some of us are going to a special service at Southwark cathedral at 6.30pm.
The Christian New Year starts with Advent: four Sundays before Christmas: this year, that's Sunday 2nd December. We'll be waiting in hope and expectation for Christ's coming. Traditionally, it's a penitential season, like Lent, but that doesn't work so easily these days, as most people's office parties, pre-Christmas drinks parties and mulled wine brewing sessions come in the middle of December.
Still, there can be a real sense of expectation and anticipation: can you remember what it was like when you were five and you went to be bed not knowing what would be in your stocking (if Santa came at all, that is). That's the kind of thing we're talking about.
But before then, we have two big events. The first is next Sunday it's the festival of Christ the King: trying to describe how Christ's rule engages with the world. The second is the Christmas Fayre which takes places on Saturday 1st December from 11am till 3pm.
This is in the traditional run of Christmas Fayres: i.e. mulled wine, cheap gifts, tombola, bottle stall... it's great fun. Loads of people pass through who wouldn't do so otherwise. You'll be very welcome.
Fr Robert
PS It's World Aids Day soon (Dec 1st) and some of us are going to a special service at Southwark cathedral at 6.30pm.
Monday, 12 November 2007
Remembrance, the Kingdom, the run-up to Advent
Over 200 people attended our service of remembrance for those who have died in war last Sunday: what began in 1919 is still full of meaning eighty years on. It was especially moving to see so many children from our beavers, brownies, cubs and scouts there, keeping silence with everyone else.
Now the Church faces a time of preparation for Advent, which in turn looks towards Christmas. The Sunday services for the rest of the month will be looking at aspects of Christ's kingdom: what does it mean to say "Thy kingdom come"? What do you think the kingdom of God would look like anyway?
If you're after a more social time, then our Christmas Fayre takes place on Saturday December 1st between 11am in the morning and 3pm in the afternoon. It's an immensely enjoyable day - in the old-fashioned tradition of Christmas fayres - and a great way to stock up on gift ideas for Christmas. Look out for the raffle too, with some great prizes.
Fr Robert
Now the Church faces a time of preparation for Advent, which in turn looks towards Christmas. The Sunday services for the rest of the month will be looking at aspects of Christ's kingdom: what does it mean to say "Thy kingdom come"? What do you think the kingdom of God would look like anyway?
If you're after a more social time, then our Christmas Fayre takes place on Saturday December 1st between 11am in the morning and 3pm in the afternoon. It's an immensely enjoyable day - in the old-fashioned tradition of Christmas fayres - and a great way to stock up on gift ideas for Christmas. Look out for the raffle too, with some great prizes.
Fr Robert
Monday, 5 November 2007
Walsingham, Confirmation, Remembrance
Thirty pilgrims made it up with our party from Forest Hill to the pilgrim centre that is Walsingham last weekend, leaving behind the parish for 48 hours to join with the 12,000 others who in 2007 have stayed in this centre where devotions to the Virgin Mary have been particularly central, since Medieval Times. In 2003 it was voted the nation's favourite spiritual place.
Find out more here: http://www.walsingham.org.uk/
The worship here is spectacular and often deeply moving, and all of us returned refreshed in one way or another.
This Wednesday will see a very special day in the lives of six members of our congregation as they are confirmed into the Church of England by our local bishop, bishop Christopher. The service is at St Augustine's, One Tree Hill at 7.30pm. All will be welcome:
http://www.augustineonetreehill.org.uk/Welcome.htm
This is a time of adult commitment to Christ and to living one's life journey in his Church. You could be 18, you could be 80: it just has to be the right time for you, and several of people from Forest Hill have decided that it is the right time for them.
Next Sunday (10th) is Remembrance Sunday and we will have a special, poignant time at our 10am service. The uniformed groups, cubs, scouts, brownies and beavers will be present as will people of all ages, honouring the sacrifice of those who have died in war. You don't have to be a jingoistic patriot to feel that there is something that needs worth honouring and recalling when we think of those who have given up their lives in wars through no choice of their own. And with them we'll remember the shattering effect war has on families and friends, who lose someone they have loved so dearly.
Find out more here: http://www.walsingham.org.uk/
The worship here is spectacular and often deeply moving, and all of us returned refreshed in one way or another.
This Wednesday will see a very special day in the lives of six members of our congregation as they are confirmed into the Church of England by our local bishop, bishop Christopher. The service is at St Augustine's, One Tree Hill at 7.30pm. All will be welcome:
http://www.augustineonetreehill.org.uk/Welcome.htm
This is a time of adult commitment to Christ and to living one's life journey in his Church. You could be 18, you could be 80: it just has to be the right time for you, and several of people from Forest Hill have decided that it is the right time for them.
Next Sunday (10th) is Remembrance Sunday and we will have a special, poignant time at our 10am service. The uniformed groups, cubs, scouts, brownies and beavers will be present as will people of all ages, honouring the sacrifice of those who have died in war. You don't have to be a jingoistic patriot to feel that there is something that needs worth honouring and recalling when we think of those who have given up their lives in wars through no choice of their own. And with them we'll remember the shattering effect war has on families and friends, who lose someone they have loved so dearly.
Tuesday, 23 October 2007
Correction: time of All Souls service
Note that All Souls service starts at 8pm on Thursday Nov 1st, not at 7.30pm as previously advertised.
Fr Robert
Fr Robert
Monday, 22 October 2007
Autumn - thinking about life and death
As autumn leaves fall, there's something appropriate about the way the church and civic calendar thinks about issues of life and death.
All Saints Day (which we will celebrate at lunchtime - 12 noon - on Nov 1st) is technically about 'mopping up' all the saints who don't get celebrations of their own during the church calendar. But of course it's about more than that. It's about celebrating the way God moves in people's lives and especially in certain lives which have since been recognised by the Church.
Then there'e All Souls (which we will celebrate technically on its eve, on the evening of Thursday 1st Nov at 7.30pm).
Now some don't believe both festivals should exist: see Tom Wright's book here:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/All-Saints-N-T-Wright/dp/0819221333/ref=sr_1_1/202-1346281-5968638?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193042993&sr=8-1
But we do.
All Souls can be a time for a personal remembrance of those particularly dear to us, not denying that their heavenly 'status' may be the same as those who have been formally 'canonised' (and here Tom Wright's book is helpful), but equally not having to make claims about our loved one's levels of holiness either. It's just that we love these people and we still pray for them, even though they aren't around in this life.
It's one of the most moving services of the year. Do consider coming if you want to remember someone, even if you don't come to church at other times.
And then, by quirk of armistice date, Remembrance Sunday follows soon after: Sun Nov 11th this year. And we'll all remember in particular those who have died in battle.
In between, some of us will be travelling on a pilgrimage to Walsingham, recently voted the holiest location in the United Kingdom.
Do join us on any of these times. You will always be welcome
All Saints Day (which we will celebrate at lunchtime - 12 noon - on Nov 1st) is technically about 'mopping up' all the saints who don't get celebrations of their own during the church calendar. But of course it's about more than that. It's about celebrating the way God moves in people's lives and especially in certain lives which have since been recognised by the Church.
Then there'e All Souls (which we will celebrate technically on its eve, on the evening of Thursday 1st Nov at 7.30pm).
Now some don't believe both festivals should exist: see Tom Wright's book here:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/All-Saints-N-T-Wright/dp/0819221333/ref=sr_1_1/202-1346281-5968638?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193042993&sr=8-1
But we do.
All Souls can be a time for a personal remembrance of those particularly dear to us, not denying that their heavenly 'status' may be the same as those who have been formally 'canonised' (and here Tom Wright's book is helpful), but equally not having to make claims about our loved one's levels of holiness either. It's just that we love these people and we still pray for them, even though they aren't around in this life.
It's one of the most moving services of the year. Do consider coming if you want to remember someone, even if you don't come to church at other times.
And then, by quirk of armistice date, Remembrance Sunday follows soon after: Sun Nov 11th this year. And we'll all remember in particular those who have died in battle.
In between, some of us will be travelling on a pilgrimage to Walsingham, recently voted the holiest location in the United Kingdom.
Do join us on any of these times. You will always be welcome
Monday, 15 October 2007
Worship for all reasons
Over a thousand different people have worshipped at St George Christ Church St Paul in the last ten days.
Many were inspired to come because of the season: our Harvest Sunday was the most popular Sunday service ever in our new building apart from Easter Sunday. Over 220 people came at the 10am service to think about Harvest in the world and in our lives. We had a separate service in our Church for over one hundred children at Christ Church primary school on Thursday morning.
Then there are those honouring a new life in Christ. We've had two baptisms.
Then there are those celebrating the joy of marriage. Two hundred people came to celebrate the wedding of Christine and Jason.
And finally there are those grieving a friend or relative who has died. Often funerals happen entirely in a crematorium, but we also offer people the chance for to start this farewell service in Church. To honour a life in Church is one of the special things we can offer and do so. This happened twice last week. Both were moving occasions. Literally hundreds of mourners came.
In a sense, numbers don't matter. We aren't interested in 'bums on seats' for the sake of 'bums'. We are interested in the fact that the Church meets people's needs in a way nobody else can. And that's something we rejoice in.
Also worth celebrating is the youth away weekend, where 29 young people experienced an amazing weekend in Kent, doing a mixture of activities and worship.
What's coming up?
In particular look out for our All Souls service on the evening of Thursday Nov 1st. This is a time to remember your loved ones now in God's care.
Fr Robert
Many were inspired to come because of the season: our Harvest Sunday was the most popular Sunday service ever in our new building apart from Easter Sunday. Over 220 people came at the 10am service to think about Harvest in the world and in our lives. We had a separate service in our Church for over one hundred children at Christ Church primary school on Thursday morning.
Then there are those honouring a new life in Christ. We've had two baptisms.
Then there are those celebrating the joy of marriage. Two hundred people came to celebrate the wedding of Christine and Jason.
And finally there are those grieving a friend or relative who has died. Often funerals happen entirely in a crematorium, but we also offer people the chance for to start this farewell service in Church. To honour a life in Church is one of the special things we can offer and do so. This happened twice last week. Both were moving occasions. Literally hundreds of mourners came.
In a sense, numbers don't matter. We aren't interested in 'bums on seats' for the sake of 'bums'. We are interested in the fact that the Church meets people's needs in a way nobody else can. And that's something we rejoice in.
Also worth celebrating is the youth away weekend, where 29 young people experienced an amazing weekend in Kent, doing a mixture of activities and worship.
What's coming up?
In particular look out for our All Souls service on the evening of Thursday Nov 1st. This is a time to remember your loved ones now in God's care.
Fr Robert
Sunday, 7 October 2007
Autumn events
Well, if you come to Church this week, you'll find the baptistry with all the delight of the harvest: fruits, a harvest sun and a mobile planet.
We'll be bringing a collection of tins etc. to the Voluntary Care Centre from gifts people have brought in to us.
Thanks for everyone who made Harvest such a wonderful day and to all of you who came. It was a great service and the star of the show, perhaps typically, was Isaac Farley, aged six months, whose entrance on a wheelbarrow was a wonder to behold.
Sadly, one of the services this coming week in church will be a funeral, that of Margaret Hill, which will take place on Thursday afternoon. One of the longest standing members of our congregation, she died last week, peacefully, with her family around her, in Lewisham hospital.
Also coming up is our Youth Weekend away. Thirty young people from the churches of Forest Hill and Sydenham will be going away to the Halls Green Activity Centre in kent for a fun packed weekend.
Further ahead, we have our parish pilgrimage to Walsingham.
Fr Robert
We'll be bringing a collection of tins etc. to the Voluntary Care Centre from gifts people have brought in to us.
Thanks for everyone who made Harvest such a wonderful day and to all of you who came. It was a great service and the star of the show, perhaps typically, was Isaac Farley, aged six months, whose entrance on a wheelbarrow was a wonder to behold.
Sadly, one of the services this coming week in church will be a funeral, that of Margaret Hill, which will take place on Thursday afternoon. One of the longest standing members of our congregation, she died last week, peacefully, with her family around her, in Lewisham hospital.
Also coming up is our Youth Weekend away. Thirty young people from the churches of Forest Hill and Sydenham will be going away to the Halls Green Activity Centre in kent for a fun packed weekend.
Further ahead, we have our parish pilgrimage to Walsingham.
Fr Robert
Thursday, 27 September 2007
Harvest home!
This Sunday, we'll be celebrating St Michael and All Angels: Michael is one of the archangels. But what does that mean? And what can angels mean for us?
Look out too for "Steeple People", our church magazine, which will be delivered to 4000 homes in the next week.
Yet the big one is our sensational harvest week.
This kicks off on Thursday morning, when Christ Church school will be coming for a special assembly in the morning.
Then, on Saturday night, we'll celebrate with a harvest supper. Bring £3 and a bottle of something and come along. It will be great fun.
Then, at 10am on Sunday is our special Back to Church Harvest special. It'll be a service quite unlike anything you've ever been to before. We all bring something before God, but exactly what is it? And what's that got to do with the earth? That's what we'll be thinking of. The Church will be full and please do think of coming, even if you haven't been to a church in a while.
This is followed by the joyous occasion of the marriage of Jason Thompson and Christine Samms, at 1.15pm. This promises to be a special wedding and the church will be packed to hear them pledge themselves to each other.
Finally, at 6pm, we will have a beautiful baptism of Benjamin Brooks Smith, son of Barbara and Danny. What an amazing day that's going to be!
Further ahead, in two weeks' time, we have the great Youth away weekend. This will be a cracker. Kayaking, hiking, chilling out, football, discussion are all on the agenda.
Fr Robert
Look out too for "Steeple People", our church magazine, which will be delivered to 4000 homes in the next week.
Yet the big one is our sensational harvest week.
This kicks off on Thursday morning, when Christ Church school will be coming for a special assembly in the morning.
Then, on Saturday night, we'll celebrate with a harvest supper. Bring £3 and a bottle of something and come along. It will be great fun.
Then, at 10am on Sunday is our special Back to Church Harvest special. It'll be a service quite unlike anything you've ever been to before. We all bring something before God, but exactly what is it? And what's that got to do with the earth? That's what we'll be thinking of. The Church will be full and please do think of coming, even if you haven't been to a church in a while.
This is followed by the joyous occasion of the marriage of Jason Thompson and Christine Samms, at 1.15pm. This promises to be a special wedding and the church will be packed to hear them pledge themselves to each other.
Finally, at 6pm, we will have a beautiful baptism of Benjamin Brooks Smith, son of Barbara and Danny. What an amazing day that's going to be!
Further ahead, in two weeks' time, we have the great Youth away weekend. This will be a cracker. Kayaking, hiking, chilling out, football, discussion are all on the agenda.
Fr Robert
Monday, 17 September 2007
Healing and Harvest
Next Sunday, 23rd Sept, we have a service of Healing and Wholeness in Church at 4pm.
This will be a short, peaceful service where we bring ourselves before God in everything we are. People can come forward to be prayed for individually, with the ancient practice of laying on of hands and anointing with oil.
(Of course, we'll also be worshipping at 10am in the morning as usual.)
Then Sunday 30th September, we'll celebrating St Michael and All Angels. What is an angel? What does it mean? How close to God is an angel?
Look out on October 7th for our special Harvest Back to Church service. It's going to be a great time to come. It'll be about the traditional stuff: giving thanks for the fruit of the land, but also with a modern twist: what is the harvest of our lives? And join us on the evening of Oct 6th for a special Harvest Supper. There'll be a small charge but it will taste sensational.
Of course, weddings and baptisms continue and also on Sunday 7th October, there'll be a very special wedding happening at lunchtime, and a baptism at 6pm, so that's a busy day!
The next weekend (12th to 14th Oct) sees the youth weekend. it should be brilliant. Get your forms back to me (Fr Robert) by 28th September.
Fr Robert
This will be a short, peaceful service where we bring ourselves before God in everything we are. People can come forward to be prayed for individually, with the ancient practice of laying on of hands and anointing with oil.
(Of course, we'll also be worshipping at 10am in the morning as usual.)
Then Sunday 30th September, we'll celebrating St Michael and All Angels. What is an angel? What does it mean? How close to God is an angel?
Look out on October 7th for our special Harvest Back to Church service. It's going to be a great time to come. It'll be about the traditional stuff: giving thanks for the fruit of the land, but also with a modern twist: what is the harvest of our lives? And join us on the evening of Oct 6th for a special Harvest Supper. There'll be a small charge but it will taste sensational.
Of course, weddings and baptisms continue and also on Sunday 7th October, there'll be a very special wedding happening at lunchtime, and a baptism at 6pm, so that's a busy day!
The next weekend (12th to 14th Oct) sees the youth weekend. it should be brilliant. Get your forms back to me (Fr Robert) by 28th September.
Fr Robert
Thursday, 13 September 2007
Lots on: baptisms, young people, Harvest...
Loads of events coming up:
First, this Sunday (16th) at the main 10am service, we've got the baptism of Isaac Cottrell , who's been winning hearts and minds ever since his arrival just before Easter. It's also the first Sunday of our new Youth Talk with Ian and Becki.
Next Sunday 23rd, we've got the main service at 10am as normal but also a Special service of healing and wholeness service at 4pm. This will be a beautiful, peaceful time.
Then Sunday 30th, we'll be celebrating St Michael and All Angels. We may be exploring what an angel actually is:
(you can check out Robbie Williams' version of the sermon here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQxZztI7264
Or you can also check out the stained glass in church for an idea.)
Saturday 6th October: Harvest Supper. Book your ticket or just turn up. Delicious food at a small price.
Then Sunday 7th October, Back to Church Harvest Sunday Special at 10am. It's going to be Harvest, but a special service where we're particularly inviting people who haven't been to Church in a while. If that's you, do think of coming: we won't whack you over the head with a Bible. But we will hope to share with you why we think something special happens in a church that doesn't happen anywhere else.
Then, the weekend after that, our youth weekend area away on an activity weekend in Kent. It's going to be sensational. I am just hoping that I'll be able to get some sleep in between the kayaking, night hike, discussion and football... But get your forms back to me as soon as you can.
Fr Robert
PS Fr John's on leave from 17th Sept till Oct 2nd, so if you've got any questions, call me in the first instance: 0208 699 3466.
First, this Sunday (16th) at the main 10am service, we've got the baptism of Isaac Cottrell , who's been winning hearts and minds ever since his arrival just before Easter. It's also the first Sunday of our new Youth Talk with Ian and Becki.
Next Sunday 23rd, we've got the main service at 10am as normal but also a Special service of healing and wholeness service at 4pm. This will be a beautiful, peaceful time.
Then Sunday 30th, we'll be celebrating St Michael and All Angels. We may be exploring what an angel actually is:
(you can check out Robbie Williams' version of the sermon here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQxZztI7264
Or you can also check out the stained glass in church for an idea.)
Saturday 6th October: Harvest Supper. Book your ticket or just turn up. Delicious food at a small price.
Then Sunday 7th October, Back to Church Harvest Sunday Special at 10am. It's going to be Harvest, but a special service where we're particularly inviting people who haven't been to Church in a while. If that's you, do think of coming: we won't whack you over the head with a Bible. But we will hope to share with you why we think something special happens in a church that doesn't happen anywhere else.
Then, the weekend after that, our youth weekend area away on an activity weekend in Kent. It's going to be sensational. I am just hoping that I'll be able to get some sleep in between the kayaking, night hike, discussion and football... But get your forms back to me as soon as you can.
Fr Robert
PS Fr John's on leave from 17th Sept till Oct 2nd, so if you've got any questions, call me in the first instance: 0208 699 3466.
Wednesday, 5 September 2007
New Term
When I grew up, the last day before school started was bad. And the last day of the summer holidays was worst of all. It was definitely the worst day of the year. So depressing. I fairly had to drag my feet back from the garden as the sun set on fun and games for the last day of the holidays. The laughs had gone. School was coming.
I like to think I don't have that same sense of dread as September comes. Not having a 6 week holiday any more probably helps, as does enjoying my job, but I still have something of that anticipation. August is a time for relaxation and holiday. September is a time for doing.
Which is why there are lots of things happening at Church now.
First up to ban those "back to school" blues. Come to our Quiz Night: Sat 8th Sept at the church hall from 7.30pm. Bring £3 and your best trivia knowledge if you want to participate. They are always fun, the questions aren't too difficult, but nonetheless competitive.
Earlier that day, the young people (11 to 17s) are off to an event in Dulwich with football, music, food and the Bishop of Woolwich: not necessarily in that order.
See me if you want to come (robertstanier@btinternet.com).
Then, looking ahead, we're now going to run our Back to Church event on Sunday October 7th. More to follow.
I like to think I don't have that same sense of dread as September comes. Not having a 6 week holiday any more probably helps, as does enjoying my job, but I still have something of that anticipation. August is a time for relaxation and holiday. September is a time for doing.
Which is why there are lots of things happening at Church now.
First up to ban those "back to school" blues. Come to our Quiz Night: Sat 8th Sept at the church hall from 7.30pm. Bring £3 and your best trivia knowledge if you want to participate. They are always fun, the questions aren't too difficult, but nonetheless competitive.
Earlier that day, the young people (11 to 17s) are off to an event in Dulwich with football, music, food and the Bishop of Woolwich: not necessarily in that order.
See me if you want to come (robertstanier@btinternet.com).
Then, looking ahead, we're now going to run our Back to Church event on Sunday October 7th. More to follow.
Monday, 27 August 2007
Will you still love me tomorrow?
Last Saturday, I attended the wedding of a friend. It was in a church, in north London. And it was his second marriage.
The first (for both parties) was a dreadful mistake and ended in divorce within 18 months.
Now there are churches which wouldn't allow this remarriage to happen there.
And they would have good reasons. They could say they uphold the ideal of marriage's permanence in a world where much is too temporary. They could point to Jesus's injunction not to divorce in Mark's Gospel. They could point to the fact that, if you view marriage as a sacrament, it's not something you can undo. Like you can't undo your baptism.
And yet...
What I witnessed on Saturday did not feel like some sop to modern trends. It did not feel like an impossibility built on a falsehood. It felt utterly right. And utterly real.
It truly wasn't entered into lightly. I think his first marriage and subsequent divorce were utterly traumatic experiences. He considered this seriously. He was just lucky enough to meet a woman again with whom he wanted to form a serious relationship. And he wanted this relationship given God's blessing (as did she). And does God's love not stretch to giving him a second chance?
Do we not believe that God is at work in this new, loving relationship?
It is the passionate belief that this is possible that means we at St George Christ Church St Paul will not automatically refuse divorcees to remarry in church. In fact, it may be just the sign of God's grace that can strengthen a relationship.
We perform many marriages every year here, and each year, some of those we marry have been married before and those marriages have ended in divorce. Of course, this is an issue. Yet it's something which God's love for humanity persuades us to look on as something to be dealt with and rethought, rather than something that will cause a barrier.
If you're considering marriage, whatever your status, and you live in our parish, come in and talk to us between 10.30 and 11.30am on Saturday morning. you won't need an appointment: just turn up.
Fr Robert
PS Other upcoming events.
Term starts soon, and all the cubs, brownies, scouts and beavers restart activities.
Youth Talk restarts on Sun Sept 16th (for year 7 and upwards).
Confirmation classes will start in late September: sign up soon.
The Youth residential weekend happens Friday 12th to 14th October
The first (for both parties) was a dreadful mistake and ended in divorce within 18 months.
Now there are churches which wouldn't allow this remarriage to happen there.
And they would have good reasons. They could say they uphold the ideal of marriage's permanence in a world where much is too temporary. They could point to Jesus's injunction not to divorce in Mark's Gospel. They could point to the fact that, if you view marriage as a sacrament, it's not something you can undo. Like you can't undo your baptism.
And yet...
What I witnessed on Saturday did not feel like some sop to modern trends. It did not feel like an impossibility built on a falsehood. It felt utterly right. And utterly real.
It truly wasn't entered into lightly. I think his first marriage and subsequent divorce were utterly traumatic experiences. He considered this seriously. He was just lucky enough to meet a woman again with whom he wanted to form a serious relationship. And he wanted this relationship given God's blessing (as did she). And does God's love not stretch to giving him a second chance?
Do we not believe that God is at work in this new, loving relationship?
It is the passionate belief that this is possible that means we at St George Christ Church St Paul will not automatically refuse divorcees to remarry in church. In fact, it may be just the sign of God's grace that can strengthen a relationship.
We perform many marriages every year here, and each year, some of those we marry have been married before and those marriages have ended in divorce. Of course, this is an issue. Yet it's something which God's love for humanity persuades us to look on as something to be dealt with and rethought, rather than something that will cause a barrier.
If you're considering marriage, whatever your status, and you live in our parish, come in and talk to us between 10.30 and 11.30am on Saturday morning. you won't need an appointment: just turn up.
Fr Robert
PS Other upcoming events.
Term starts soon, and all the cubs, brownies, scouts and beavers restart activities.
Youth Talk restarts on Sun Sept 16th (for year 7 and upwards).
Confirmation classes will start in late September: sign up soon.
The Youth residential weekend happens Friday 12th to 14th October
Monday, 20 August 2007
Easy like Sunday morning...
This coming Sunday, we're thinking about the Sabbath. Resting. Ceasing.
Jesus didn't cease. He healed people on the Sabbath day. But that was then: would he be keen on what today's Sundays have become?
The level of rest there is around (or isn't).
And, after all, God did 'cease'. He created the world in six days and on the seventh day, he "ceased": Shabbat. Sabbath (depending on how you transliterate the Hebrew).
It can't have just been because he was feeling a bit tired and needed a lie down. It must mean something more than that.
But how can it mean more in our busy lives?
That's what we'll be thinking about this week.
Looking further ahead, look out for Harvest festival, Oct 14th, which will be the day we particularly invite people back to Church for this year.
Fr Robert
Jesus didn't cease. He healed people on the Sabbath day. But that was then: would he be keen on what today's Sundays have become?
The level of rest there is around (or isn't).
And, after all, God did 'cease'. He created the world in six days and on the seventh day, he "ceased": Shabbat. Sabbath (depending on how you transliterate the Hebrew).
It can't have just been because he was feeling a bit tired and needed a lie down. It must mean something more than that.
But how can it mean more in our busy lives?
That's what we'll be thinking about this week.
Looking further ahead, look out for Harvest festival, Oct 14th, which will be the day we particularly invite people back to Church for this year.
Fr Robert
Monday, 13 August 2007
Green, garden, organics...
Unless you've been living on another planet, you will have noticed that there's a greater emphasis today on being green than there has been for years.
Where does your household energy come from? How many food miles did it take to bring those mangoes to your hand? Did you take a flight to go on holiday? How much do you recycle?
I guess everyone does something, but very few people do everything that they could do. (If you want to calculate your own carbon footprint, then you can do so here:
http://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.html)
And there are theological implications too. It's about how we humans use the creation which God has given, for us to be stewards for him. It's about how we relate to one another, recognising that a rainforest destroyed in Brazil, can help lead to a flood in New Orleans, or a load of flights from London to New York can help cause deserts to spread in the Sudan.
And of course within this, there's a lot of complex science and a lot of uncertainty.
At St George Christ Church St Paul, we're thinking about this issue in a variety of ways. One is taking on the big picture: a few months ago, we screened "An Inconvenient Truth"; we are part of the Diocese of Southwark's environmental audit; we pray about the environment.
Yet there's also the small things, and one of these small things is taking a little bit of space from our church garden, and start growing vegetables in it. it won't be much, but it will reintegrate us a little with our own small patch of environment.
Once upon a time, it was natural for the Church and farming to be linked: think about why Harvest Festival is one of the most popular services of the Church year. But, now, there's a disconnect in our cities: we buy food from supermarkets but don't know how it got there; we eat lots of meat but we don't know where our local abattoir is. Perhaps our garden, where we will grow our plants organically, will begin to help put us back in touch with the world that helps us to survive.
Where does your household energy come from? How many food miles did it take to bring those mangoes to your hand? Did you take a flight to go on holiday? How much do you recycle?
I guess everyone does something, but very few people do everything that they could do. (If you want to calculate your own carbon footprint, then you can do so here:
http://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.html)
And there are theological implications too. It's about how we humans use the creation which God has given, for us to be stewards for him. It's about how we relate to one another, recognising that a rainforest destroyed in Brazil, can help lead to a flood in New Orleans, or a load of flights from London to New York can help cause deserts to spread in the Sudan.
And of course within this, there's a lot of complex science and a lot of uncertainty.
At St George Christ Church St Paul, we're thinking about this issue in a variety of ways. One is taking on the big picture: a few months ago, we screened "An Inconvenient Truth"; we are part of the Diocese of Southwark's environmental audit; we pray about the environment.
Yet there's also the small things, and one of these small things is taking a little bit of space from our church garden, and start growing vegetables in it. it won't be much, but it will reintegrate us a little with our own small patch of environment.
Once upon a time, it was natural for the Church and farming to be linked: think about why Harvest Festival is one of the most popular services of the Church year. But, now, there's a disconnect in our cities: we buy food from supermarkets but don't know how it got there; we eat lots of meat but we don't know where our local abattoir is. Perhaps our garden, where we will grow our plants organically, will begin to help put us back in touch with the world that helps us to survive.
Monday, 23 July 2007
Love is in the air...
It may be raining outside, but that doesn't stop summer being the most popular time to get married. That's as true at St George Christ Church St Paul as it is in the rest of the country.
We've got a wedding more or less every weekend in July and in August. And wedding ceremonies are something we take seriously. They are ultimately moving moments and getting the liturgy right for the bride, the groom and their families and friends is something we are careful about.
But we also take the marriage seriously. Couples who come to us are encouraged to take part in our three session Marriage Preparation Course. This has been a 2007 initiative but the first course was so well received that the only request was for a fourth session! The next course starts next week.
It's amazing how easy it is to know each other really well, even to have lived together for some years, and yet not to have talked about some of the key things in our lives: who should be "the head of the household" (if anyone)? what influence has your own upbringing had on what you expect a marriage to be? how will you resolve conflicts when they happen (and they inevitably will)? Our course facilitates discussion on all of these topics.
And then when the wedding comes, the couples will be more ready to take part in a partnership for life.
We've got a wedding more or less every weekend in July and in August. And wedding ceremonies are something we take seriously. They are ultimately moving moments and getting the liturgy right for the bride, the groom and their families and friends is something we are careful about.
But we also take the marriage seriously. Couples who come to us are encouraged to take part in our three session Marriage Preparation Course. This has been a 2007 initiative but the first course was so well received that the only request was for a fourth session! The next course starts next week.
It's amazing how easy it is to know each other really well, even to have lived together for some years, and yet not to have talked about some of the key things in our lives: who should be "the head of the household" (if anyone)? what influence has your own upbringing had on what you expect a marriage to be? how will you resolve conflicts when they happen (and they inevitably will)? Our course facilitates discussion on all of these topics.
And then when the wedding comes, the couples will be more ready to take part in a partnership for life.
Monday, 16 July 2007
Summer time and the living is easy
It's been fair to say that the last three weeks have been frenetic at St George Christ Church St Paul. An ordination, a summer fair, a first eucharist, a 2-day epic event for 150 children in Year 6, 2 weddings, 2 baptisms, a pilgrimage to St Albans, a new marriage preparation course, a youth awayday to Brighton... Thank you to all involved for all your efforts. If you aren't feeling tired yet, you must be superhuman.
It's now time for our activities to move to a gentler pace and for those involved to relax a little and appreciate the achievements of a buzzing place. We couldn't live with church life going at this pace all the time: it's a good job we don't have to. And yet it's also nice to be at a place where new initiatives happen so regularly.
The marriage preparation classes meanwhile are continuing: we've been excited at the first in the new format and couples have contributed some brilliant perspectives about what is going on as two individuals are joined together in matrimony.
Indeed, it's gone so well that we'll have a new group happening in August: I guess it's the wedding season.
And it's a nice time for allowing our faith to grow steadily. In the last two weeks, we have been reminded in the sermon of acts we can do for the Gospel: when Jesus sends out the seventy to go about Galilee and Israel, and the story of the Good Samaritan. What does it that Jesus wants us to DO?
This week, we will be celebrating one of our favourite saints, Mary Magdalene. We'll need to dispel a few myths, as in the Da Vinci Code, but we can also meditate a bit on her closeness to Jesus. How can this be? How can this work?
It's now time for our activities to move to a gentler pace and for those involved to relax a little and appreciate the achievements of a buzzing place. We couldn't live with church life going at this pace all the time: it's a good job we don't have to. And yet it's also nice to be at a place where new initiatives happen so regularly.
The marriage preparation classes meanwhile are continuing: we've been excited at the first in the new format and couples have contributed some brilliant perspectives about what is going on as two individuals are joined together in matrimony.
Indeed, it's gone so well that we'll have a new group happening in August: I guess it's the wedding season.
And it's a nice time for allowing our faith to grow steadily. In the last two weeks, we have been reminded in the sermon of acts we can do for the Gospel: when Jesus sends out the seventy to go about Galilee and Israel, and the story of the Good Samaritan. What does it that Jesus wants us to DO?
This week, we will be celebrating one of our favourite saints, Mary Magdalene. We'll need to dispel a few myths, as in the Da Vinci Code, but we can also meditate a bit on her closeness to Jesus. How can this be? How can this work?
Monday, 9 July 2007
Summer Fayre
Come to St George's this Saturday (14th July) and bask in the fun of the traditional Church summer fair.
There's the usual bevy of stalls, food and entertainments, in the Church building and our marquee tents outside: so come rain or shine, we'll be ready to have a good time, and entertain you whether you're seven or seventy.
It starts at 11 and the fun will be coming to a close at 3pm.
Please do come. We'd love to see you and you'd also be supporting your local Church funds, for which we'd be very grateful: we have our bills to pay, just like everyone else.
As for other developments, we'll be exploring the Good Samaritan in the service on Sunday: one of THE classic parables, that always has something new to say, even though you've heard it lots of times before.
In the middle of next week, we'll also be saying farewell to the Year 6 of Christ Church primary school with a special leavers' service.
The marriage preparation course is continuing. All the couples are enjoying it, whilst finding there are important things to discuss. We meanwhile are looking forward to marrying them.
If you're interested in getting married at our Church, come to see us in our parish office hour: between 10.30am and 11.30am on Saturdays: to be honest, though, this Saturday isn't the best day to come because of the Fayre. Otherwise, there'll always be someone there.
There's the usual bevy of stalls, food and entertainments, in the Church building and our marquee tents outside: so come rain or shine, we'll be ready to have a good time, and entertain you whether you're seven or seventy.
It starts at 11 and the fun will be coming to a close at 3pm.
Please do come. We'd love to see you and you'd also be supporting your local Church funds, for which we'd be very grateful: we have our bills to pay, just like everyone else.
As for other developments, we'll be exploring the Good Samaritan in the service on Sunday: one of THE classic parables, that always has something new to say, even though you've heard it lots of times before.
In the middle of next week, we'll also be saying farewell to the Year 6 of Christ Church primary school with a special leavers' service.
The marriage preparation course is continuing. All the couples are enjoying it, whilst finding there are important things to discuss. We meanwhile are looking forward to marrying them.
If you're interested in getting married at our Church, come to see us in our parish office hour: between 10.30am and 11.30am on Saturdays: to be honest, though, this Saturday isn't the best day to come because of the Fayre. Otherwise, there'll always be someone there.
Friday, 6 July 2007
Eucharists and summer fairs
Having been ordained last week, this week Father Robert (it's me writing this!) gets the chance to preside at the eucharist for the first time. Last week was an amazing day and this will be amazing.
The eucharist is the earlist act of worship Christians ever did: we know that from Paul's 1st letter to the Corinthians, c.50AD. What exactly its meaning is has been long thought over and disputed. It was a hot issue in the 1st century AD - that's why Paul had to write about it- and it was a hot issue in the Reformation. It continues to be controversial.
And yet that's also a shame because it's a uniting moment. Everyone gets to come and share from the one bread and the one cup: or that's the idea.
Only priests are authorised to preside because they are the sign that the gathering at the eucharist is not just the gathering of a small bunch of Christians in one area: it's a gathering of the whole Church throughout the world.
It's making Christ present, as he asked his Church to do, and when we are one, we are one with all those breaking the bread today, from Baghdad to Brixton, and all those through time, from the Corinthian Church in Paul's time to Forest Hill in 2007.
Mind-bending? Yes it is. Scary? A little bit. Wonderful? Certainly.
But that's enough theology. If you want to relax and have some fun, come to our summer fair next Saturday (14th). Food, entertainments. Ideal for socialising and bargain hunting and all for church funds. It promises to be an amazing day.
Fr Robert
The eucharist is the earlist act of worship Christians ever did: we know that from Paul's 1st letter to the Corinthians, c.50AD. What exactly its meaning is has been long thought over and disputed. It was a hot issue in the 1st century AD - that's why Paul had to write about it- and it was a hot issue in the Reformation. It continues to be controversial.
And yet that's also a shame because it's a uniting moment. Everyone gets to come and share from the one bread and the one cup: or that's the idea.
Only priests are authorised to preside because they are the sign that the gathering at the eucharist is not just the gathering of a small bunch of Christians in one area: it's a gathering of the whole Church throughout the world.
It's making Christ present, as he asked his Church to do, and when we are one, we are one with all those breaking the bread today, from Baghdad to Brixton, and all those through time, from the Corinthian Church in Paul's time to Forest Hill in 2007.
Mind-bending? Yes it is. Scary? A little bit. Wonderful? Certainly.
But that's enough theology. If you want to relax and have some fun, come to our summer fair next Saturday (14th). Food, entertainments. Ideal for socialising and bargain hunting and all for church funds. It promises to be an amazing day.
Fr Robert
Monday, 25 June 2007
Ordination approaching
The ordination service at 6.30pm this Sunday will be the biggest service held at St George Christ Church St Paul since its consecration two years ago.
It's for the ordination to priesthood of three deacons, Robert Stanier, who works at St G CC St P (and it's me who's writing this blog!), Andrew Moughtin Mumby, who works at St Christopher's, Walworth, and Sharon Moughtin Mumby, who works at St Peter's Walworth.
As you may have worked out by now, Andrew and Sharon are married to each other. (It was a theological college romance: a rare beast, but it does happen occasionally!) Ordaining us will be Bishop Christopher, who actually lives in the parish, which is cool.
PRACTICAL
If you are reading this looking for directions, go to a different page on the website; if you are just hoping to come, please do. It's going to be a tight squeeze, but we are sure we will be able to fit everyone in (somehow!). If you are looking to help, then please come to church at more or less any time on Sat 30th June, and people will be dusting, scrubbing, chair moving, tea making, cake baking, silver polishing, light bulb changing, font fixing...
THEOLOGICAL
FAQ: Why are they getting ordained? I thought they were already ordained.
That's a fair point. Essentially, it's because people get ordained to different 'orders' in the Church. We've already been ordained as 'deacons'. Our role has been to serve the church, the people, and to seek out ways in which we can help. Liturgically, this is most clear at hte eucharist. We 'lay the table' and clear up afterwards, but we don't preside.
Once we are ordained priest, we don't lose our servitude, but we are authorised to take things as leaders: we preside at the eucharist, we offer absolution for forgiveness of sins...
Almost all deacons go on to become priests. Technically, we could then go on to be ordained in the final order, bishops, but that is quite rare: of ordained ministers, 98% are priests, 1% are permanent deacons and 1% are bishops. (Or something like that). To be ordained priest is essentially the fulfilment for most of us: it's the fulfilment of the calling which we felt when we first offered ourselves to the church some years ago. Yet it's also the beginning.
Do join us. It will be a great day and we will want as much support as there can be.
Robert
PS For upcoming events, also check the posts below.
PPS The St Albans trip went amazingly well.
It's for the ordination to priesthood of three deacons, Robert Stanier, who works at St G CC St P (and it's me who's writing this blog!), Andrew Moughtin Mumby, who works at St Christopher's, Walworth, and Sharon Moughtin Mumby, who works at St Peter's Walworth.
As you may have worked out by now, Andrew and Sharon are married to each other. (It was a theological college romance: a rare beast, but it does happen occasionally!) Ordaining us will be Bishop Christopher, who actually lives in the parish, which is cool.
PRACTICAL
If you are reading this looking for directions, go to a different page on the website; if you are just hoping to come, please do. It's going to be a tight squeeze, but we are sure we will be able to fit everyone in (somehow!). If you are looking to help, then please come to church at more or less any time on Sat 30th June, and people will be dusting, scrubbing, chair moving, tea making, cake baking, silver polishing, light bulb changing, font fixing...
THEOLOGICAL
FAQ: Why are they getting ordained? I thought they were already ordained.
That's a fair point. Essentially, it's because people get ordained to different 'orders' in the Church. We've already been ordained as 'deacons'. Our role has been to serve the church, the people, and to seek out ways in which we can help. Liturgically, this is most clear at hte eucharist. We 'lay the table' and clear up afterwards, but we don't preside.
Once we are ordained priest, we don't lose our servitude, but we are authorised to take things as leaders: we preside at the eucharist, we offer absolution for forgiveness of sins...
Almost all deacons go on to become priests. Technically, we could then go on to be ordained in the final order, bishops, but that is quite rare: of ordained ministers, 98% are priests, 1% are permanent deacons and 1% are bishops. (Or something like that). To be ordained priest is essentially the fulfilment for most of us: it's the fulfilment of the calling which we felt when we first offered ourselves to the church some years ago. Yet it's also the beginning.
Do join us. It will be a great day and we will want as much support as there can be.
Robert
PS For upcoming events, also check the posts below.
PPS The St Albans trip went amazingly well.
Tuesday, 12 June 2007
Mid June events
Lots of what is coming up feels like times for rites of passage. As well as our usual mix of baptisms and weddings in church, look out for these events.
Upcoming events:
Sat June 23rd: Pilgrimage to St Albans to hear Desmond Tutu
Sun June 30th: Fluffbusting, church clean-up all day, awaiting for the day of the ordination.
Sun July 1st: 6.30pm. Ordination to the priesthood of Fr Robert, as well as Fr Andrew and Mtr Sharon from elsewhere in the area. This is a ticketed event, but we will strive to find room for everyone. It should be a very special day.
Tuesday July 3rd: Start of our Marriage Preparation course
Wednesday July 4th-5th: "Year 6" event for children leaving our local primary school and preparing to go to a bigger stage of secondary education. No SATs but a chance to learn new things (juggling, mask making etc.) and make new friends.
Sun July 8th: 10.00 Fr Robert will preside at the eucharist for the first time. A very special day for him and all who have been involved him in bringing him this far, especially those in the parish.
Sat July 14th: Church Garden Fete. Our usual winning combination of Caribbean food, cake stalls, jumble, community spirit and (we hope) sunshine. Join us all day or just for a bit.
Upcoming events:
Sat June 23rd: Pilgrimage to St Albans to hear Desmond Tutu
Sun June 30th: Fluffbusting, church clean-up all day, awaiting for the day of the ordination.
Sun July 1st: 6.30pm. Ordination to the priesthood of Fr Robert, as well as Fr Andrew and Mtr Sharon from elsewhere in the area. This is a ticketed event, but we will strive to find room for everyone. It should be a very special day.
Tuesday July 3rd: Start of our Marriage Preparation course
Wednesday July 4th-5th: "Year 6" event for children leaving our local primary school and preparing to go to a bigger stage of secondary education. No SATs but a chance to learn new things (juggling, mask making etc.) and make new friends.
Sun July 8th: 10.00 Fr Robert will preside at the eucharist for the first time. A very special day for him and all who have been involved him in bringing him this far, especially those in the parish.
Sat July 14th: Church Garden Fete. Our usual winning combination of Caribbean food, cake stalls, jumble, community spirit and (we hope) sunshine. Join us all day or just for a bit.
Tuesday, 5 June 2007
June: what's coming up
Last week saw a triumphant production of the hilarous "Holiday Snap" by the Players. A saucy farce, it drew a lot of laughs from big audiences. Well done to all involved.
Then on Sunday, we had great variety in Church. We looked at deep theology in the Trinity Sunday service at 10am and then got in touch with our quieter side at the service of Healing and Wholeness at 6pm. This was beautiful and peaceful and will be repeated. Look out for these services in the future.
This week coming, there's the feast of Corpus Christi being celebrated on Sunday. This is about Christ's body in the eucharist. It's a time to think about what this means to us.
Then if you want to look more deeply at the Bible, come to Fr Robert's house - 20 Gaynesford Road - at 6pm and we'll be starting a short series of sessions on "the good life". What might this mean? This week, we will be looking at the psalms: "I've been young and now am old and never have I seen the righteous begging their bread". Gosh. Is that still true? Do the righteous live longer/ get richer? Or does being righteous make us happy? Do we want to be 'righteous'?
No need for prior knowledge. Just turn up. It will last an hour.
In the longer term, consider joining our pilgrimage to St Albans to hear Desmond Tutu preach on June 23rd. Should be amazing.
Fr Robert
Then on Sunday, we had great variety in Church. We looked at deep theology in the Trinity Sunday service at 10am and then got in touch with our quieter side at the service of Healing and Wholeness at 6pm. This was beautiful and peaceful and will be repeated. Look out for these services in the future.
This week coming, there's the feast of Corpus Christi being celebrated on Sunday. This is about Christ's body in the eucharist. It's a time to think about what this means to us.
Then if you want to look more deeply at the Bible, come to Fr Robert's house - 20 Gaynesford Road - at 6pm and we'll be starting a short series of sessions on "the good life". What might this mean? This week, we will be looking at the psalms: "I've been young and now am old and never have I seen the righteous begging their bread". Gosh. Is that still true? Do the righteous live longer/ get richer? Or does being righteous make us happy? Do we want to be 'righteous'?
No need for prior knowledge. Just turn up. It will last an hour.
In the longer term, consider joining our pilgrimage to St Albans to hear Desmond Tutu preach on June 23rd. Should be amazing.
Fr Robert
Tuesday, 29 May 2007
End of May, start of June
Pentecost was fantastic at St George, Christ Church, St Paul this year. Over 300 people were in Church at the eucharist and at the 2pm baptism service.
As we baptised Jada, Freya and Madison, the Spirit came to bless us all.
As I now write (on Tuesday) the stage is being prepared for the St Georges Players' production of the comedy, Holiday Snap. It should be fabulous. It's being performed on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. The Players are justly proud of their consistent record of outstanding productions. This will be no different.
Meanwhile, this Sunday there are two major events. The first is the main eucharist at 10am. Because it is Trinity Sunday, we will be focussing on the Trinity. Okay, so it's about Father, Son and Holy Spirit, but what does that actually mean? What is it about?
Then at 6pm there will be a special service of healing and reconciliation. This isn't particularly about cures. This is about recognising the interconnectedness of mind, body and spirit and asking God's healing power to be at work in that. It will be a beautiful, quiet service, with a chance for people to come forward for the laying on of hands and anointing with oil.
As we baptised Jada, Freya and Madison, the Spirit came to bless us all.
As I now write (on Tuesday) the stage is being prepared for the St Georges Players' production of the comedy, Holiday Snap. It should be fabulous. It's being performed on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. The Players are justly proud of their consistent record of outstanding productions. This will be no different.
Meanwhile, this Sunday there are two major events. The first is the main eucharist at 10am. Because it is Trinity Sunday, we will be focussing on the Trinity. Okay, so it's about Father, Son and Holy Spirit, but what does that actually mean? What is it about?
Then at 6pm there will be a special service of healing and reconciliation. This isn't particularly about cures. This is about recognising the interconnectedness of mind, body and spirit and asking God's healing power to be at work in that. It will be a beautiful, quiet service, with a chance for people to come forward for the laying on of hands and anointing with oil.
Saturday, 26 May 2007
Baptisms and Pentecost: what's it all about?
If you come to St George Christ Church St Paul on Pentecost (Sun May 29th), either at 10am or at 2pm, you will see people being baptised: Jada and Madison are new-born babies; Freya Millie is a bit bigger and knows what's happening more than the others.
It will be an amazing day. In the early Church, Pentecost used to be the only day on which you could get baptised apart from Easter. These two dates were special dates to start a new life in Christ because both signify the key dates when God revealed himself in the world: first, through the risen Jesus; second, through the day when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, inspiring them with their new life in Christ.
There is definitely something inspiring about a baptism, whether of an infant, a child or an adult. All of these happen at St George Christ Church St Paul.
If you want to find out more, read our web page on Baptisms and Christenings.
It will be an amazing day. In the early Church, Pentecost used to be the only day on which you could get baptised apart from Easter. These two dates were special dates to start a new life in Christ because both signify the key dates when God revealed himself in the world: first, through the risen Jesus; second, through the day when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, inspiring them with their new life in Christ.
There is definitely something inspiring about a baptism, whether of an infant, a child or an adult. All of these happen at St George Christ Church St Paul.
If you want to find out more, read our web page on Baptisms and Christenings.
Wednesday, 23 May 2007
Pentecost coming
With Pentecost comes the climax in a way of the Churchyear: it starts with the lead up to Christmas, and Christ's coming, then with Easter, his death and resurrection, and since Christ withdrew at the Ascension, the world was ready for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost.
It's the ultimate inclusive festival. The Christian faith makes sense in all the tongues of the known world, something evident today, with a billion Christians, and in a smaller way in our own congregation: we must have some 15 nationalities represented on most Sundays. Africa, eastern Europe, the Caribbean... there are some who even come from Bromley.
In the longer term, look at for preparations for Fr Robert's ordination on Sunday July 1st and for the summer fair on July 14th.
It's the ultimate inclusive festival. The Christian faith makes sense in all the tongues of the known world, something evident today, with a billion Christians, and in a smaller way in our own congregation: we must have some 15 nationalities represented on most Sundays. Africa, eastern Europe, the Caribbean... there are some who even come from Bromley.
In the longer term, look at for preparations for Fr Robert's ordination on Sunday July 1st and for the summer fair on July 14th.
Sunday, 13 May 2007
Food for mind, body and spirit
Thinking about the environment? Come and join us to see the film made by Al Gore that changed the world's view on global warming.
Monday 14th May, 7.30pm. "An Inconvenient Truth"
Then thinking about Jesus?
Come and join our worship of the day that Jesus left this world, ending his risen appearances: it's on Thursday 17th May at 8pm. The Feast of the Ascension.
Having meditated on the incarnation, you'll need to relax. Come and have a giggle on Saturday 19th May: Talent Night. Do you play the spoons? Do you sing the tunes? Do you tell the gags? Or just sit back and enjoy it: it's like the Royal Variety Performance, except that the Queen won't be there.
Sadly, Kylie Minogue has had to pull out but we've still got some great acts.
Looking ahead, it's Pentecost on the 27th May and we have three baptisms that day: one at 10am and two at 2pm. These will be wonderful occasions!
Monday 14th May, 7.30pm. "An Inconvenient Truth"
Then thinking about Jesus?
Come and join our worship of the day that Jesus left this world, ending his risen appearances: it's on Thursday 17th May at 8pm. The Feast of the Ascension.
Having meditated on the incarnation, you'll need to relax. Come and have a giggle on Saturday 19th May: Talent Night. Do you play the spoons? Do you sing the tunes? Do you tell the gags? Or just sit back and enjoy it: it's like the Royal Variety Performance, except that the Queen won't be there.
Sadly, Kylie Minogue has had to pull out but we've still got some great acts.
Looking ahead, it's Pentecost on the 27th May and we have three baptisms that day: one at 10am and two at 2pm. These will be wonderful occasions!
Wednesday, 9 May 2007
May, glorious May
We at St George Christ Church St Paul are easing into life in May with a series of entertainments and more edifying type events.
On the straight entertainment side, we have our Talent Night, on Sat 19th May, which you have to see to believe, starting at 7.30pm. It puts the London Palladium with Jimmy Tarbuck into the shade.
Heading towards education, we have a screening on Monday 14th May at 7.30pm of Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth. Free to all who come, with a chance to discuss the implications afterwards. What does God want of His planet? What does he expect of us? What is the real motivation for being green?
Of course, our main worship keeps going throughout. As well as our usual Sunday services, there's a special service to celebrate Christ's Ascension on Thursday 17th May. That should be great. Come at 8pm.
You're always welcome. Just one word: the email address on this site isn't working 100% at the moment, so it's best to give us a call. You can't beat the telephone every now and then. That's what I say!
Fr Robert
On the straight entertainment side, we have our Talent Night, on Sat 19th May, which you have to see to believe, starting at 7.30pm. It puts the London Palladium with Jimmy Tarbuck into the shade.
Heading towards education, we have a screening on Monday 14th May at 7.30pm of Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth. Free to all who come, with a chance to discuss the implications afterwards. What does God want of His planet? What does he expect of us? What is the real motivation for being green?
Of course, our main worship keeps going throughout. As well as our usual Sunday services, there's a special service to celebrate Christ's Ascension on Thursday 17th May. That should be great. Come at 8pm.
You're always welcome. Just one word: the email address on this site isn't working 100% at the moment, so it's best to give us a call. You can't beat the telephone every now and then. That's what I say!
Fr Robert
Monday, 23 April 2007
New Church year starts this week!
After the service this Sunday we've our APCM.
Yes, I know, there's no getting around it, that means a meeting, an Annual Parochial Church Meeting to be exact.
But this one's a good one: it's a summary of the year and Fr John will also present something of the vision for the future.
2007 will be a big year, with the opening of the Chancel Church on the Christ Church site, and that will be part of what John talks about. Of course, we also have a new churchwarden to be elected as well. Not only do church electoral roll members get to vote, we can guarantee that your vote will actually count: no telephone phone-ins required for us.
New Bible study courses are starting soon. Look out for more news about them soon.
Fr Robert
Yes, I know, there's no getting around it, that means a meeting, an Annual Parochial Church Meeting to be exact.
But this one's a good one: it's a summary of the year and Fr John will also present something of the vision for the future.
2007 will be a big year, with the opening of the Chancel Church on the Christ Church site, and that will be part of what John talks about. Of course, we also have a new churchwarden to be elected as well. Not only do church electoral roll members get to vote, we can guarantee that your vote will actually count: no telephone phone-ins required for us.
New Bible study courses are starting soon. Look out for more news about them soon.
Fr Robert
Monday, 16 April 2007
St George's Day coming
Happy Easter one and all.
It's sunny outside and soon it's time to celebrate St George and all things English.
Warm beer, rolling hills and the FA Cup...
And yet St George wasn't from England. He probably hadn't even heard of England.
And what's he got to do with the dragon?
And what's that got to do with England?
More to the point, what's it got to do with your life?
Come and find out more this coming Sunday.
Also we'll be having a special service celebrating the scouts' centenary. Fabulous.
It's sunny outside and soon it's time to celebrate St George and all things English.
Warm beer, rolling hills and the FA Cup...
And yet St George wasn't from England. He probably hadn't even heard of England.
And what's he got to do with the dragon?
And what's that got to do with England?
More to the point, what's it got to do with your life?
Come and find out more this coming Sunday.
Also we'll be having a special service celebrating the scouts' centenary. Fabulous.
Friday, 30 March 2007
Holy Week is upon us
A beautiful journey of services.
We've been focussing in Lent on the spirit led life. An amazing series of Lent groups attended by fifty of the congregation. Now is the time to really focus on how Jesus Christ initiated it all. Please join us, even if you've never been to us before.
April 1st 10am is Palm Sunday.
Follow the donkey in: listen to the readings of the Passion to initiate the week.
Monday April 2nd, Tuesday April 3rd: 8pm
Meditative eucharists, with short meditations led by members of the congregation, based on a Gospel character's experience of Holy Week.
Wednesday 12.30pm and 8pm.
Agape meal eucharists.
Share a middle eastern meal and over the course of three courses, participate in the eucharist prayer. It sounds strange but it works: for many, it's the most meaningful eucharist of the year.
Thursday April 5th: 8pm.
Maundy Thursday.
Jesus washes the feet of the disciples but is betrayed. We remember the Last Supper and then strip the Church. Utter quiet. Candlelit. Peace.
Friday April 6th:
12.30-3.30pm. In the hall: Children's workshop. Full of Easter activities. Ideal for children between 5 and 11.
12-3 In the Church: Adults meditation. 2pm to 3pm will be the main liturgy.
Saturday April 7th: 8pm.
Easter Eve. Celebration of Jesus' rising during the night of Saturday to Sunday. Hear the ancient exultet sung. Renew your baptism vows, and witness to baptisms.
Sunday April 8th: 10am Easter Eucharist. Christ is risen. Glorious, happy service.
We've been focussing in Lent on the spirit led life. An amazing series of Lent groups attended by fifty of the congregation. Now is the time to really focus on how Jesus Christ initiated it all. Please join us, even if you've never been to us before.
April 1st 10am is Palm Sunday.
Follow the donkey in: listen to the readings of the Passion to initiate the week.
Monday April 2nd, Tuesday April 3rd: 8pm
Meditative eucharists, with short meditations led by members of the congregation, based on a Gospel character's experience of Holy Week.
Wednesday 12.30pm and 8pm.
Agape meal eucharists.
Share a middle eastern meal and over the course of three courses, participate in the eucharist prayer. It sounds strange but it works: for many, it's the most meaningful eucharist of the year.
Thursday April 5th: 8pm.
Maundy Thursday.
Jesus washes the feet of the disciples but is betrayed. We remember the Last Supper and then strip the Church. Utter quiet. Candlelit. Peace.
Friday April 6th:
12.30-3.30pm. In the hall: Children's workshop. Full of Easter activities. Ideal for children between 5 and 11.
12-3 In the Church: Adults meditation. 2pm to 3pm will be the main liturgy.
Saturday April 7th: 8pm.
Easter Eve. Celebration of Jesus' rising during the night of Saturday to Sunday. Hear the ancient exultet sung. Renew your baptism vows, and witness to baptisms.
Sunday April 8th: 10am Easter Eucharist. Christ is risen. Glorious, happy service.
Sunday, 18 March 2007
Timings of upcoming events
Upcoming Events: Summary
Lent Course:
Mondays 7.45pm-9.45
Tuesdays 12.30pm-2.30 and 7.45pm to 9.45
Next Sunday (March 25th): 10am.
Sermon will explore the woman who cracks the alabaster jar of perfume on Jesus' feet. What do we do with our bodies? Why? What is real love?
Looking into the future:
Sunday April 1st: 10am.
Palm Sunday. Follow the donkey in. Dramatic reading.
Thursday April 5th: 8pm.
Maundy Thursday. Relive the Last Supper and Jesus' betrayal.
Friday April 6th:
EITHER
12-2pm Quiet meditation.
2pm-3pm Solemn worship
OR
12.15-3.15pm Good Friday workshop for children.
Activities: cooking, sticking, painting, drawing... all on an Easter theme. Concludes with short service at 3.15pm.
Saturday April 7th:
Easter Vigil. 8pm
Go through the story of creation from Adam to Jesus, and see how the light of Christ has come into the world.
Sunday April 8th:
Easter Eucharist.
10am. Celebrate the rising of Christ with us at 10am.
2pm. Baptism of baby Otis.
Lent Course:
Mondays 7.45pm-9.45
Tuesdays 12.30pm-2.30 and 7.45pm to 9.45
Next Sunday (March 25th): 10am.
Sermon will explore the woman who cracks the alabaster jar of perfume on Jesus' feet. What do we do with our bodies? Why? What is real love?
Looking into the future:
Sunday April 1st: 10am.
Palm Sunday. Follow the donkey in. Dramatic reading.
Thursday April 5th: 8pm.
Maundy Thursday. Relive the Last Supper and Jesus' betrayal.
Friday April 6th:
EITHER
12-2pm Quiet meditation.
2pm-3pm Solemn worship
OR
12.15-3.15pm Good Friday workshop for children.
Activities: cooking, sticking, painting, drawing... all on an Easter theme. Concludes with short service at 3.15pm.
Saturday April 7th:
Easter Vigil. 8pm
Go through the story of creation from Adam to Jesus, and see how the light of Christ has come into the world.
Sunday April 8th:
Easter Eucharist.
10am. Celebrate the rising of Christ with us at 10am.
2pm. Baptism of baby Otis.
Lent Course continues: fast food or the eucharist?
This week sees the fourth week of our Lent course, the Spirit Led Life.
FAST FOOD: what in heaven's name are we doing?
Join the fifty of us who are exploring the Spirit Led Life together, as we consider what the Eucharist is really about.
Looking ahead, look out for our Holy Week services, starting on Palm Sunday at 10am as we follow the donkey into Church.
If you are looking for a Church that really celebrates Easter with reverence, awe and celebration, then please do join us.
The big services are, as ever, Maundy Thursday from 8pm, Good Friday at 2pm, our Easter Vigil on Saturday at 8pm and Easter Day eucharist at 10am.
See you there.
Robert
FAST FOOD: what in heaven's name are we doing?
Join the fifty of us who are exploring the Spirit Led Life together, as we consider what the Eucharist is really about.
Looking ahead, look out for our Holy Week services, starting on Palm Sunday at 10am as we follow the donkey into Church.
If you are looking for a Church that really celebrates Easter with reverence, awe and celebration, then please do join us.
The big services are, as ever, Maundy Thursday from 8pm, Good Friday at 2pm, our Easter Vigil on Saturday at 8pm and Easter Day eucharist at 10am.
See you there.
Robert
Wednesday, 7 March 2007
Spirit Led Life: who are you?
Fantastic session in prospect.
People talk about their faith stories.
how it was real? How it happened? How it didn't happen?
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