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.
Tuesday, 29 May 2007
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
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