Dear People & Friends of St. Clement’s,
A Happy New Year to you all!
This coming Sunday, I’m looking forward to welcoming many of you back from your visits to families and friends over the Christmas and New Year period. And not only is this coming Sunday the first Sunday of the New Year, it is also the Feast of the Epiphany, celebrating the arrival of the Wise Men, who bowed down and worshipped the infant Jesus and gave him gifts of gold, incense and myrrh. So please resolve to join us for worship and start the year off in the best way possible!
Sunday 6th January at 11.00 – Sung Eucharist for the Feast of Epiphany.
Our Bible Readings will be Isaiah 60. 1-6, Ephesians 3. 1-12 & Matthew 2. 1-12. There will be parallel Children’s Ministry and the service will be followed by Coffee Hour in the hall on the third floor of Klimentská 18.
Then next Tuesday, our Midweek Study & Fellowship Group will resume meeting. In response to my request, I’ve only had one suggestion as to what we might study. The suggestion – Strong women in the Bible! And yes- that suggestion came from a man Therefore………..
Tuesday 8th January 18.30 -20.00 in the small meeting room on the first floor of Klimentská 18.
In the first of our studies, I’m going to look at Ruth, the great-grandmother of King David. It would help to read in advance the story of Ruth in the Old Testament book that bears her name. It is only four short chapters. I will bring some printed text on Tuesday evening but bringing your own Bible would also be a great help.
I’ve got some suggestions as to who some of the other ‘strong women’ we might look at. But I don’t intend to lead all the studies myself so if some female Biblical character is your favourite & you would be willing to lead one evening, please speak with me ASAP. There will be five sessions in total, Tuesdays 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th January & 5th February.
Looking ahead – some more dates for your new diaries
Friday 25th January
A Burn`s Night Ceilidh at Mickelsky Dvur, 7.00 for 7.30pm Supper, hopefully including a wee bit of Haggis, accompanied by Vilan celtic trio and singer. Followed by dancing to `Mestska`. Full and final details for next week, but please book the date now; and please invite as many friends and colleagues now. The last Ceilidh in October was great fun and enjoyed by all who went.
Wednesday 13th February – Ash Wednesday
There will be a evening Eucharist with (voluntary) imposition of ashes starting at 19.00 in Church.
Sunday 10th March – Annual Church Meeting
The ACM will follow on after our 11.00 Eucharist.
Finally – two other quick requests/notes
Does anyone have or have access to a powerpoint projector which we need for a presentation in Church in a couple of weeks time? If you do, please speak with either Gordon Truefit or me ASAP.
Free copies of the new January – March ICS News & Prayer Diary will once more be available in Church this coming Sunday. As I told the congregation in Church last Sunday, this new edition includes a two page article by me, together with pictures, all about our new Brno congregation. There is also a full colour picture of Jack Noonan, together with Bishop Geoffrey, Archdeacon Patrick & me of Jack’s licensing as a Reader during the Eastern Archdeaconry Synod last September.
Best wishes
Ricky
