Dear Worshippers and Friends of St. Clement’s
Here once more, is my regular weekly update of what is happening in the life of the Prague Anglican Chaplaincy.
Sunday 2nd February at 11.00 – Sung Eucharist for the Presentation of Christ in the Temple
This coming Sunday marks exactly forty days since Christmas Day when we celebrate the events recorded in Luke 2. 22-40,which is our GospelReading. It also marks the end of the season of Epiphany and we celebrate the Feast of Presentation the festival is also known as the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or more colloquially as Candlemas. The supporting Bible readings will be Malachi 3. 1-5, where the prophet proclaims that a holy messenger is on the way, and this announcement brings with it both a promise and a word of warning and Hebrews 2. 14-18. which says Jesus shared our human condition in order to save us.
Hymns are :-Praise to the Lord, the Almighty Lobe den Herren; Immortal, invisible, God only wise St. Denio; God is love: let heaven adore him Hyfrydol (12); Lord, the light of your love is shining Shine, Jesus, shine.
There will be parallel Children’s Ministry and following worship, Coffee Hour, in the hall on the third floor of Klimentská 18.
It being the first Sunday of the month, directly after Coffee Hour, I shall be off to Brno for our regular monthly service there, starting at 17.00…
Sunday 2nd February at 17.00 in Brno – Holy Communion with Hymns for the Presentation of Christ in the temple
If you have family or friends in Brno, do tell them about our worship service there. For more information follow the link http://susanaj10.sg-host.com//brno/.
Tuesday 4th February from 18.00 to 20.00 – Pre-Lent Bible Study
Join us for Bible Study on Tuesdays from 18.00 to 20.00 hrs in the hall on the first floor of Klimentska 18 based on Christ’s Prayer. It will be led by David Hellam. While in my last weekly message it was mentioned that we would begin on February 11, in consultation with David, we will begin a week earlier. New faces are always welcome, as well as the regulars! If the outside door of Klimentská 18 is locked, please press the bell marked Sborový Kancelář & we’ll buzz you in!
Then, join us next Sunday..
Sunday 9th February at 11.00 hrs. – Chaplain’s Extension of License Service
Our new Archdeacon Ven. Leslie Nathaniel will be visiting our chaplaincy for the first time to hold the extension of my ecclesiastical service which will extend my license for another 3.5 years. Make every effort to be a part of this important service. More details to follow.
Other important things..
My sermon from last Sunday is available to read on the church website. To access follow the link http://susanaj10.sg-host.com//26th-january-2020-third-sunday-after-epiphany-revd-nathanial/.
A GRAND AUCTION…
To raise money for St Clement’s we are holding an Auction on Sunday 23rd February at Klimentska 18, opposite the church after our regular worship service. Sally Whetstone-MCSweeny has kindly agreed to coordinate the auction. Bring anything you’d like to donate to the auction – maybe you had too many Christmas gifts, or you could make or bake something special for us. Or you could donate your time or your services. Stephen Weeks has offered an evening of reading extracts from his Countess of Prague novels – ideal if you’re having a party! Bring your auction items on the day, and put a note in with your reserve price, if you have one! But do let Sally know that you will be bringing something, and what it is. And please, bring some cash to buy something for yourself!
Ash Wednesday Eucharist…
26th February Ash Wednesday evening at 18.00, there will be a Eucharist with the imposition of ashes. It would be good to see many of you there to mark the beginning of this important penitential season of the Christian Year.If you would like to donate Palm Crosses from last year(s) for making ‘ash’ for this service, please bring it to the church with you.
More volunteers are needed to help us with organizing Coffee Hour; an important part of our ministry in Prague. Some of our people on the Rota have moved out of Prague and we really more people to join, making it easier to run this smoothly. If you would like to learn more about this responsibility or think you can help, please get in touch with Rota Officer Barbara Payne barapayne(at)gmail(dot)com.
Copies of the ICS News & Prayer Diary, for the month of February 2020 will be available free at the back of Church.
On the Diocesan Website you will also find Introduction of Diocesan Rule of Life which can be a valuable aid to shaping and structuring the life of Christians, enabling us to walk more closely with Christ. Here is the link to this important news https://europe.anglican.org/main/latest-news/post/1531-introducing-a-diocesan-rule-of-life.
If it was/is your birthday or wedding anniversary or any other special occasion last week or the coming week, we would be happy to share your joy and pray for you. You are invited to send to me the details by replying to this email.
Lastly, as the U.K. leaves the European Union today, we join others in Church of England and pray.. May God of Hope, in these times of change, unite the people and leaders of the U.K. with His Wisdom. Give courage to overcome fears, and help build a future in which all may prosper and share.
Yours in His Service,
Nathanial
