10 July

pastoral letter
Written By Guest User

Dear Friends,

It is a great pleasure to be among you again, and this year for the months of July and August. But it is also a sad occasion as this marks the end of Lance's ministry in the English Reformed Church. I was glad to be invited to share in his last service, but sorry that I could not stay for the picnic. I was last in the church and first out on Sunday, as I had promised the Dutch authorities to keep back from close contact until I had had a Covid Test. This happened on Tuesday and the result was negative. But the very kind representative of the GGD who phoned the good news to me, suggested that I should not do much mixing for another ten days.

 I know that Lance and Sally were thrilled with the way in which the congregation showed their appreciation for their seven years in Amsterdam. They leave with many positive and happy memories .

 It is rather unusual for me not only to be living in the Manse, where I stayed in 1976 and 1977, but also to be sleeping in the same bedroom. If I added up all the weeks I have been in and around the church since 1976, it adds up to over five years, all of which have contributed to my ministry  and my understanding of the essential international identity of the Church.

 I am here as a locum – not a full-time, but a part-time appointment. I have brought plenty of work with me from home, but I am glad to be at the disposal of the congregation. Apart from leading Sunday worship, I will also be continuing the Bible Study meetings every fortnight, beginning on Wednesday 21st July. These evening events are open to all and details will be found on the church website.

 
Every blessing,

John.


THIS WEEK's PROGRAMME:

Sunday, 10.30 hrs: Morning Worship 
Please note that the service will be recorded and accessible via the ERC's Youtube channel around noon:

Our reading for this Sunday is 1st Corinthians 12:12-27

Prayer:

In this time there may be people who feel especially in need of prayer either for themselves or for someone else. In 'normal' times there was a small group of people in the congregation who used to take it in turns on Sundays to be available after the service to pray for anyone in need - so, if you would like prayer or have a particular prayer request please contact Margaret Richards on  margaretanne_richards@hotmail.com  and she and the others will pray accordingly.

A word about finance….
Please note that in this period when we are not meeting together there is a way of giving to the church on the website, https://www.erc.amsterdam. Being the first Sunday of the month it is our custom to hold a collection for the Mulanje Mission Hospital inMalawi. If you wish to make a donation please do so through the website.

Guest User
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