27 February
Dear Friends,
Today a film crew were at our church – they were recording part of a big 30 hour-long documentary on Amsterdam during the Nazi occupation in the 2nd World War, and they wanted to feature our church. The producer is Steve McQueen, famous for his ’12 Years a Slave’ film. We were reminded of those terrible days of occupation and how the church was closed to its usual services and taken over by the Nazi garrison. That was the only time in its history that the church has been suspended from holding services – until now. It reminded me that this is not the first time that we have not been able to meet and share in worship and fellowship, and of a time that was worse than this. And I thought, too, of how fortunate we are that these things happen so rarely – something that we should not take for granted. And, most importantly, it made me realise that God brought the ERC through those troubled times, and kept faith with the congregation of that time, and will do again.
I wish you well for the coming week. One other thing, though. I know how much many of you value the weekly services that are live-streamed from the church each Sunday. We have a small and dedicated team who make this happen each week but we could do well with some more volunteers to help. It is not a difficult task and training is given. Would anyone be willing to join the rota of those who do the live-streaming? It would only be once every 5 or 6 weeks.
Every blessing to you. keep safe and keep well.
Lance
THIS WEEK:
Sunday, 10.30 hrs
Live- streamed service . You can access the live-stream just before 10.30 am via this link: https://youtu.be/lPasW1ybsbo
Our reading for this Sunday, for the second Sunday in Lent, is Mark 8:27-39, an incident in which Jesus asks his disciples, ‘who do you say that I am?’
Sunday, 21.00 hrs
Compline (short evening prayers): via Zoom
Tuesday, 08.45 hrs
Psalm Reciting (this week Psalms 102-105). We will not meet at the church for this, but you might like to participate from your from our home at 8.45 or some other time.
Wednesday, 19.30 hrs
Bible Study, looking at John 2:13-22. All welcome via Zoom
Thursday, 21.00hrs
Compline (short evening prayer): via Zoom
Prayer:
In this time there may be people who feel especially in need of prayer either for themselves or for someone else. There is a small group of people in the congregation who 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 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.
God bless you all and keep us united as a church family – and safe and well.
Lance