O Come all ye faithful!
Yes, come along and join us in St Barnabas’ Church, Limassol as we enter this season of Advent and look forward to the celebration of the Holy Birth.
It may not be a Bleak Midwinter here in Cyprus, but for many throughout the world it will be just that, we think of them in our prayers and hope that next year will be a better and safer world for us all.
For The Twelve Days of Christmas (plus many more), there will be a lot going on at church, a full diary of events and services can be found throughout this article. Check out our Facebook page for news of Retreats taking place in the Diocese or call in church during the week for a time of personal, quiet reflection, our doors are always open.
If you are in the Pissouri area, come along to the St Lazarus’ Carol Service you will be made very welcome. Sunday 12th December at 6.00pm in the room under the amphitheatre.
The following week the service of Nine Lessons & Carols will be held at St Barnabas’ Church in Limassol, 6.00pm, do come and join us for this lovely evening and sing along to the Carols we do not want a Silent Night.
As Christmas is approaching, please continue to bring donations of dried and tinned foods , and toiletries, there are so many in need after the challenging times we have experienced over the last couple of years. Your contributions are greatly appreciated and it is good to know we are helping to improve the quality of lives for some people, and bring a little Joy to the World.
At church we shall Deck the Halls and prepare the church for Christmas Eve where we shall congregate at 11.00pm for communion and to celebrate – “O Holy night, The stars are brightly shining, it is the night of the dear saviour’s birth”. A truly meaningful service of anticipation and joy, all are welcome to join us for this special Midnight Mass.
I Saw Three Ships in the bay, you may have seen more, how nice to see them lit up at night. Our thoughts and prayers are with the crews who have spent so many months on board and this may even be the second Christmas without going home to see their families and loved ones. The Mission to Seafarers do all they can to support them and help bring a little seasonal cheer into their lives.We will be collecting shoe boxes filled with gifts to be disributed to these workers and hopefully cheer them up on Christmas Day, see our weekly news sheet for further information.
Finally, congratulatons to Rev Ian Nicholson for his wonderful achievement. A degree congregation was held at St Paul’s cathedral Nicosia on 26th October, to admit four new Queen’s College graduates to the BTh in Discipleship and Ministry, among them Rev Ian Nicholson, who was awarded a degree with honours.
Archbishop Michael admitted the graduates, expressing his delight at being present on this special occasion, and his appreciation of the six years of hard work that had led to the awards. A letter of congratulation from Queen’s College Provost Dr Joanne Mercer was read by Revd Dr John Holdsworth. Dr Mercer reflected that the founders of Queen’s—established in 1841—would have been amazed to know that graduates of the College were being admitted four thousand miles away, but it was wonderful that despite that distance these new graduates were connected to Queen’s in a special way.
So, from Father Ian Nicholson and myself to all of our friends in the Parish, the Community and the District of Limassol We Wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
We pray that 2022 will be a safer, kinder and more caring place to live. We pray for peace around the world and a cure for the pandemic which has affected us all. Most of all we wish you joy.
Dates for your diary:
3rd December: Achord Choir sing in St Barnabas’ Church, 6.00pm.
4th December – The next Tabletop Sale will be held in the church grounds, offers of help or to book a pitch please contact Nora Ananiades 99356451, you may even find a bargain for Christmas!
4th December – The Limassol Coeur de Lion Lions Club is holding a Christmas Extravaganza at the Ajax Hotel in Limassol, dinner, drinks and dancing to The Rat Pack tribute band, tickets 40 Euros. Further details can be found on posters in the church hall or contact Doreen 99240284.
Extra Services in December:
12 Dec 6 pm Carol Service – St Lazarus, Pissouri
19 Dec 6 pm 9 lessons and Carols – St Barnabas
24 Dec 6 pm Christmas Eve – St Lazarus, Pissouri
24 Dec 1100 pm Christmas Eve – St Barnabas
25 Dec 1000 am Christmas Day – St Barnabas
Regular Events at St Barnabas Church Limassol
Tuesday Prayer Meeting 9.30am
Wednesday Communion 9.30am
Ladies Wednesday Craft Group 10-12 noon
Chinese Bible Study, Wednesday 10.15-12.30
Friday coffee time via ZOOM 3.00pm
Saturday Tabletop Sales – Next sale 4th December
Sunday Eucharist 10.00am – also available via Zoom
Sunday Eucharist at St Lazarus’ in Pissouri
2nd Sunday of each month at 6.00pm in the room under the Amphitheatre.
The next services will be: – December 12th and January 9th
If you are visiting us for the first time, please make yourself known to our Chaplain or sides persons. Refreshments will be available in the church hall after the service.
For further information please contact:
Fr. Ian Nicholson 96 612371
[email protected]
www.stbarnabas-cyprus.com
www.facebook.com/StBarnabasAnglicanChurchLimassol
