On Sunday 3rd April we held our Annual Meeting, everyone was delighted that Lynda Moore became our new People’s Warden, she was welcomed by one and all and we know she will do a great job. Chris Clapham and Stanley Hooper were confirmed as Chaplain’s Wardens for the next year and John Rider was welcomed onto the Church Council along with Brian Forey, Bob Day, and Nora Ananiades. It was good to hear that we are financially stable and our charitable giving is at a level we had hoped for. Maintenance and repair work continues in all of our church buildings and our fundraising programme is going well. All good news for St Barnabas’ Church and our daughter church St Lazarus’ in Pissouri.
During Lent we had a prayer tree at the rear of the church along with special envelopes to make donations to the Ras Morbat Clinic in Yemen, which is part of our Diocese. Funds raised for the Ras Morbat Clinic will assist with the ongoing running costs of the Clinic as it provides healthcare in Aden for those who cannot afford it. The Clinic was opened by Christ Church Aden in 1996 to provide affordable and reliable health care to the community living near the church. Since its beginning the general department of the clinic has provided primary health care to the poorest people in the local community, and thousands of people have come through the doors of the clinic over the years. As a charitable clinic RMC has always been dependent on external resources to continue its work with the local population.
What a wonderful, busy and joyous Easter we had at St Barnabas’ Church. A working party spent the previous Saturday morning, cleaning and tidying the premises so that everything was ready for the week ahead, about thirty volunteers turned up, including members of other congregations that use our premises, we were all rewarded with a barbecue at lunchtime which we enjoyed outside in the sunshine .
The final session of our Lent Course was on Wednesday morning, it had been a really inspirational journey for all who attended and Fr Ian led us in some very thoughful discussions. On Maundy Thursday there was a 6.00pm service, Holy Communion and Facing the Shadows during which the altar was stripped ready for the next day. Good Friday we had a service of Reflection, a very moving service, and then on Easter Saturday we were invited to Meditative Prayer and Labyrinth outside in the church grounds. Father Ian had led us through us through the week with prayer and times of quiet but on Easter Sunday we were able to celebrate, Alleluia! Christ is Risen.
The church looked magnificent, many thanks were extended to Brian and Christine for arranging the flower displays and filling the church with colour, some ladies wore hats and the gentlemen dressed in colourful ties and shirts. It was especially good to see our friends from other countries dressed in their traditional outfits. During the service, baby Jason Ebube Igwesi was baptised, another reason to share the joy in church on that special day and wonderful for the family to join us. On exiting the church, after the service, Easter Eggs were handed out and refreshments and fellowship enjoyed outside in the sunshine. At 12.15 a second service was led by Father Ian at Melanda Beach followed by lunch, this was organised by Stanley Hooper, church warden of St Lazarus Church, and was well attended.
The following weekend was the Orthodox Easter and during the Sunday service we were thrilled to witness the baptism of Gene Morrison Bennett and welcome him into our church family.
So, what now?
On Friday 6th May, The Coeur de Lion Lions Club of Limassol, will be carrying out Diabetic Testing in the Church Hall. Members of St Barnabas Church will be on hand to provide refreshments afterwards. Anyone can come along between 10.00am and 1.00pm to get tested.
On Saturday 7th May we will be having a Table Top Sale in the church grounds, these monthly events are proving very popular so please contact Nora Ananiades early if you wish to book a pitch.
CRAFT FAIR – May 21st from 1:00pm to 4:00 pm. Outside vendors of art and crafts are welcome, we will run many of our traditional May Fair stalls including crafts, jewellery, bricabrac, plants, bottles, books etc. plus the cafe, and other food and drink options. Lots to see and plenty to entertain you. Invite your friends and family for a great afternoon. If you can help on the day or donate a raffle prize, please contact Christin 99 634958.
We work closely with Limassol Coeur de Lion Lions Club and support each other, when we can, at social and fundraising events. On Friday 27th May they will be holding a RACE NIGHT at the Pastos Restaurant in Episkopi, tickets only €12 which includes a meal and your race card. Please contact Doreen 99240284 , before 23rd May, to reserve a place. These evenings are always very popular and a lot of fun so don’t miss out.
Celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with us on Saturday June 11th from 6.00pm in the church grounds. Bring your own food & drink. Wear a crown, tiara or coronet. Music, raffle, prosecco, celebration cake and much more. Tickets €5 available from DOREEN or MARSHA (Lions) and CHRISTIN or CHRISTINE (Church). Book early to avoid missing out on this special event. More information on all the above events can be found on our website, Facebook page or posters in the church hall.
We continue to collect “Cans for Kids” in our wire cage by the front gate, the proceeds from the money generated from these cans goes to good charitable causes which we are keen to support. Also, items of dried and tinned food continue to come in so that we can help the needy in our community, monetary donations are also welcome for the purchase of items when required.
Wednesday mornings we have our midweek communion service starting at 9.30am, the service lasts approximately 30 minutes and we are always happy to welcome new friends to join us.
Do come along and visit us, our church is always open if you want to come along for a time of quiet reflection or, if you would like someone to talk to, get in touch and we can arrange that for you. Our pastoral care team do try and visit those who are at home but if you know of anyone who needs a visit or a phone call please let us know.
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, Monday 10.00-12.30
Friday coffee time via ZOOM 3.00pm
Saturday Tabletop Sales – Next sales March 5th, April 2nd
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: -May 8th and June 12th
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
Facebook: StBarnabasAnglicanChurchLimassol
