Spring is here, the days are longer, and the temperature is rising. During the Easter period we were delighted to greet guests who were here on vacation, meet old friends and relay our Sunday services via Zoom so that worshippers both near and far could join us. The services throughout Holy Week were well attended and although the sun didn’t shine on Easter Sunday there were smiles and joy among all who came along and stayed for refreshments and fellowship afterwards.
On 23rd April we welcomed Bishop Michael to our church to lead us in worship and then, with his wife Julia, join us in the chaplaincy garden for lunch. Bishop Michael has led our Diocese for seventeen years and will be retiring on June 8th. He will be greatly missed, but we are pleased that they have a home on the outskirts of our parish so will hopefully be able to visit us whenever possible.
This month we celebrate Ascension Day on Thursday 18th May, it is the 40th day of Easter and occurs 39 days after Easter Sunday. It is a Christian holiday that commemorates Jesus Christ’s ascension into heaven. A service will be led by Rev Ian Nicholson at the Hill View Hotel in Pissouri at 8.00am followed by breakfast.
On Sunday 28th May we celebrate Pentecost, a Christian festival that commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated on the 50th day after Easter Sunday. The word ‘Pentecost’ comes from the Greek word ‘pentekostos’ which means ‘fiftieth’ It is also called Whitsunday or Whitsun, but it may not coincide with the Whitsun Bank Holiday in the UK. Pentecost marks the beginning of the Christian church’s mission to the world. It is related to the Jewish feast of Pentecost (Shavuot), which was a thanksgiving for the wheat harvest and a remembrance of the Law given by God to Moses.
The following Sunday is Trinity Sunday, it is the first Sunday after Pentecost when we celebrate the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, the three Persons of God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
The next Tabletop Sale will be on Saturday 6th May. These sales at St Barnabas Church will continue to be held throughout 2023. The cost is €12.50 for a pitch, the length of one long table. A limited number of tables are available for hire at an additional cost of €5 per table. These must be pre-booked. Please contact Nora 99356451 or email [email protected] if you would like to reserve a pitch.
Coronation Party – It is with much regret that I have had to cancel the proposed coronation party on Friday 12th of May at St Barnabas Church. I am personally very disappointed as I am sure others are too . I hope you can all find other ways to celebrate this historic event which takes place on Saturday 6th May and will be broadcast on television during the day.
St Lazarus Church will be having two services a month during the summer months, on the 2nd and 4th Sundays in the room under the amphitheatre in Pissouri at 6.00pm.
Regular Events at St Barnabas Church Limassol
Tuesday Prayer Meeting 9.30am
Wednesday Communion 9.30am
Ladies Wednesday Craft Group 10-12 noon
Friday coffee time via ZOOM 3.00pm
Sunday Eucharist 10.00am – also available via Zoom
Sunday Eucharist at St Lazarus’ in Pissouri
The second and fourth Sunday of each month at 6.00pm, usually in the room underneath the Amphitheatre.
The next services will be: – May 14th and May 28th.
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/
