Well, February certainly came in with a blast of cold, wet and windy weather, we could hear chattering teeth in church and members of the congregation who live up in the hills arrived wearing multiple layers of warm clothing. As always though, there was a warm welcome at St Barnabas’ and a hot cup of tea after the service. We handed out hot water bottles to over twenty of our friends less fortunate than others so that they could at least have some warmth and comfort overnight plus we were able to distribute blankets and other items that had been donated.
The Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf held the 2023 Synod at the Lordos Beach Hotel in Larnaca from 6th-10th February. This is the first time that members were able to meet in person since the pandemic and it was a joy to meet old friends, make new acquaintances and hear all that is going around our very diverse diocese. It was the last time Archbishop Michael Lewis would preside over this event as he retires on 8th June, he will be sorely missed both in Cyprus and throughout the Gulf where he visited each chaplaincy regularly during his seventeen years of service. The theme of the synod was ‘God who has promised is faithful’ and the guest speaker, The Most Reverend Mark Strange, Bishop of Moray, Ross and Caithness and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, gave three addresses which were both informative and amusing. The business of the diocese was discussed including finance and ministry work and several motions were voted on during the sessions. Although a lot of serious items were discussed there was also time set aside for quiet meditation, prayer, and worship.
The monthly Tabletop Sale went ahead on 4th February, even the cold wind and occasional shower didn’t deter folk from setting up their stalls and selling whatever they had to offer. These sales at St Barnabas Church will continue to be held throughout 2023. 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. The next sales are on 4th and 18th March, we will not be having sales in April as we will be celebrating Easter and there will be a lot going on, please contact Nora 99356451 or email [email protected] if you would like to reserve a pitch.
The Lent course this year will run from Wednesday 8th March until Wednesday 5th April. All meetings will take place in the Church Hall after morning communion and the theme this year will be THE MYSTERY OF EVERYTHING. This five-week course will be based on the film The Theory of Everything a multi award winning film about Stephen Hawking. The course explains ways in which the mysteries of the universe and of everyday life – and the acceptance that we have more questions than answers – can reinvigorate our faith and spiritual journey. Everyone is welcome so come along and join us for some good thought-provoking discussions followed by light refreshments.
Dates to mark in Diary for March/May 2023
Coffee & Quiz 3rd March, tickets €5 to include refreshments, raffle tickets and quiz.
Lenten study 8th , 15th, 22nd , 29th March 10.30am in church hall
Mothering Sunday 19th March followed by a bring & share lunch in the chaplain’s garden.
Clocks go forward 26th March (1.00am) Don’t forget!
Palm Sunday 2nd April 10.00am
Maundy Thursday 5th April 6.00pm
Good Friday 7th April 10.00am
Stations of the cross 8th April 1-4pm in Chaplain’s garden
Easter Sunday 9th April 10.00am St Barnabas Church
Easter Sunday 9th April 1.00pm Beach service in Pissouri
Orthodox Good Friday 14th April
Annual Meeting 16th April Following the morning service.
Farewell to Bishop 23rd April Refreshments after the service
May Day 1st May
Coronation Party 12th May 6.00pm in church grounds
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
2nd Sunday of each month at 6.00pm, usually in the room underneath the Amphitheatre.
The next services will be: – March 12th, April 9th (Easter Sunday, 1pm on the beach, Pissouri)
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/
