Archbishop Rowan Williams Reflections on Lent

"It's not about feeling gloomy for forty days; it's not about making yourself miserable for forty days; it's not even about giving things up for forty days. Lent is springtime. It's preparing for that great climax of springtime which is Easter – new life bursting through death."

The Archbishop of Canterbury's reflections on Lent, and a good short introduction to its history and meaning can be viewed or read on his website . The video can also be viewed on YouTube.

Much More Than "A Place in the Sun!"

The latest edition of The European Anglican, the quarterly magazine of the Diocese in Europe, is available from the Diocese in Europe website .

Please apply to join the Electoral Roll

If you have attended church regularly for 6 months and are not yet on the Electoral Roll, please do consider applying. Applications are welcome up to 5th April. Those on the Electoral Roll can vote at the AGM 26th April.

Being on the Electoral Roll does not entail signing up to any onerous commitments, but it does help the Church show its strength. Representation on the governing bodies of the church depends on the number on the Electoral Roll, so it would be good if we can increase the numbers!

Time for Lent

Lent begins with Ash Wednesday this Wednesday 25th February. It is time for that spiritual spring cleaning!

The Ash Wednesday Eucharist with the ancient rite of penitence will be held 19:00 . Last year's palm crosses are burned and the ash used to mark the forehead, as a sign of sorrow for our sins, which led Jesus to the Cross. Do join the service if you can, even if you have not attended before.

A period of self-denial and reflection experienced as a community features in all religions for a good reason. It helps us develop as human beings and grow spiritually. So what not give it a go? There is a chance to ponder some issues together as a community following a four part Lent Course starting 14th March. See flyer.

For details of Services for Lent and Easter refer to Services page or click here for flyer.

Young Adults Meeting 20 February in Church

The Young Adults Group will be meeting Friday 20 February at 18:30 in Church to discuss the topic "Wisdom that comes from heaven". If you are interested and wish to join the group please refer to the web page "Activities-Young Adults" for contact details.

Count Your Blessings - Bishop's Lent Appeal 2009

"The tough economic times we are facing can give us fresh perspectives on the many blessings that God has freely given us" is the headline message in Bishop Geoffrey Rowell's Lent Appeal 2009. Bishop Geoffrey encourages us to take time to think about those many people around the world who do not even have the basic necessities of life. "It's easier to give something up for Lent if you've got something to start with."

For the full text visit the Diocese in Europe website or click here.

Church Wanderers Walk 14 February

The next Church Wanderers walk will be from Harburger Berge – Fischbeker Heideweg to Kiekeberg (approx. 8 kms). Meet up at Hamburg Hbf 10:30. Further details under "Activities - Wanderers" or by clicking here.
Do come along for exercise and good company.

What better way to start St. Valentine's Day?

Church full for Mendelssohn Anniversary Concert

Norddeutscher Rundfunk opted for the church as venue for an NDR-Kultur live broadcast concert commemorating the 200th anniversary of Felix-Mendelssohn-Bartholdy’s birth nearby on February 3 1809.

Internationally renowned violinist Daniel Hope was joined by Latvian pianist Lauma Skride, Simone Young (Manager and Artistic Director, Hamburg State Opera, and Principal Musical Director, also piano) as well as cellist Olivia Jeremias. The programme included Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, and readings from Mendelssohn’s letters by actor Ulrich Matthes.

The exterior and interior of the church had been specially lit for the event and an audience of about 300 filled all the available seats. The ambience and the acoustics were widely appreciated.