Archbishop: New Year is time to look for hope

Archbishop Justin gave the final Thought for the Day of 2013 on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on New Year's Eve. Real hope compels us to act, he says. See more on the Archbishop of Canterbury's website.

Carols in a wooden shed in Truro

For many in the Anglican tradition, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols. Churches all over England and beyond will be having their own carol services this week, and of course the service from the chapel of King's College Cambridge on Christmas Eve will be broadcast around the world. But how far back does the tradition go?

It was Edward White Benson, the first Bishop of Truro and later Archbishop of Canterbury, who created the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols. It was first held at 10 pm on Christmas Eve 1880 in the wooden shed which served as his temporary cathedral in Truro. You can read more about the history of the service on the Guardian Music Blog and on the website of King's College Cambridge.

St Thomas Becket's own Service of Nine Lessons and Carols is on Saturday 21 December 2013 at 5 pm

Christmas at St Thomas Becket

Take a look at our Christmas Flyer for the Chaplain's Christmas message, Advent and Christmas services, details of the Bishop's Advent Appeal and Bishop David's Christmas message.

Senior women clergy attend House of Bishops meeting

Eight senior women clergy have attended their first meeting of the Church of England's House of Bishops as participant observers. The House decided in February that until such time as there are six female members of the House, following the admission of women to the episcopate, a number of senior women clergy should be given the right to attend and speak at meetings of the House. The eight were elected in the autumn. Read the full story on the Church of England website.

Meanwhile the Revd Pat Storey has been consecrated as Bishop of Meath and Kildare, the first woman bishop in the Church of Ireland - more.

Becket News - contributions please

The next edition of Becket News will be published early in the new year.

The editor would be pleased to receive contributions for the next edition by Thursday, January 2 2014 at the latest. Please send to becketnews (at) aol.com.

Last chance to Wander this year

For their last walk in 2014 the Wanderers will be heading to Glückstadt on Saturday, 14 December for a short walk along the Elbe before visiting the Weihnachtsmarkt.

Please meet at 10.10 am in front of the Reisezentrum at Altona Fernbahn station to catch the 10.33 train. We shall buy one or more Schleswig Holstein tickets and divide the cost equally. Trains back to Hamburg depart at 39 and 49 mins past each hour.

There's no need to bring a picnic lunch this time. We can find something to eat at the market, plus Glühwein!

Please let Cicely know by Thursday, 12 December if you plan to come: 040/86 07 90; mobile 0162 635 93 98.

Front page nativity

Our life-size nativity scene has made the start page of the Diocese in Europe's website. Read Fr Matthew's report here.

Archdeacon Jonathan to leave Diocese

The Venerable Jonathan LLoyd, Archdeacon of Germany and Northern Europe, will be leaving Copenhagen in February to take up a post in Kent in the Canterbury Diocese.

He said his decision to move was prompted by the growth and dynamism of St Alban’s in Copenhagen, “where they need a full-time priest if the church is to grow further in God’s mission”, and that the demands of serving as a priest in a busy church and as an Archdeacon were not sustainable. There was little prospect of immediate relief after the Church Commissioners chose not to help fund a scheme for full-time Archdeacons in the Diocese in Europe.

Read the full story on European Anglican.

Let them eat cake...

...and sing carols!
The Mothers' Union cordially invites you to Carols & Cake - a sing-along of favourite Christmas carols and songs at STB on Friday 6 December at 6pm. Drinks, cake and other sweets will be provided. Admission is by voluntary donation in aid of church funds. You can find the flyer here.

Pause for Thought updated

It's that time of year when acorns are underfoot in all the parks and woods around Hamburg. Acorns are the starting point, too, for a new Pause for Thought on spreading the Gospel. Click on "Pause for Thought" on the left of the page or follow this link.

No S-Bahn this Sunday

There will be no S-Bahn service to Stadthausbrücke and Landungsbrücken this Sunday, 1 December because of engineering works on the City-Tunnel. Trains between Hauptbahnhof and Altona will run via Dammtor. There will be a replacement bus service between Baumwall and Altona. If you usually use the S-Bahn to get to church, allow plenty of extra time. The HVV website has details.

Elvis spotted at STB!

Wax your quiffs, dust off your winklepickers and get ready to rock. "Elvis" and guest Arco Iris will be singing Christmas songs and others at St Thomas Becket on Sunday 1 December from 6 pm (doors open at 5.30 pm). Entry is by donation and 20 per cent of takings will be given to the Philippines Typhoon Appeal.

Advent and Christmas at STB

1 December is Advent Sunday. All services and events during Advent and Christmas can be downloaded and printed off here.

Thanks for a great bazaar

A big thank you to everyone who helped make yesterday's bazaar a big success, especially to all those from outside the regular congregation who put in so much work every year. And thanks, of course, to everyone who came and bought what was on offer. Apart from raising much-needed money, the bazaar is always an opportunity to meet old friends and welcome new visitors.

The prize list for the raffle can be found here.

New bishop - have your say

Now Bishop Geoffrey has retired, the process of finding his successor has begun. A consultation has started, and the deadline for making your views known is 8 December. You can find out how on the European Anglican website.

Friends of Britain are our friends too

"Friends of Britain e.V." has donated €2,500 to STB. Fr Matthew accepted the cheque on behalf of the church at a reception at the Anglo-German Club on 11 November. Thank you FoB!

Donations totalling €17,000 were made to Hamburg charities, with €10,000 going to Kinderhaus Mignon (Benita Quadflieg Stiftung) which provides family-based residential care for children and young people. Friends of Britain's main fundraising event is British Flair, held in August. Proceeds from a charity screening of a film of the Queen's coronation, for which STB was the venue, also went into the charity pot.

Remembrance Service makes European Anglican

Barely were the poppy wreaths laid at St Thomas Becket and the Commonwealth War Graves memorial at Ohlsdorf Cemetery on 10 November than the commemoration was reported with a photograph on European Anglican - thanks to fast work by Monica Schofield and our Diocesan Communications Officer.

Wanderers head for the woods and fields

The Wanderers will be tackling part of the Volksdorfer Rundwanderweg, from Meiendorfer Weg to Buchenkamp, on Saturday 9 November. The full route is 13km, with the option of stoping at U-Bahn Buckhorn after 5km for the less energetic.

Meet at the exit from U1 station Meiendorfer Weg at 11.30 am. The train (direction Ohlstedt ) dep. Jungfernstieg at 10.53, Hbf Süd 10.58 and Wandsbek Markt 11.07, arr. Meiendorfer Weg at 11.23. For those coming by car there is a Park and Ride at the station.

As usual bring a lunch picnic and come suitably attired.

Please let Cicely know by 12 noon on Friday, 8 November if you're coming: 040/86 07 90; mobile 0162 635 93 98.

Christmas is coming…

…and a sure sign is that recycled Christmas cards are once again on sale in aid of church funds. There is a great variety of different designs – both religious and non-religious – and the cards cost €11 for a pack of 10, including envelopes, and €1.30 singly. The cards are a standard size, have a Christmas and New Year message in both English and German, and are within the 20g limit for normal postage.

Christmas cards can be bought in church after the 10.30 Sunday service, at the Church Bazaar on 16 November and the Victorian Christmas Market on 30 November/1 December at the Baseler Hof Säle, and at many English-speaking and international club events.

Choral Evensong for All Souls

This Saturday, 2 November is the feast of All Souls (when we commemorate the faithful departed). At 17:00 the St Thomas Becket Consort will be singing Choral Evensong with music by the English Tudor composers Thomas Tomkins, Orlando Gibbons, William Smith and Thomas Weelkes. Choral Evensong is one of the treasures of the Anglican tradition and has inspired some of the best English choral music from the Tudor period to the present day. If you've never been, this is your chance. The service lasts about an hour. You can find out more about the music here

Why was Job so miserable?

The Bible Study group will be meeting as usual in the Chaplain's flat 7:00pm on Wednesday 16 October. The study of the Book of Job (cheerful character) will be led by Fr Clifford Poole who is standing in for Fr Matthew while he is on holiday.

All are welcome.

Wanderers wander 12 October

The next Wanderers walk is on Saturday 12 October. The route will be from Wedel S-Bahn station along the Elbe to the NABU CarlZeiß Vogelstation and back. approx. 10 kms in all.

Meet at the exit from Wedel station at 11.20am. The S1 train dep. Hbf at 10.39 (Altona at 10.52) arr. Wedel at 11.19. (Please remember that trains as far as Wedel run every 20 mins. only!)

Bring a picnic lunch. There are good tables and benches at the NAbU site. Afterwards one can observe the birds. There will be an opportunity for further refreshment at the Fährmannsand Café or in Wedel.

Please let Cicely know by Friday, 11 Oct. 5pm please: 040/86 07 90; mobile 0162 635 93 98.

Final lecture in series given by Martin Leafe

Martin Leafe, former Lecturer at the Study of Religions Departments of Hannover and Bremen Universities, presents his final lecture in a series on the history, theory, leading personalities and practices of four controversial religious groups.

The lecture to be given on Thursday 10 October, 7-9pm in church will be on Scientology.

Attendance is free, but a donation to the church would be welcomed.

Becket News in time for the Harvest Festival!

Becket News hot off the press in time for Harvest Festival! (Click reference to Becket News in text above to obtain a PDF version).

Once again a big THANK YOU to the editor for getting this together.

Now is the time to start thinking about the next issue: roving reporters required to write up events as they occur. Thanks!

Preaching to the Merchant Adventurers

Those who followed the 400th anniversary celebrations in 2012 will be aware that the church was founded as a concession to the Merchant Adventurers, a trading guild. This ancient trading fraternity still exists in York, and a number of their members visited STB for the celebrations in 2012. As a result of the contact, STB's Chaplain, Father Matthew was invited to York to preach the 'Thomas Herbert Sermon' on 26 September. Thomas Herbert was a traveller and historian who bequeathed a sermon to be held annually - which it has been since his death in 1682.

Fr Matthew has kindy provided a copy of his sermon here.

Action packed week!

This week at STB

Tuesday 1 October 7:30pm Healing Service with Taizé music.

Thursday 3 October 7-9:00pm the third of Michael Leafe's Lectures on controversial religions: this time on Jehovah's Witness

Saturday 5 October 5:00pm Evensong

and don't miss Harvest Festival 6 October 10:30am. Bring along a pumpkin (or other veg or items of use for the homeless).

Pledge cards

29 September was the culmination of a month of prayer about Giving to the church. STB does not receive any money except what it receives by voluntary giving. This unfortunately not currently enough to cover the costs of running the church.

Due to the current situation we are asking parishoners to fill our a Pledge Card in order for the Chaplaincy Council to better able to get to grips with the likely income and expenditure. Please pick one up in church and return to the Treasurer.

All donations to the church are tax deductible.

THANK YOU!

Chaplain taking a well earned break

Fr Matthew will be returning to his native Queensland for a month 7 October to 5 November.

During this time we welcome back Revd Clifford Poole, who was one of our locums in 2011, together with his wife Jean.

Interview with Pope Francis

Pope Francis has given an extensive interview to a fellow Jesuit which has been reported in the The Economist among other prominent publications. The full interview can be read here . It makes very interesting reading.

Thanks to Jo for drawing attention to this.

Deadline for Becket News looms

Contributions to Becket News from near and far are very welcome. Please do consider sharing something you find interesting with the rest of the readership.

The editor would be pleased to receive contributions for the next edition by September 27. Please send to becketnews (at) aol.com. THANKS!

Fr Matthew on retreat 21-28 September

The Chaplain, Fr Matthew, will be on retreat 21-28 September. He will later be on a well earned holiday and his first visit 'back home' since he arrived from 7 October until 5 November. During this period Fr Cliff Poole will be returning as locum.

Lecture on the Mormons by Martin Leafe

Martin Leafe, former Lecturer at the Study of Religions Departments of Hannover and Bremen Universities, presents the second in series of talks on the history, theory, leading personalities and practices of four controversial religious groups.

The lecture to be given on Thursday 19 September, 7-9pm in church will be on the Mormons.

Attendance is free, but a donation to the church would be welcomed.

Join us for Nacht der Kirchen

14 September is the 10th Nacht der Kirchen (Night of the Churches) when some 120 churches in Hamburg open their doors for people to be welcomed and see something of the different churches and church traditions.

The programme at STB is as follows:
19:00 Choral Evensong
20:00 Awake, my soul!
21:00 African Music
22:00 Musical Comedy
23:00 Compline (Night prayer)
23:15 The Lord's Prayer in different languages.

Please do come and join us!

Wanderers off again

For those not learning about liturgy this Saturday 7 September, (see side) the Wanderers will guide you through the Harburger Berge on a walk from Appelbüttelerweg to Waldfrieden via Sottorf (about 10 kms).

Meet at S Bahn station Harburg Rathaus exit Eissendorfer Strasse at 10.45 (S3 arrives 10.43. This is the train dep. Altona at 10.14, Landungsbrücken 10.20, Hamburg Hbf 10.28 and Harburg 10.41). We will be catching bus 144 at 10.55 arriving Appelbüttelerweg at 11.08am. Please don't be late. The next bus leaves 30 mins later!!

Please bring a picnic lunch and come suitably attired.

K. u. K. is promised at a pleasant Gaststätte at Waldfrieden before catching bus 240 to S Bahn Neugraben.

Please Cicely know by Friday, 6 September midday, if you are planning to come. Tel: 86 07 90; mobile 0162 635 93 98.

Congratulations to our friends from the Swedish Church in Hamburg!

The Swedish Church community are this week celebrating their 130th anniversary - the Swedish Church of Gustaf-Adolf was founded 30 August 1883.

On Sunday 1 September members of STB joined with members of the Swedish Church for a joint Eucharist celebrated in both Swedish and English. Aside from divine music, we enjoyed drinking Swedish coffee afterwards.

We say Grattis på 130-årsdagen!

Lecture on the Freemasons by Michael Leafe

Martin Leafe former Lecturer at the Study of Religions Departments of Hannover and Bremen Universities, presents the first of series of talks on the history, theory, leading personalities and practices of four controversial religious groups.

The first lecture to be given on Thursday 5 September, 7-9pm in church will be on the Freemasons.

Attendance is free, but a donation to the church would be welcomed.

Shared Mass with the Swedish Church Sunday 1 Sept. 17:00

After spending time at British Flair, how about heading back in town to join in Fellowship with the Swedish Church - Gustav-Adolfskyrkan. They came to STB for Ascension so it is nice to have the opportunity for a return visit.

The Church is located right close to Landungsbrücke on Ditmar-Koel-Strasse 36. Readers might also like to congratulate the Swedish Church on their 130th anniversary which they are celebrating this week.

Don't miss British Flair!

This weekend is British Flair at the Polo Club. British Flair, the successor to British Flair, continues the tradition of raising money for good causes. This year's beneficiary is Kinderhaus Mignon which supports severely traumatised children and young people.

Do come along to the Service led by STB Church at 10:30 on the Small Stage on Sunday.

Let's clear some weeds!

Phil our Fabric Committee Chair, alias Dr Downspout, would be very grateful for support in removing weeds etc from the pavement surrounding the church Saturday, 24 August 9:30-11:30. Now the church is looking so magnificent, it would be great if we could make the effort to clear the ground so that everything is perfect for the grand lighting ceremony 10 September.

Chaplain's address at service to mark 70th Anniversary of the fire-bombing of Hamburg

St. Katharinen Kirche was packed on 4 August as people gathered to recall the terrible events of July/August 1943. The scars that remain remind us of the constant need to work for peace and reconciliation. Drawing on parallels between the conflict between Australia and Japan, the Chaplain in his address challenges us to work towards ensuring 'Operation Gommorah' never happens again while reminding us that in many parts of the world people still have to face the destruction of war.

A copy of the address given by the Revd Matthew Jones can be found
here.

Keeping abreast of planned events!

To help readers maintain an overview of planned events, there is a events calendar in PDF available on the right hand side of this website.
The Calendar has just been updated.

It's a Boy!

We join with millions across the world in congratulating the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate, on the birth of their son and echo the words of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, 'May God bless this family with love, health and happiness in their shared life ahead'.

'Eurobishop' anticipates completion of our building work

Bishop David's blog brings his readers up to date with the progress on STB's buiilding work. Nice to be mentioned in dispatches!

Service to mark the anniversary of the fire bombing of Hamburg

On Sunday 4 August at 14:00 there will be a service in St. Katharinen Kirche at which Fr Matthew will preach commenorating the bombing of Hamburg in 1943. The intensive bombing left >40 000 civilians dead and most of the city destroyed. This service is a chance to reflect on the past, and give thanks for peace and reconciliation that we enjoy today.

Dates for your diary

A new diary with dates planned is available - just click on 'Church Event Calendar' to the right.

Watch out for the triathalon this weekend!

PLEASE NOTE: BECKET NEWS DEADLINE 28 JULY!

Archbishop calls for a "foot washing church"

Archbishop Justin Welby addressed the Methodist Conference on the subject of church unity and serving the poor. His address is well worth viewing which can be done from the Methodist Conference website here.

Archbishop of Canterbury pays tribute to Bishop Geoffrey

Archbishop Justin Welby paid a warm tribute to Bishop Geoffrey on the last day of the General Synod which is also Bishop Geoffrey's last before retirement. Exerpts of the speech can be heard here.

Picnic in the park

At last there is something we can call summer! To celebrate the Wanderers will be holding their traditional July Shared Picnic Lunch in the Stadpark following a walk through the park to the Pinguin Brunnen.

Meet at the exit from the Hudtwalcker Strasse U1 station at 11am. with food to share, something to drink and something to sit on.

If possible please let Cicely know if you plan to come, so that she can look out for you at the msutering point, though not essential.,

Contact details: 040/86 07 90; mobile; 0162 635 93 98

"We live in a time of revolutions"

Archbishop Justin Welby's opening address to General Synod challenged the church's response to changes in contemporary society. Well worth reading or listening to on the ABC's website.

More Australians in town! Free concert in the HafenCity 7 July.

Our Chaplain Fr Matthew has found some reinforcements!

On Sunday, 7 July at 7:00 pm the Australian Chamber Choir under the direction on Douglas Lawrence will be giving a concert entitled BRIDGE OF DREAMS at the Ökumenisches Forum HafenCity, Shanghaiallee 12-14, 20457 Hamburg. The theme is bridge building between the old and new world and this is reflected in the music that will be performed. The choir itself represents the multi-cultural society that Australia has become, with both professional and amateur musicians.

The concert is sponsored by the Rolner Stiftung in support of the Ökumenische Forum. Entrance is free but donations for the work of the Ökumenische Forum will be gratefully received.

After the concert there is a chance to meet members of the choir in Café ElbFaire.

Please do support this event and encourage others to come along. Our Chaplain will be there!

Choir Director Yotin featured in evangelisch.de

Those of you who missed the divine Tudor Evensong can capture something of the service from this feature with Yotin posted on evangelisch.de.

Tudor Evensong

Choral Evensong is one of the treasures of the Anglican tradition. Since the 400th Anniversary in 2012, STB has held monthly Evensong services some with visiting choirs.
This Saturday, 29 June 17:00 there will be a 'Tudor Evensong' with music by Orlano Gibbons. It will be divine - do come! (The service lasts about an hour).

Reminder! Special Family Service followed by picnic

The Parish Eucharist 16 June at 10:30 will be a family service especially for children. Our visiting ordinand Anthony O'Grady from the Community of the Resurrection at Mirfield will preach. The service will be followed by a picnic.

Families with children are especially welcome, even if you have not been to church before.

Sweet Lovers Love the Spring!

On Sunday 16 June at 17:00 Ensemble Magnificat and friends will be performing European Madrigals, Dances and Poems as a Summer concert. Entrance is free, but a donation to support fees for professional soloists for future concerts would be very welcome.

Performers
Karen Bergquist Lüth, Traverso
Karsten Köppen, Theorbo
Iain Preston, Recitation
with Ensemble Magnifcat directed by Anna Ubbelohde and Yotin Tiewtrakul

Do come and enjoy!

News of the renovation spreads further afield

For those who read French, here is an excellent piece about the renovation in the Berlin-based French La Gazette de Berlin.

New Anglican News Website

Your webmaster is pleased to observe improvements in church websites that are occurring across the ethernet. Take a look at the new Anglican Communion News website. The Anglican Communion Office serves the Anglican Communion, comprising around 85 million members in 38 regional and national member churches around the globe in more than 165 countries.

Archbishop Justin preaches at the Aldeburgh Festival

This year is not only the bicentennial of Richard Wagner and Giuseppe Verdi, but also the centenary one of Britain's outstanding composers Benjamin Britten. Britten founded the now world famous Aldeburgh music festival. Archbishop Justin Welby preached at Aldeburgh's St Peter and St Paul church - where Britten and his partner, the tenor Peter Pears, are buried - taking as his theme Britten's War Requiem which set the poems of World War 1 poet Wilfred Owen to music.

Click here to listen to an excellent sermon on the subject of human conflict.

"Life is infinitely complicated and putting God into the middle of it does not make it less so. Don’t expect easy answers because God is around. But taking God out of the picture does not make life simpler or easier either. Rather, doing that reduces life to the chaos and bitterness and evil that is all human existence in some ways,"

Calling all families and the musically minded

Sunday 16 June offers a full programme.

The Parish Eucharist at 10:30 will be a family service especially for children. Our visiting ordinand Anthony O'Grady from the Community of the Resurrection at Mirfield will preach. The service will be followed by a picnic. Prayers for good weather, please!

Then at 17:00 there will be a concert to raise money for the choir's acitivities. The concert is free, but it is hoped those who attend will be moved to donate to this worthy cause!

Sea Sunday

Today 9 June was Sea Sunday. It was also the day 35000 motorbikes hit Hamburg for the annual bikers service.
For those who did not make it to church today, here is the Service Sheet with notices.

Archbishop Justin meets Meissen Commission

Fresh from a recently visit to STB during Kirchentag for the Meissen Service, members of the Meissen Commission met with Archbishop Justin Welby in Leicester. In his address Archbishop Justin said 'Good relations between different Christian traditions are the "oxygen" that allows the Church to fulfil its mission and proclaim the Gospel'.

Don't we know it!

Full report on the ABC's website.

Two takes on Pentecost

Archbishop Justin Welby's website has this short video about Pentecost.

Or the quick 2 min version courtesy of Busted Halo via Bosco Peters' Liturgy Blog.

Don't miss the Queen's Coronation celebration 3 June 19:00

Friends of Britain eV are organising a charity event with a showing of a film of the Queen's Coronation narrated by Laurence Oliver, eats and stalls to raise money for Kinderhaus Mignon which is under threat of closure. Kinderhaus Mignon provides a residential home for children and young people who have suffered trauma.

The event will be held in church 3 June at 19:00 (doors open 18:00). This is also an opportunity for STB members to raise some money for the church by contributing food and things to sell and helping out.

Please help promote the event and let Wendy Sprock know if you can help out.

This week

On Tuesday 21 May at 19:30 there will be a healing service with the Sacrament of Anointing for those who desire.

On Wednesday 22 May at 19:00 Bible Study of the synoptic Gospels will continue, meeting in the Chaplain's flat.

Sunday 26 May:
10:30 Holy Communion - this will be our monthly service with traditional liturgy
17:00 Contemporary Worship Service with modern style worship, prayer and scripture for young and young at heart.

Reports on Kirchentag

Bishop David as ever was quick to file his report - his impressions of Kirchentag can be found on his Eurobishop blog.

An article written by your webmaster appears on the Diocesan website.

Don't miss the Apple Blossom - join the Wanderers this Saturday

The Wanderers are off to enjoy the apple blossom in Altes Land this Saturday, 11 May.

If you would like to join, meet at Hauptbahnhof in front of the Reise Zentrum 10.35 to catch the 11.06 Metronom train to Buxtehude (This will allow us time to work out what tickets, if any, are needed. Those of you with a Profi card can take another person along for free, while those with a card valid for Grossbereich only will need to buy a € 1.90 Ergänzungskarte)

Route: From Buxtehude along the east dyke to Estebrügge with its interesting church;then back along the west dyke to Buxtehude. Total distance c.12kms

Please bring a picnic for lunch. Delicious ice-cream in Buxtehude old town, if the café still exists; otherwise Kaffee u. Kuchen in one of the other numerous cafés.

Return journey Metronom to Hamburg at 21 mins past each hour, or S Bahn every half hour at 25 and 55.

Anyone finding it more convenient to meet at Buxtehude - the train arrives at 11.37 - must let me know when booking. Deadline for booking 18.00 Uhr on Friday, 10 May.

Contact Cicely-hollingsworth(at)t-online.de; 040/86 07 90; 0162 635 93 98

STB renovation launch in the media

Despite having to compete with the press conference for Hafengeburtstag, STB's activities still make good copy, thanks to Jo! The press conference held Monday 6 May to launch the building renovation is reported in the Hamburg Abendblatt to be printed 7 May. (Article is behind a paywall but can be read on a Smart Phone). Also articles appeared on Die Welt online and in English on Anglo Info.

What do John the Baptist and Winnie the Pooh have in common?

For those who missed the Very Revd Dr John Arnold's sermon on Sunday, and for those who wish to ponder it some more, John Arnold has kindly provided the webmaster with the text which can be found here.

This week post-Kirchentag

Sorry not much of a restful break, post the hectic of Kirchentag as we immediately move forward with the renovations.

These commence with a press conference at 10:15 Monday 6 May. Do come if you have the time.

Bible Study resumes Wednesday 8 May in the Chaplain's flat. The study will be on comparing texts of the synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke).

Kirchentag at St Thomas Becket

WELCOME!

St Thomas Becket Church will be open during Kirchentag 2-5 May

Do join us on for
Morning Prayer at 9:00am (Thurs, Fri, Sat)
Midday Prayers at 12:00 noon (Thurs, Fri, Sat)
Or just pop in during the day to find rest and respite. There is a book stall and coffee and friendly people.

Thursday 2 May 3:00pm, we will be hosting a Children's Service (Kindergottesdienst).
Thursday 2 May 7:00pm Evensong with Kantorei Sankt Marien Rostock

Friday 3 May 7:00pm Feierabendmahl United Church of Christ

Saturday 4 May 4:00pm Healing Service (you might need it by then!)
Saturday 4 May 7:00-8:30pm Meissen Service

Sunday 5 May 10:30 Holy Communion with Revd John Arnold, former Dean of Durham Cathedral, preaching

Do visit the CAECG stand in the Exhibition Centre and the stand of the Anglican-Lutheran Society Hall A1 H30.

Scaffolding going up!

Thanks to the money raised during the 400th anniversary year, painting of the exterior the church will now commence immediately after Kirchentag on 6 May.

There will be a media launch at 10:30 am and anyone who wishes to be part of this auspicious photo opportunity, please come along for 10:15.

The painting is expected to take 8-10 weeks.

Variations on Sunday Services

It has been the practice of STB once a month to celebrate Holy Communion in the more traditional language style. Recently we have introduced the practice of more high church practice. A vote by the congregation has encouraged this practice.
This Sunday - 28 April - the 10:30am service will be in this form.

As a contrast to this, there will be a more informal Worship service at 17:00.

Welcome to either or both services.

KIrchentag - helpers required!

Kirchentag is nearly upon us!

Helpers are sought for manning the CAECG stand, for being present to show people around the church and especially for helping wth catering for the Meissen Service 4 May.

If you can help in any way, please talk to Birte, Deb Zeni, or Cicely.

Service Sheet Sunday 21 April, 4 After Easter

In case the marathon does prevent you from coming to church, here is the Service Sheet

It's that time of year again....

.... when an awful lot of people go running!

TAKE NOTE! Sunday 21 April is Hamburg Marathon Day. Allow extra time to get to church, we still would like to see you there!

Some dates to note

Tuesday 16 April Choir meeting in Chaplain's flat 18:30.

First meeting for new Chaplaincy Council 22 April 18:30.

Bible Study resumes 8 May 19:00 Chaplain's flat.

Wandering 13 April

The next Wanderers walk is on Saturday 13 April, starting in Aumühle.

Meeting point is on platform 4 of the Hamburg Hauptbahnhof to catch the S21 AUMÜHLE, departing at 10:44. NB Do NOT take the S21 Bergedorf which will not get you as far as you want to go! This train runs only every 20 minutes, so try to be on time!

In Cicely's absence, Johann and Nicki willl be at the Aumühle station to meet you and lead you through a bit of Bismarck country - mostly forest. Bring a picnic lunch - probably to be eaten seated on a fallen tree trunk. We end up by the mill pond in Aumühle for tea and cake at one of the local restaurants.

Sturdy shoes and a plastic bag to sit on are a must. Good weather will be a bonus!

Please let Nicki know by Thursday 11 April if you are coming. Calls on the day either to 04104 695537 or 0176 30393063.

Sunday 7 April Morning Service at 11:00 am!

Don't miss the special morning service with Harlequin Singers, Bristol and Due Quartetti 11:00 April 7.

Please note Holy Communion will be celebrated at 17:00.

A Very Special Easter

This short video for Kids from Worshiphousekids says it all!

HAPPY EASTER!

STB's Service sheet for Easter can be found here.

Service for Good Friday

There is a service for Good Friday (no Communion) today at 10:30. Click here for the Service Sheet if you are unable to make the service but wish to follow it.

Becket News for Easter

Spring may be rather late in coming, but not Becket News! In time for Easter, here is the latest edition of Becket News.
Our thanks to the editor who has given the publication a new look!

Holy Week and Easter

A special welcome to anyone visiting Hamburg this Easter. Please click here for Holy Week and Easter services.

Aside from the usual Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services, there will be a Taizé service at 19:30 on Tuesday.

Bishop Geoffrey announces his retirement

Bishop Geoffrey has announced his retirement as Bishop in Europe from 8 November.

Bishop Geoffrey last visited STB on the memorable occasion of the 400th anniversary celebratory weekend 17-19 February 2012. He was kind enough to refer to this as a highlight of 2012 in his annual report.

We wish Bishop Geoffrey well for the remaining months of his ministry and a long and happy retirement.

Not to be missed!

Saturday, 23rd March, 5pm

John Stainer - The Crucifixion (1887)
Preston / Tiewtrakul - "... then came a knowingness" (2013)

Lukas Dittmann, Bass
Piet Zorn, Tenor
Jochim Trede, Organ
St Thomas Becket Anglican Church Choir
Yotin Tiewtrakul, Choir director

Entrance: Free - Retiring collection

Through the centuries music has helped telling the story of Christ’s suffering and God’s forgiving love. “The Crucifixion” was composed in the Victorian period and so the oratorio, typically set for organ and choir, leaves no room for despair or grief. The music rather reaches for the sublime. Performing “The Crucifixion” by John Stainer has become an annual event at the English church in Hamburg. This year however we premier a new anthem (words by Iain Preston, music by Yotin Tiewtrakul) to add a voice of our own century.

Dates to note!

Please get your articles for the next edition of Becket News to the Editor by 23 March - but perhaps let him know before if you are intending to contribute.

The Electoral Roll list will close 30 March. So if you would like to vote at the AGM 14 April, please get your form in!

The AGM is 14 April directly after the service.

DON'T MISS the performance of John Stainer's Oratorio Crucifixion Saturday 23 March 17:00!

St Patrick's Day

We wish all our Irish friends espcially, best wishes on St Patrick's Day. For those not able to make today's service,
here is the service sheet including notices for the week.

Our prayers for Pope Francis I

We offer together with Christians across the world, our prayers and good wishes for Pope Francis I as he commences the most challenging of ministries.

Read the Archbishop of Canterbury's statement and a comment from Brishop David here and Bishop Geoffrey's welcome .

Service Sheet for Mothering Sunday

In case the snow hindered your ability to get to church today,
here is the Service Sheet.

Join the new Archbishop of Canterbury in a journey of prayer

In the days running up to his enthronement, the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Justin Welby, invites people to join him in a journey in prayer as he visits 5 Cathedrals.

And on Saturday March 16th he invites people to gather at 10:30 by the blue plaque marking the birthplace of St Thomas Becket before moving on to St Paul's Cathedral.

This would be a fitting time for members of STB to remember Justin Welby in our prayers as he takes on a job that is probably one of the most impossible challenages, barring being Pope!

Beds needed!

There are many people looking for somewhere to sleep during Kirchentag 1-5 May. If you, or some one you know can offer a bed, please let Cicely know. Thanks!

Wanderers off to Schwerin 9 March

The next Wanderers outing is Saturday, 9 March. We shall travel by train to Schwerin where Stuart is planning to lead us from the station for about 2kms through the town and then along garden and lakeside paths. About 10 kms in all.

We meet outside the Reisezentrum at Hamburg Hauptbahnhof at 10am to catch the RE 4309 leaving from platform 6a at 10.25. Please be punctual! When we see how many of you arrive, we shall buy Meck-Vorpomm tickets accordingly and divide the cost equally.

Arrival back in Hamburg at 7.30 pm at the latest.

Lunch will either be a picnic or 'gastro pub' depending on weather. There will be places to buy your picnic if need be. In any case it is advisable to bring a drink and a little snack to keep one's strength up.

Please let Cicely (Cicely-hollingsworth (at) t-online.de; tel: 040/86 07 90; mobile 0162 635 93 98) or Stuart (stuart.cooke (at) cooke.de mobile: 0178 5616463) know if you are going.

NB Achtung! Those travelling to Hamburg HBf by S-Bahn from the western suburbs should be aware that owing to works between Altona and the main station trains will run along the route S 31 route via Dammtor only and will not necessarily follow the normal time-table. Please allow plenty of time for your journey!

How to elect a Pope - in case you wondered?

Just in case you wondered, here is Busted Halo's take on electing a Pope from Rev. Bosco Peters website on Liturgy.

Saturday 2 March Choral Evenong 17:00:

Choral Evensong is one of the treasures of the Anglican tradition!
We are pleased to continue the regular monthly Choral Evensongs which we commenced during the 400th anniversary year.

This Saturday the St Thomas Becket Consort will sing at the Service

Introit: C. Hylton Stewart, Psalm 23
Psalm: Plain chant
Canticles: Orlando Gibbons, Magnificat and Nunc dimittis from the Short Service
Anthem: Orlando Gibbons, Almighty and everlasting God

Everyone is very welcome for a restful and spiritually uplifting hour!

And if you feel like singing yourself, rehearsals for John Stainer's Crucifixion to be performed 23 March will commence 5 March. Please contact the Choir Director if interesed (click on link to the right).

Thoughts for Lent

Pause for Thought has been updated to get you in the mood for Lent.

Readers might also like to consider the Thought of the Bishop of Massachusettes on the connection between Lent and St Valentines day - Table for Two.

Resignation of Pope Benedict XVI

The resignation of Pope Benedict has caught the world by surprise. Readers of this website might like to read Bishop David's comment on this event on his blog here. Bishop David saw the Pope only last week.

Ash Wednesday and a Heretics dinner!

This week we will start the season of Lent. On Ash Wednesday, 13 February there will be two services of Holy Communion with the
Imposition of Ashes one at 10.30am and one 7.00pm. Do try to make one of these to kick-off Lent which can be a hugely rewarding period of spiritual development.

A Lent Bible Study will commence 20 February.

And those who are wondering really what all this is about, but never felt there was the opportunity to ask, there is a 'Heretics' Dinner' on Sunday, 17th February 5-7pm. You can share you doubts and opinions over some food with Nathan, Yotin and others. Click here for further information.

New Diocesan Mothers' Union President

As reported on Bishop David's blog, the Diocese in Europe Mothers' Union has a new president - Carol Johnston. Carol succeeds Barbara Woods and was formally commissioned by Bishop Geoffrey 1 February. The Diocese in Europe MU has its own website where you can find out more about its actvities.

STB has an active MU, and this is a good opportunity to congratulate Debra Zeni on her recent election as Chair.

Count down to Lent

Lent starts early this year folks. Hardly put away the Christmas tree and those silly Rhinelanders are in carnival mood!
There will be two Ash Wednesday services to accommodate both those who work and those who do not like travelling after dark, so no excuses! A Eurcharist with imposition of ashes will be held at 10:30 and at 19:00 on Wednesday 13 February.

A Lent Bible Study course will be held every Wednesday evening 19:00 from 20 February. You are most welcome to join.

Wanderers heading for Glückstadt

The next outing for the Wanderers is Saturday, 9 February for a wander from Krempe to Glückstadt via Borsfleth and the Deich (ca 12km). We muster In front of Reisezentrumat Hamburg-Altona Fernbahn station at 10.15 am to catch the 10.37 train. We shall buy one or more Schleswig-Holstein tickets and divide the cost equally.

Please let Cicely know (Tel: 0162 635 93 98) by the evening of Thursday,7th, if you plan to come. Please wear suitable clothes and footwear and bring a picnic lunch. Eileen knows a good place for Kaffee u. Kuchen

Return by train from Glückstadt to Hamburg. Trains dep at 39 and 49 mins past each hour

Justin Welby confirmed as Archbishop of Canterbury

On 4 February, Justin Welby ceased to be Bishop of Durham, and instead takes up the position of Archbishop of Canterbury. At a ceremony, known as the ‘Confirmation of Election’, which took place in the context of an act of worship in St Paul's Cathedral, Justin Welby became the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury. He will be officially enthroned in Canterbury Cathedral 21 March 2013. The Order of Service from today's service is available from the website of St Paul's Cathedral.
We offer our prayers of support for Archbishop Welby, for what must be considered one of the toughest assignments the world has to offer!

In the meantime, his predecessor now Lord Williams is settling back into academic life. The debating chamber of the Cambridge Union was full to hear Williams and Dawkins debate the proposition 'religion has no place in the 21st Century'. The motion was defeated 324 votes against, 138 voting for the motion, with 85 abstentions.

Welcome back! What's on this week.

We welcome Fr Matthew back from a well earned holiday (assuming snow has permitted his return travel!).

The Chaplaincy Council meets for the first time in 2013 on Thursday 24 January. This is a dedicated and important group of people and we thank them for the commitment to ensuring the smooth running of the church.

Next Sunday offers two contrasting styles of Service. At 10:30 the The Parish Eucharist will be in traditional language as is our custom once a month.

At 17:00 there will be a new contemporary style worship service. See flyer here.

Lent Looms Large - Bishop's Appeal

The year has barely started but since Easter is early this year, Lent will soon be upon us. Bishop Geoffrey has launched his Lent appeal for Change Ethiopia, a charity with Christian roots supporting many much need children's project.

Further information is available on the Diocese in Europe website.

Website update for the new Archbishop of Canterbury

The website of the Archbishop of Canterbury has been updated for the incoming Archbishop, Justin Welby.

Justin Welby officially becomes Archbishop after a legal ceremony, the Confirmation of Election, takes place on 4th February 2013 at St Paul's Cathedral.

On 21st March, after paying Homage to Her Majesty in his new role, his public ministry will inaugurated in a colourful ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral, to which bishops from the whole Church of England, Primates of the wider Anglican Communion and many ecumenical guests will be invited.

Fortunately, the rich content of the website of the previous incumbent, Dr Rowan Williams, will not be lost. It has been archived under the following link.

New Year edition of Becket News

Never mind the Christmas books,
here is the latest edition of Becket News.
Our thanks to the editor who used his Christmas break to put it together.

Chaplain on well earned break

The Chaplain, Revd Matthew Jones, will be taking a very well earned break for two weeks.
Services on Sunday 13th and 20th January will be taken by Revd Erika Anders.

We wish Fr Matthew a very good holiday.

New projects for 2013!

A New Year is a good time to start new activities. STB's Choir Director Yotin welcomes anyone who can listen to join the choir for what is becoming something of an annual event, a performance of John Stainer’s oratorio “The Crucifixion” (1887) on Saturday 23rd March 2013.

If you want to join the choir for this project check if you can make it to
following rehearsals during March and speak to Yotin.