Pilgrimage to Albania and Macedonia

Albania was for many years one of the most atheistic countries in the world under the thumb of a communist dictator. Since the fall of communism, however, the Orthodox Church, led by the inspirational leader Metropolitan Anastasios, is once again flourishing. It is a little known country (the birth place of Mother Teresa), as is Macedonia, described as a "hidden jewel" with its magnificent ancient churches and monasteries.

The Bishop in Europe, Geoffrey Rowell will be leading a pilgrimage to both in September. For further details see the Diocese in Europe website.

New Chaplaincy Council Members

Following the AGM held 26 April, the following have been elected:
Ellen Ziesmann and Renu Roy, Church Wardens.
The six Chaplaincy Council members are:-
Peter Alexander (currently Council Secretary), Stuart Cooke (currently Council Treasurer), Rosemarie Curran (previously Church Warden) John Finn (currently Council Vice-Chair), Raj Roy (currently on last year's Council) and Emmanuel Saarkodie (also on last year's Council).

Thanks to all who came forward for election. We wish the new Church Wardens and Council Members fulfilment and success in the coming year and shall remember them in our prayers.

Favourite Hymns Evening 16 May

The third favourite hymns evening will be held 16 May starting 18:30. Coffee and cake will be served from 18:00. Do come along for a good sing!

Events this week

Choir Practice is this Tuesday 28 April at 18:30. The choir could do with a few more voices, so if you see this and have a desire to have a go or re-establish your singing credentials, do come along. You are more than welcome, even if you have not attended church.

The Monthly Eucharist will be held on Thursday at 19:00 in the West Room. (For this reason there is no Bible Study on Wednesday this week).

The Young STB Green Team will be meeting on Friday 18:30 to continue the exploration of climate change issues and personal responsibility.Young persons 13-16 are welcome.

Annual General Meeting 26 April 12:15 in Church

Please do come along to this important event even if you are not on the Electoral Roll. Great chance to ask questions about how the Church is run, not to be missed! It is also a chance to thank those who give their free time to ensure the Church is able to operate as a living body.

Wednesday Bible Study

A weekly pattern of reading, study and prayers will recommence Wednesday 22 April 18:30-20:00 in the West Room. Do come along for stimulating and a lively discussion on the readings for the coming Sunday.

STB Green Team Action on Climate Change

A small nucleus of young people have come together to develop an information resource on climate change and individual responses to it for the website. At the first meeting held 17 April the basic issues were discussed and now we are looking at what ideas to propose. Any young person who would like to become involved in researching and presenting information on climate change is very welcome to join the next meeting 1 May 18:30 in Church, or if you are interested and can’t make the meeting let the webmaster know.