Newsletter – 1 November

Remembering together – a note from Rev. Mark

Dear friends,

As the evenings draw in and November begins, many of us find our thoughts turning to those we have loved and lost. For some, the loss is still very fresh; for others, it was many years ago – and yet this time of year can bring it all back with surprising force. If that is how you are feeling, please know that you are not alone.

That is why our In Loving Memory service matters so much. On All Saints’ Day, Sunday 1 November, at 4pm we will gather in church to give thanks for the lives of those who are no longer with us, to remember them with love, and to hold one another in our grief and in our hope.

St Paul writes, “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” (Romans 12:15) Church is a family where none of us has to carry our sorrow alone. We rejoice together and we weep together – and in Christ we hold on to the hope that death does not have the final word.

Whoever you are remembering, and however long ago you lost them, you will be very warmly welcomed. Please do come, and do bring family and friends who are grieving too.

With every blessing,
Rev. Mark

The Collect for All Saints’ Day

Almighty God,

you have knit together your elect
in one communion and fellowship
in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord:
grant us grace so to follow your blessed saints
in all virtuous and godly living
that we may come to those inexpressible joys
that you have prepared for those who truly love you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

In this newsletter you will also find news of our Grill a Priest evening, our plans for Home Groups, and much more.

Grill a Priest – Friday 13 November

Ever wondered why Christians believe what they do? Got a question about God, the Bible, suffering, science, prayer – or life itself – that you’ve never quite dared to ask? Now’s your chance! Join us for Grill a Priest, a relaxed and lively evening where no question is off limits.

Fr Timothy Ezat and Rev. Mark Koenig will be in the hot seat, answering your questions about the Christian faith and everyday life – the big ones, the tricky ones and the ones you’ve always wondered about.

And because big questions are best tackled on a full stomach, we’ll be serving up a delicious curry and other refreshments!

When?
Friday 13 November, from 6:30pm.

Who is invited?
Anyone and everyone! Whether you’ve been a Christian all your life, are simply curious, or are a downright sceptic, you’ll be made very welcome. Why not bring a friend, a neighbour or a colleague?

Please RSVP
So we know numbers (and how much curry to make!), please let us know you’re coming by emailing info@brchurch.org.uk.

Send us your questions
It would be great if you could send us your questions in advance by email to info@brchurch.org.uk – and of course you’re welcome to ask on the night too.

Home Groups – Come and Belong

Church isn’t just something we do on a Sunday morning. Some of the richest moments of faith happen around a kitchen table – with a cup of tea, an open Bible and a few friends who really get to know you. That’s what Home Groups are all about.

At the moment we have one Home Group that meets regularly, and those who go will tell you how much they value it. Now we’d love to grow and start more groups, so that everyone at Bishop Ridley who would like to can be part of one.

At the heart of every Home Group is Jesus. Together we study his life and teaching in the Gospels, discover more of who he is, and explore what it means to follow him in our everyday lives.

Why join a Home Group?

• Discover – open the Bible together, ask the questions you’ve always wanted to ask, and pray for one another. No experience needed, and no question is too simple.
• Refresh – whether your faith feels strong or a little tired at the moment, a Home Group is a place to re-engage, be encouraged and grow.
• Support – share life’s ups and downs with people who will pray for you, notice when you’re missing and walk alongside you in your journey of faith.

Who is it for?
Everyone! Whether you’ve been coming to Bishop Ridley for years or only a few weeks, whether you know the Bible well or are just starting out, there’s a place for you.

When and where?
Once enough people have signed up, we’ll put the new groups together, taking into account which days and times work best, so that groups fit around work, family and other commitments.

How do I sign up?
Simply email info@brchurch.org.uk or speak to Mark after a Sunday service. Signing up just lets us know you’re interested, so we can start planning.

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20)

Watch out for phishing emails
Unfortunately, a number of members of our church have recently suffered phishing and impersonation scams. The National Cyber Security Centre has a number of practical guides on how to recognise and report scam emails, texts, websites, adverts or phone calls.  It is getting harder to spot scams and some even fool the experts! However there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Take some time to familiarise yourself with these steps now.

Working together
We’re still looking someone to represent BR at the Churches Together in Welling (CTW) meetings. CTW is a group which represents nearly all the churches in Welling. It meets five times a year (including one meeting for its AGM) to hear how other churches are building God’s kingdom here in Welling and to arrange joint church activities. We need someone to take BR news to the meeting and to bring news back from the other churches. Please speak to Mark, Grace or Karen if you would like to discuss this opportunity further.
 
Job opportunities
The Diocese of Rochester is currently recruiting for the following roles:

• Stewardship Manager
• Associate Archdeacon of Bromley and Bexley
• Church Buildings Support Officer.

To find out more, please visit the vacancies page.

Tackling modern slavery
It is estimated that there are currently more than 122,000 men, women and children in the UK are trapped in Modern Slavery (Global Slavery Index). It affects men, women and children. Vastly under-reported, it is a problem that is hidden in plain sight in our communities. Modern Slavery is used to describe circumstances where people are forced to work, owned or controlled, bought and sold, and/ or have their freedom constrained. The Diocese of Rochester has recently launched a new diocesan network to help tackle modern slavery. Eleven volunteer ambassadors are available across the Diocese to help churches respond to Modern Slavery. They are trained to help parishes spot the signs of modern slavery, know how to report modern slavery and support those affected pastorally. Ambassadors can visit churches to deliver awareness training, as well as share useful resources and information. Find out more here.

Cheese and Wine evening
On Friday 30 October at 7 pm, the Falconwood and District Horticultural Society will be hosting a cheese and wine evening at the Falconwood Community Centre. The evening will also include a talk from Dr John Hughes, Judge at the Falconwood and District Horticultural Society annual flower, fruit and veg show, about the RHS Chelsea Flower Show – which he is also a judge for. Tickets are £8 for members and £10 for guests. To book your place, please email falconwoodcc1@gmail.com or leave a message on 07881 710 639.

In Loving Memory
Our annual service of thanksgiving to remember and celebrate the lives of those no longer with us takes place on Sunday 1 November at 4 pm. Please email info@brchurch.org.uk if you would like us to remember your loved one. Find out more. 

Be a lifesaver
Would you know what to do if you saw someone having a heart attack and you needed to use the Defibrillator? Come along to a hands-on session on Saturday 14 November from 2 pm to 4:30 pm at the Church, which will cover these essential skills: recognising a cardiac arrest, basic life support and how to safely use the defibrillator, plus much more.  Find out more here. Book your place today by emailing info@brchurch.org.uk or speak to John.
 
Please do check out all our Autumn events. 

Bible readings for All Saints’ Day (Sunday 1 November)
Revelation 7:9-end
Gospel reading: Matthew 5:1-12