Newsletter – 8 November

This Sunday is Remembrance Sunday. Rev. Mark reflects on a week to remember, and we share the beautiful cascade of poppies that the Sunday Club children have made for the altar.

A week to remember – a note from Rev. Mark

What a week it has been! With the weather turning colder, we are especially grateful for a warm church. On Wednesday, we suspected a gas leak in the building. Thankfully, it turned out not to be a leak, but it made us think about how easily our Remembrance Sunday gathering might have been disrupted.

Remembrance Sunday began as a time to honour those who fought and died in the First World War. After the Second World War, the act of remembrance widened to include those lost in both wars. Today, we remember British and Commonwealth service personnel who have died in conflicts since.

So what does a suspected gas leak have to do with Remembrance Sunday? For generations, Bishop Ridley Church has been a place where people come together to remember. Had the church been unsafe, this Sunday’s parade and service could not have gone ahead. We are thankful that we are still able to gather this Sunday, and grateful to God for all who have served this country with courage and faithfulness. We are also thankful for the rich tradition of remembrance we share at Bishop Ridley Church.

Our newsletter tells you about the events and moments that bring us together, and that we can look back on and remember. This week, I would particularly like to share what the children of Sunday Club have created for Remembrance Sunday: a cascade of poppies flowing down from the altar.

Why does this display feel so moving, especially at a time when some people may wonder whether remembrance still matters? Perhaps because it speaks across generations. The altar stands as a quiet witness to God’s enduring presence, and the poppies remind us of the people and sacrifices we must not forget. God’s love, too, is enduring. As Scripture says: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

The poppy cascade made by the children of Sunday Club – “We will remember them”.

A Prayer for World Peace

O God of the nations,
as we look to that day when you will gather people
from north and south, east and west,
into the unity of your peaceable Kingdom,
guide with your just and gentle wisdom all who take counsel
for the nations of the world,
that all your people may spend their days in security, freedom, and peace,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

The Collect for Remembrance Sunday

God, our refuge and strength,
bring near the day when wars shall cease
and poverty and pain shall end,
that earth may know the peace of heaven
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Grill a Priest – Friday 13 November

Got a big question about God, the Bible, suffering, science – or life itself – that you’ve never quite dared to ask?

Now’s your chance! Fr Timothy Ezat and Rev. Mark Koenig will be in the hot seat, answering your questions about the Christian faith and life – no question is off limits. And we’ll be serving up a delicious curry and other refreshments!

Friday 13 November, from 6:30 pm

Anyone and everyone is invited – bring a friend!

Please RSVP to info@brchurch.org.uk so we know numbers, and it would be great if you could email us your questions in advance too.

London Lifesaving Training Session – Saturday 14 November

Would you know what to do if someone collapsed in front of you? On Saturday 14 November at 2 pm, a London Lifesaving training session is taking place here in the church.

Topics covered:

• Heart attack – signs, symptoms and treatment
• Cardiac arrest recognition
• Chain of survival
• Unconscious patient – recovery position (practical)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for adults (practical)
• Choking – management
• Defibrillator – safety and use

The session covers both theory and practical skills – from recognising a heart attack or cardiac arrest, to the recovery position, Basic Life Support, choking and using a defibrillator. It takes about 2½ hours, and tea and coffee will be provided.

If you would like to join the training session, please talk to John or contact Jayne in the office at info@brchurch.org.uk

Carols on the Green – Monday 14 December

Save the date! Carols on the Green returns on Monday 14 December at 7 pm. Join us outside the church for a community carol sing-along, accompanied by the Salvation Army Band, and warm up afterwards with mulled wine and mince pies.

Everyone is welcome – bring your family, friends and neighbours, and help us start Christmas together.

This week at Bishop Ridley

Sunday 8 November – Remembrance Sunday
09:00: Holy Communion
10:30: Morning Worship with Parade Service for Remembrance Sunday

Remembrance Sunday readings
9:00: Psalm 70 and Matthew 25:1-13
10:30: Matthew 25:1-13

Wednesday 11 November – Armistice Day
19:00: Evening Holy Communion

Friday 13 November
18:30: Grill a Priest

Saturday 14 November
14:00: London Lifesaving Training Session (in the church)

Looking ahead: Confirmation Service
Sunday 29 November, 4 pm, at St John’s, Welling.
If you would like to be confirmed, please speak to Rev. Mark.

Looking ahead: Carols on the Green
Monday 14 December, 7 pm, outside the church, with the Salvation Army Band.
Mulled wine and mince pies provided – all welcome!

For Prayer

Prayer is an important part of Christian life. We regularly pray together and for each other. Please do pray for the following people:

Bexley Foodbank, Bishop Ridley School, June Rostron, Joanne Pitt, Julie Feeney, Jan Carr, Efe Okotete, Maureen Kenna, Burns family, Kayleigh, Ollie and Ottto, Marion, Andrew and Colin Hockey and the family and relatives and friends of Ruth Wood, particularly her daughter Gillian.

Would you like prayer?
A wise person once said "When I pray things change. When I don't, they don't". We believe in the power of prayer. We would be delighted to pray for you. Please email info@brchurch.org.uk with your prayer requests. Alternatively you can complete a prayer card and pin it up on the prayer board in the entrance hall next time you're at church.