Rev Mark in the hot seat 

Grill a Priest this Friday

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 at Bishop Ridley Church.  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.

Be a lifesaver
Would you know what to do if you saw some having a heart attack and you needed to use the Defibrillator? Come along to a hands-on session this Saturday (14 November ) from 2pm to 4:30pm 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.

Lamplighters Christmas Fayre

Friday 20 November, from 6pm to 8pm, St John’s Church Hall. Gifts, games and refreshments in aid of the Leprosy Mission. 

Wreath making workshop

For our Christmas ladies bring and share meal, we’re doing something special! We’re having a facilitated workshop to create your own advent or Christmas wreath. We will also have a guest speaker which will be followed by a bring and share meal which is themed on Christmas around the world and we’re asking everyone to bring a traditional Christmas dish from their home country. Invite your friends for a fun, festive evening.  RSVP to info@brchurch.org.uk. Donations to cover the cost of the materials are greatly appreciated!

Elves needed
Share the festive spirit of fun and delight at a Christmas Meal for people living alone in our community and share the love of Jesus in meeting a practical need to alleviate loneliness and isolation. Jobs available (no previous experience necessary):
• Greeting guests
• Checking in guests
• Providing a Cloakroom Service
• Setting up and waiting on tables
• Clearing up and washing up

Other ways in which you can help:
• Inviting neighbours and/or people living alone near you to come along ( just make sure they RSVP so we know to expect them)
• Entertaining the guests (e.g. singing, dancing, poetry recitals, Yuletide jokes)
• Making a donation towards the cost of the meal 
• Above all by praying that everything will go well in the preparations and on the day. 

Please speak to Stan, Mark or Pat if you can help in any way.

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.

Café Lane
Each Tuesday from 10:15am to 12:15pm, St John’s Church invites you for a cuppa and a chat. 

Bishop Ridley Afterschool Bible Club
Mondays from 3pm to 4pm
We are a school based after school bible club for children aged 5 to 11 years, at present there are 18 children that attend every week.  It is really a fun session, there is bible reading, singing, and lots of craft. We are looking for a volunteer to join us who loves working with children teaching them in a fun way more about the bible – if this is you, please email info@brchurch.org.uk

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: 

• Church Buildings Support Officer
• Regional Partnership and Fundraising Officer (Net Zero Carbon)
• Diocesan Director of Vocations 

To find out more please visit the vacancies page.

Bible readings for this week
Psalm 90:1-8 and Matthew 25:14-30

Collect
Heavenly Lord,
you long for the world’s salvation:
stir us from apathy,
restrain us from excess
and revive in us new hope
that all creation will one day be healed
in Jesus Christ our Lord.