May 2024 - News - lists.teaparty.net

St Philip's Newsletter 31.5.24
by Ruth Barry 31 May '24

31 May '24

Dear all, This Sunday we will be beginning a sermon series on the Psalms. For the Sundays of June and July we will be exploring, with the help of some new voices, how this wonderful collection of Hebrew poetry can be a very relevant and practical aid to our daily walk with God. For me, the book of Psalms is the most down to earth and realistic example of how to live life with God as a central figure. Ok, I don’t literally have armies surrounding me and enemies hunting me down but I can often feel overwhelmed, I can often feel like every day is just a battle to get through, I can often be angry at people, feel betrayed by people or despair at the world around me. And at other times I can be filled to over flowing with joy at the simplest event, or full of gratitude, or nostalgic about the past and thankful for the good things in life. These are the realities of being human. I think we are very good in the church at doing the thanks and praise thing but we are not always good at talking about how we do faith when we feel hopeless or helpless or full of despair. Sometimes we try to ignore it, or force ourselves back into the thanks and praise place by quoting trite Bible verses out of context. And yes, that can be helpful, but in my experience that strategy can also pile on guilt, on top of all the other woes, because we feel bad that the words just don’t even touch what we are going through, even worse, the words can make us feel like we are failing in this faith business because they don’t change how we feel. What the Psalms show us is firstly that it is ok to feel all the feels – to sometimes get angry, mad, sad as well as thankful, joyful and happy! And secondly, and most crucially, the book of Psalms shows us the best possible way of dealing with those feels. Taking them to God first and foremost, being honest about them (uncomfortably and brutally honest sometimes – see Psalm 137 for some raw pain being poured out to God in grief at a whole nation’s enforced displacement). The book of Psalms models for us how to let God be a part of all our feelings. Not focussing just on the positives, nor repressing or hiding the negative ones but letting God work in all of them. Revealing the darkest depths of our worst feelings to the light of God’s love can be transformational. Which is what we see in a lot of the more raw psalms, the lament psalms, that their mood changes during the verses. The transformation may not be immediate or quick in our lives but the book of Psalms shows us it is possible. As part of our canon of scripture the psalms give us *permission* to feel as we do and *wisdom* in learning how to manage those feelings and live a God centred life. I pray as we explore all the facets of this wonderful book over the next two months you will find your faith strengthened, enriched and practically resourced. *“To you, Lord, I call;* *You are my rock,* *Do not turn a deaf ear to me…”* *Psalm 28:1* And if you want to get a great overview on the book of Psalms before we begin our series, those fabulous people at The Bible Project have made an overview video: https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/psalms/ *News and Upcoming Events* *Thursday 6th June – 1pm - Romsey Music Project Concert* at St Philip’s. Another opportunity to replenish the spirit with some classical music on a Thursday lunchtime. *Monday 3rd-Sunday 7th June – National Volunteers Week* Your opportunity to say thank you to those volunteers in your life. Those that help at Warm Spaces, cook the Pay-As-You-Feel lunches, serve in the charity shops and of course ensure Sunday services happen! We all have interactions with volunteers so why not take a moment this week to say thank you! *Monday Small Group. *A new small group for Bible study, discussion and prayer will meet for 6 weeks, starting May 27th, on Mondays 11am-12.30. We’ll meet in the Prayer Room with tea/coffee and discuss passages from Mark’s gospel. Email lucy(a)stphilipschurch.org.uk if you would like to come or have questions! *Prayer Room furniture. *Now that we have small groups meeting in the Prayer Room, we would love to make it cosier by replacing the green church chairs with living-room furniture. Please talk to Ruth or Lucy if you have a chair, cushion or throw that you no longer need. We hope to find things that are comfortable, sturdy and go with each other. It would be great to do this with second-hand, home-like items but please be aware we can only accept furniture with soft furnishings that have fire safety certificates (there should be a tag on them!) *Warm Spaces (Young Adults’ Version). *From May 29th, Warm Spaces will be open on Wednesday evenings (7-9pm) to provide a relaxed social space, tea and snacks, friendship and maybe some board games for younger adults. The aim is to create a coffee-shop-type atmosphere, for people who may be at work while cafes are open, house-sharing or living with family, and short of opportunities to socialize and meet new people. Please do spread the word among 20s/30s you know! *Warm Spaces Volunteering. *Warm Spaces relies on volunteers who make tea and coffee, chat to guests and make sure the space is safe and welcoming. If you could help out on Wednesday morning or evening, Friday afternoon, or occasional Thursdays after Romsey Music Project concerts, do speak to Lucy (01223 414775 / lucy(a)stphilipschurch.org.uk) to learn more about this role. *It’s Your Move 2024 *GenR8 are looking for young people in Year 11 and 13 who will have finished college and exams to take part in It’s Your Move workshop tour in July 2024. It would also suit university students back for the summer. Each workshop is an hour long and they visit up to 15 primary schools in a week in July after exams/college are finished. The workshop mainly involves being with small groups of Year 6 students sharing experiences and giving encouragement to the students as they approach the transition to Secondary School. It will take place Monday 8th July to Friday 12th July and two preparation days: Monday 1st July and Thursday 4th July. For more information including pictures from past years, please visit: https://genr8.org/what-we-do/its-your-move-plus/ *CIO Summer Outreach – Hosts needed *Each year Friends International run 6 weeks of summer teams (3 x 2 weeks) for outreach to (mostly) language students and equipping/Christian growth of the team members. Home (cambridgeinternationaloutreach.uk) <https://cambridgeinternationaloutreach.uk/> Our team members stay with local Christians who kindly open their home for 2 weeks to offer bed and breakfast for free. If you have a spare room and would be willing to host a team member the team would love to hear from you. Please get in touch with Jenny.Hunter(a)friendsinternational.uk *Toilet Refurbishment* these are progressing – thanks for bearing with us as various toilets have been out of action. *Opportunities* - An announcement from Cambridge & Peterborough Adoption Adoption is a way of providing a new, permanent family for a child or siblings who cannot grow up with their birth parents or family. It’s a legal procedure where all the parental responsibility is transferred to the adopters and the child becomes a full legal member of their new adoptive family. The child you adopt will take your family’s surname and assumes the same rights as if they had been born to you. If you’d like to find more information about Adoption, get in touch or visit the links below. Visit our website at www.cpadoption.co.uk Email us at adoptionenquiries(a)cambridgeshire.gov.uk Call us on 0300 123 1093 or head to our YouTube channel @cambridgeshirepeterborough2747 where we post podcast episodes speaking to our adopters about their experience and our team. *Eco-Bite – our new green “nugget” each week: * Advocate for change! Continue to use your voice during this election campaign. Find each party’s environmental policies, ask questions at hustings, challenge statements. Yes, there are MANY things we want our government to tackle but perhaps this election campaign you could let the candidates know Green Issues are not a minor matter. *Last Week’s sermon* Last week’s sermon if you want to catch up: sermon 26.5.24.mp3 <http://sermons.stphilipschurch.org.uk/2024-05-26%20-%20Ruth%20-%20c.mp3> The link to our sermon archive: St Philip's sermon archive <http://sermons.stphilipschurch.org.uk/> *This Sunday 2nd June * *8.30am – Reflective Holy Communion * *10.30am – All Age Worship *We will be beginning our sermon series on the Psalms this week, kicking off with Psalm 103 and also reading John 12:35-36, 44-50. If you can't attend church in person you can always use this Zoom link: meeting ID: 976 3739 9129 and Passcode: 330714 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/97637399129?pwd=TGhKWWxOcWF1S242aVhrWDlJdUkxZz09 *Prayers * If any of you have specific prayers you would like us to include in this newsletter do please get in touch. *Please also pray for our Mission Partner this month:* *CPAS* – Making Mission Possible CPAS is an Anglican evangelical mission agency, who believe that the message of the gospel is relevant to all people, and that effective local church ministry is the key to seeing men, women, young people and children come to faith in Christ. *Regular Weekly Services/Prayers to join:* *Wednesday 12noon Reflective Holy Communion* A quiet time to help find space and peace in the middle of the week. *Monday & Friday 8.30pm – Compline on zoom * Meeting ID: 836 5965 9953 Passcode: 749968 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83659659953?pwd=btP5AjGMu1s-dE_2W9T0MMFqnnPKSS.1 *Wednesdays 7.00-7.30pm - Weekly Prayers on zoom*: - Meeting ID: 852 1105 2733 Password: 397987 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85211052733?pwd=OE52bm9NS1RtQVQ0ZytTc0xBZnVsUT09 *Saturdays 8.15am - Morning Bible Discussion and Prayer on zoom*: Meeting ID: 143 338 655 Password: 824271 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/143338655?pwd=L1JJTFZJNU9EaFZjaUFjQzVlalpMZz09 With love and prayers Ruth Need to unsubscribe? Email Bekki: bekki(a)theclarks.biz Blessings Ruth *Revd Ruth Barry* *Vicar, St Philip's Church, Cambridge* 185 Mill Road, Cambridge, CB1 3AN 01223 318315 vicar(a)stphilipschurch.org.uk *My day off is Tuesday*

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St Philip's Newsletter 24.5.24
by Ruth Barry 24 May '24

24 May '24

Dear all, This Sunday is Trinity Sunday – not a big church festival celebrating a moment of God’s action in the world but for me a really important moment for us to do some theological thinking. A moment to move us beyond the basics of our faith, beyond the narratives, to a point where we can actually contemplate the enormity of God and who God is – not just what God does. Bible scholars will tell you that there is no clear doctrine (fancy word for set of beliefs) of the Trinity in the bible but as we read the New Testament it is clear that in nearly every book this is the big thinking that the authors were wrestling with after Easter and after Pentecost – they could see these different ways that God was interacting with the world and with humanity that didn’t quite fit with their previous understanding of God – how does Jesus fit? How does the Spirit fit? How do they all connect, interact and act? The doctrine of the Trinity is beginning to be worked out on the pages of scripture and great minds continued to wrestle with it for a further 300 years until we established what we as Christians believe and it was laid out in the Nicene Creed. If you don’t do a lot of big thinking or clearly laying out what you actually believe about who God is – let me invite you to do so for one day this year. And as a lead in to that deep thinking I give you Malcome Guite’s Sonnet for Trinity Sunday taken from his book Sounding the Seasons: *In the Beginning, not in time or space,* *But in the quick before both space and time,* *In Life, in Love, in co-inherent Grace,* *In three in one and one in three, in rhyme,* *In music, in the whole creation story,* *In His own image, His imagination,* *The Triune Poet makes us for His glory,* *And makes us each the other’s inspiration.* *He calls us out of darkness, chaos, chance,* *To improvise a music of our own,* *To sing the chord that calls us to the dance,* *Three notes resounding from a single tone,* *To sing the End in whom we all begin;* *Our God beyond, beside us and within.* *News and Upcoming Events* *Monday Small Group. *A new small group for Bible study, discussion and prayer will meet for 6 weeks, starting May 27th, on Mondays 11am-12.30. We’ll meet in the Prayer Room with tea/coffee and discuss passages from Mark’s gospel. Email lucy(a)stphilipschurch.org.uk if you would like to come or have questions! *Prayer Room furniture. *Now that we have small groups meeting in the Prayer Room, we would love to make it cosier by replacing the green church chairs with living-room furniture. Please talk to Ruth or Lucy if you have a chair, cushion or throw that you no longer need. We hope to find things that are comfortable, sturdy and go with each other. It would be great to do this with second-hand, home-like items but please be aware we can only accept furniture with soft furnishings that have fire safety certificates (there should be a tag on them!) *Warm Spaces (Young Adults’ Version). *From May 29th, Warm Spaces will be open on Wednesday evenings (7-9pm) to provide a relaxed social space, tea and snacks, friendship and maybe some board games for younger adults. The aim is to create a coffee-shop-type atmosphere, for people who may be at work while cafes are open, house-sharing or living with family, and short of opportunities to socialize and meet new people. Please do spread the word among 20s/30s you know! *Warm Spaces Volunteering. *Warm Spaces relies on volunteers who make tea and coffee, chat to guests and make sure the space is safe and welcoming. If you could help out on Wednesday morning or evening, Friday afternoon, or occasional Thursdays after Romsey Music Project concerts, do speak to Lucy (01223 414775 / lucy(a)stphilipschurch.org.uk) to learn more about this role. *It’s Your Move 2024 *GenR8 are looking for young people in Year 11 and 13 who will have finished college and exams to take part in It’s Your Move workshop tour in July 2024. It would also suit university students back for the summer. Each workshop is an hour long and they visit up to 15 primary schools in a week in July after exams/college are finished. The workshop mainly involves being with small groups of Year 6 students sharing experiences and giving encouragement to the students as they approach the transition to Secondary School. It will take place Monday 8th July to Friday 12th July and two preparation days: Monday 1st July and Thursday 4th July. For more information including pictures from past years, please visit: https://genr8.org/what-we-do/its-your-move-plus/ *CIO Summer Outreach – Hosts needed *Each year Friends International run 6 weeks of summer teams (3 x 2 weeks) for outreach to (mostly) language students and equipping/Christian growth of the team members. Home (cambridgeinternationaloutreach.uk) <https://cambridgeinternationaloutreach.uk/> Our team members stay with local Christians who kindly open their home for 2 weeks to offer bed and breakfast for free. If you have a spare room and would be willing to host a team member the team would love to hear from you. Please get in touch with Jenny.Hunter(a)friendsinternational.uk *Toilet Refurbishment* these are progressing – thanks for bearing with us as various toilets have been out of action. *Opportunities* *Heritage School full-time (term time only) TA* *for 1 year*– An opportunity for any young person who might benefit from working next year? The role will suit a young person who would like to explore work with children or young people and who would like to obtain significant work experience in a school setting prior to further education or training. Those who are interested, should visit https://heritageschool.org.uk/about-heritage/job-opportunities/ <https://heritageschool.org.uk/about-heritage/job-opportunities/%20> where they will find information about how to request an application pack. Closing date: 3rd June. *Diocesan Synod Representative – *Ely Diocese has some exciting changes ahead next year with the arrival (hopefully) of a new Bishop and of course the CofE has lots of decisions in the pipeline, not least about Prayers of Love and Faith. If you’ve ever wanted to be a part of that decision making process or at least closer to the action then now is the opportunity to be elected on to Diocesan Synod (Deanery Synod is the local level of central decision making – then Diocesan – then General ie National). Ask Ruth for an application form if you are interested. *Eco-Bite – our new green “nugget” each week: * Advocate for change! It can sometimes feel that, individually, our voices have very little power but this week’s General Election announcement has just given your voice extra influence. Ask questions at hustings, read the policies, challenge the statements. Yes, there are MANY things we want our government to tackle but perhaps this election campaign you could let the candidates know Green Issues are not a minor matter. *Last Week’s sermon* Last week’s sermon if you want to catch up: sermon 19.5.24.mp3 <http://sermons.stphilipschurch.org.uk/2024-05-19%20-%20Ruth%20-%20c.mp3> The link to our sermon archive: St Philip's sermon archive <http://sermons.stphilipschurch.org.uk/> *This Sunday 26th May – Trinity Sunday* *10.30am – Holy Communion with Explorers *Our readings will be Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 & John 3:1-17. If you can't attend church in person you can always use this Zoom link: meeting ID: 976 3739 9129 and Passcode: 330714 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/97637399129?pwd=TGhKWWxOcWF1S242aVhrWDlJdUkxZz09 *Prayers * If any of you have specific prayers you would like us to include in this newsletter do please get in touch. *Please also pray for our Mission Partner this month:* *CPAS* – Making Mission Possible CPAS is an Anglican evangelical mission agency, who believe that the message of the gospel is relevant to all people, and that effective local church ministry is the key to seeing men, women, young people and children come to faith in Christ. *Regular Weekly events to join:* *Friday 12noon Lunchtime Bible Club *A relaxed look at the bible passage/s for the upcoming Sunday. Bring along a packed lunch and explore scripture whilst eating lunch together. *Wednesday 12noon Reflective Holy Communion* A quiet time to help find space and peace in the middle of the week. *Monday & Friday 8.30pm – Compline on zoom * Meeting ID: 836 5965 9953 Passcode: 749968 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83659659953?pwd=btP5AjGMu1s-dE_2W9T0MMFqnnPKSS.1 *Wednesday 10.30-12noon & Friday 1.30-3.00 –* Wednesday & Friday Friends *Both are “Warm Spaces” with Tea/coffee, cake/biscuits and chat * Just turn up if you’d like to join us for a cuppa/read the paper/do some of the jigsaw/knit/colour/sit quietly watching the world go by. *Wednesdays 7.00-7.30pm - Weekly Prayers on zoom*: - Meeting ID: 852 1105 2733 Password: 397987 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85211052733?pwd=OE52bm9NS1RtQVQ0ZytTc0xBZnVsUT09 *Saturdays 8.15am - Morning Bible Discussion and Prayer on zoom*: Meeting ID: 143 338 655 Password: 824271 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/143338655?pwd=L1JJTFZJNU9EaFZjaUFjQzVlalpMZz09 With love and prayers Ruth Need to unsubscribe? Email Bekki: bekki(a)theclarks.biz Blessings Ruth *Revd Ruth Barry* *Vicar, St Philip's Church, Cambridge* 185 Mill Road, Cambridge, CB1 3AN 01223 318315 vicar(a)stphilipschurch.org.uk *My day off is Tuesday*

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St Philip's Newsletter 17.5.24
by Ruth Barry 17 May '24

17 May '24

Dear all, *“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,* *so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”* *Romans 15:13* This Sunday we celebrate Pentecost – the coming of the Holy Spirit, poured out on the disciples. Tongues of fire resting on people’s heads, the sudden ability to converse in languages previously unknown – these are the weird and wonderful events of Pentecost which might fill you with excitement or might turn you off completely! I’ll be talking a lot more about the Holy Spirit on Sunday but however you feel about the events that took place in that upper room for the disciples it is important for us to have an understanding of the nature of God’s Spirit. And this wonderful verse in Romans sums up for me one of the key features of the Spirit – yes there might be strange and incomprehensible things that sometimes come from the Spirit, speaking in tongues, prophesy, uncontrollable laughter, sudden falling down, I’m sure you’ve heard the sensational ones – but one of the most profound and transformational actions of the Spirit is the power to *em*power and to empower through hope. Hope that enables trust to form and trust that brings joy and peace. These are fruits that grow in our lives and can transform our communities when the Spirit rests on us. So I invite you to pray this weekend – to pray for the Spirit to come and rest on us all. We may not see the manifestation in terms of tongues of fire coming to rest on our heads but I pray we will feel the power of the Spirit filling us all – transforming our thoughts, perspectives, attitudes and feelings so that hope reigns! *News and Upcoming Events* *Monday Small Group. *A new small group for Bible study, discussion and prayer will meet for 6 weeks, starting May 27th, on Mondays 11am-12.30. We’ll meet in the Prayer Room with tea/coffee and discuss passages from Mark’s gospel. Email lucy(a)stphilipschurch.org.uk if you would like to come or have questions! *Prayer Room furniture. *Now that we have small groups meeting in the Prayer Room, we would love to make it cosier by replacing the green church chairs with living-room furniture. Please talk to Ruth or Lucy if you have a chair, cushion or throw that you no longer need. We hope to find things that are comfortable, sturdy and go with each other. It would be great to do this with second-hand, home-like items but please be aware we can only accept furniture with soft furnishings that have fire safety certificates (there should be a tag on them!) *Warm Spaces (Young Adults’ Version). *From May 29th, Warm Spaces will be open on Wednesday evenings (7-9pm) to provide a relaxed social space, tea and snacks, friendship and maybe some board games for younger adults. The aim is to create a coffee-shop-type atmosphere, for people who may be at work while cafes are open, house-sharing or living with family, and short of opportunities to socialize and meet new people. Please do spread the word among 20s/30s you know! *Warm Spaces Volunteering. *Warm Spaces relies on volunteers who make tea and coffee, chat to guests and make sure the space is safe and welcoming. If you could help out on Wednesday morning or evening, Friday afternoon, or occasional Thursdays after Romsey Music Project concerts, do speak to Lucy (01223 414775 / lucy(a)stphilipschurch.org.uk) to learn more about this role. *Tuesday 21st May – 2.00-7.00pm - East West Rail Community Conversation taking place at St Philip’s Church *East West Rail is a new rail link connecting people and businesses in the communities between Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge. They are hosting a series of community conversations explaining how and when individuals can get involved in the consultation process, so that communities are well informed before the launch of the first stage of statutory consultation in the summer. Find out more at https://eastwestrail.co.uk/news/latest-stories/community-conversation-events *Thursday 23rd May – 1.15pm Romsey Music Project Concert *This concert will be from Cathy Tsang (chamber group) *It’s Your Move 2024 *GenR8 are looking for young people in Year 11 and 13 who will have finished college and exams to take part in It’s Your Move workshop tour in July 2024. It would also suit university students back for the summer. Each workshop is an hour long and they visit up to 15 primary schools in a week in July after exams/college are finished. The workshop mainly involves being with small groups of Year 6 students sharing experiences and giving encouragement to the students as they approach the transition to Secondary School. It will take place Monday 8th July to Friday 12th July and two preparation days: Monday 1st July and Thursday 4th July. For more information including pictures from past years, please visit: https://genr8.org/what-we-do/its-your-move-plus/ *Toilet Refurbishment* these are progressing – thanks for bearing with us as various toilets have been out of action. *Opportunities* *Heritage School full-time (term time only) TA* *for 1 year*– An opportunity for any young person who might benefit from working next year? The role will suit a young person who would like to explore work with children or young people and who would like to obtain significant work experience in a school setting prior to further education or training. Those who are interested, should visit https://heritageschool.org.uk/about-heritage/job-opportunities/ where they will find information about how to request an application pack. Closing date: 3rd June. *Diocesan Synod Representative – *Ely Diocese has some exciting changes ahead next year with the arrival (hopefully) of a new Bishop and of course the CofE has lots of decisions in the pipeline, not least about Prayers of Love and Faith. If you’ve ever wanted to be a part of that decision making process or at least closer to the action then now is the opportunity to be elected on to Diocesan Synod (Deanery Synod is the local level of central decision making – then Diocesan – then General ie National). Ask Ruth for an application form if you are interested. *Eco-Bite – our new green “nugget” each week: * Would you like to join a community of Christians who care about creation? Have a look at https://greenchristian.org.uk/ They describe themselves as “a community of ordinary Christians from all backgrounds and traditions. Inspired by our faith, we work to care for creation. We do this through prayer, living simply, public witness, campaigning and mutual encouragement. We walk alongside those of faith and no faith. Join us.” *Last Week’s sermon* Last week’s sermon if you want to catch up: sermon 12.5.24.mp3 <http://sermons.stphilipschurch.org.uk/2024-05-12%20-%20Colin%20-%20c.mp3> The link to our sermon archive: St Philip's sermon archive <http://sermons.stphilipschurch.org.uk/> *This Sunday 19th May – Pentecost* *8.30am – Reflective Holy Communion* Our readings will be John 16:12-15 & Acts 2:1-21 *10.30am – All Age Worship *We will be exploring all things Spirit! As we hear about the events at Pentecost and think what it means for us today. If you can't attend church in person you can always use this Zoom link: meeting ID: 976 3739 9129 and Passcode: 330714 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/97637399129?pwd=TGhKWWxOcWF1S242aVhrWDlJdUkxZz09 *Prayers * If any of you have specific prayers you would like us to include in this newsletter do please get in touch. *Please also pray for our Mission Partner this month:* *CPAS* – Making Mission Possible CPAS is an Anglican evangelical mission agency, who believe that the message of the gospel is relevant to all people, and that effective local church ministry is the key to seeing men, women, young people and children come to faith in Christ. *Regular Weekly events to join:* *Friday 12noon Lunchtime Bible Club *A relaxed look at the bible passage/s for the upcoming Sunday. Bring along a packed lunch and explore scripture whilst eating lunch together. *Wednesday 12noon Reflective Holy Communion* A quiet time to help find space and peace in the middle of the week. *Monday & Friday 8.30pm – Compline on zoom * Meeting ID: 836 5965 9953 Passcode: 749968 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83659659953?pwd=btP5AjGMu1s-dE_2W9T0MMFqnnPKSS.1 *Wednesday 10.30-12noon & Friday 1.30-3.00 –* Wednesday & Friday Friends *Both are “Warm Spaces” with Tea/coffee, cake/biscuits and chat * Just turn up if you’d like to join us for a cuppa/read the paper/do some of the jigsaw/knit/colour/sit quietly watching the world go by. *Wednesdays 7.00-7.30pm - Weekly Prayers on zoom*: - Meeting ID: 852 1105 2733 Password: 397987 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85211052733?pwd=OE52bm9NS1RtQVQ0ZytTc0xBZnVsUT09 *Saturdays 8.15am - Morning Bible Discussion and Prayer on zoom*: Meeting ID: 143 338 655 Password: 824271 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/143338655?pwd=L1JJTFZJNU9EaFZjaUFjQzVlalpMZz09 With love and prayers Ruth Need to unsubscribe? Email Bekki: bekki(a)theclarks.biz Blessings Ruth *Revd Ruth Barry* *Vicar, St Philip's Church, Cambridge* 185 Mill Road, Cambridge, CB1 3AN 01223 318315 vicar(a)stphilipschurch.org.uk *My day off is Tuesday*

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St Philip's Church Newsletter 10.5.24
by Ruth Barry 10 May '24

10 May '24

Dear all, *“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.” John 14:18-19* Jesus said these words to his disciples at the Last Supper when he talks about his death, resurrection and ultimate departure from them. Yesterday was Ascension Day the day we mark that ultimate departure of Jesus from earth. It is a festival that often passes us by because it is one of those which happens mid-week - always fixed to 40 days after Easter Sunday and often overshadowed by the looming festival of Pentecost (50days after Easter Sunday). But these days in between Ascension and Pentecost can be a powerful moment in time. For the disciples it was a time of prayer, fellowship and probably a lot of wresting with not quite understanding what was going on – until the Spirit brought inspiration at Pentecost. And for nearly a decade now the Thy Kingdom Come movement have invited Christians around the world to make these 11 days – Ascension to Pentecost – powerful days of prayer for more people to come to know Jesus – indeed for God’s Kingdom to come! You can find all sorts of resources here <https://www.thykingdomcome.global/about-us> to help you pray at home or be inspired by seeing people from around the world joining in with prayer this year. But as a simple act for these next 10 days why not commit to praying the Lord’s Prayer every day? Maybe when you wake up, or while you have your lunch, perhaps before dinner or as you go to bed. Praying this prayer that Jesus taught us particularly noticing that second phrase – Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. *Your kingdom* *come…* This prayer seeks Jesus’ return to establish God’s kingdom here on earth but it is also a prayer to see the life-giving power of God present in our world now – today. That life giving power of God which raised Jesus from the dead and which is available to all of us as we choose to invite God into our lives. “Because I live” Jesus says “you also will live”! I pray over these next 10 days you will experience more of the power of the life-giving Jesus in your own heart and also in the lives of all those for whom you are praying. *News and Upcoming Events* *Wednesday 15th May – 10.30-12noon - Drop-in NHS Hearing Aid Maintenance and Battery Collection Session *During our regular Wednesday Warm Spaces Cambridgeshire Deaf Association are organising a drop in session where you can get hearing aids cleaned and collect more batteries – and have a cup of tea while you’re there! *Sunday 12th May - 4.30-6.00pm - Frida Violeta Band* This is a vibrant all-women ensemble that has been bringing Latin American folk music to the UK since 2018. They will be performing at St Philip’s Church and say “Join us with your family and friends to immerse yourselves in the depths and joys of Latin American rhythms! https://fridavioletaband.weebly.com/ for tickets (£8/£13) *Tuesday 21st May – 2.00-7.00pm - East West Rail Community Conversation taking place at St Philip’s Church *East West Rail is a new rail link connecting people and businesses in the communities between Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge. They are hosting a series of community conversations explaining how and when individuals can get involved in the consultation process, so that communities are well informed before the launch of the first stage of statutory consultation in the summer. Find out more at https://eastwestrail.co.uk/news/latest-stories/community-conversation-events *Mental Health First Aid Course - 1, 9, 13, 15th May - 9am-12.30pm on zoom* –MHFA England are running a course open to all who would like to become a Mental Health First Aider – to gain the knowledge and skills to spot signs of people experiencing poor mental health, be confident to start a conversation and signpost a person to appropriate support. There is a cost for this course and you will need to attend all sessions but if you are interested come and chat to me and I can let you have the details. *Growing as a Disciple Course* – this is an online course regularly run by Ely Diocese it is a ten session course about deepening your personal faith, and raising your awareness of how God might be calling you to contribute your abilities and time to your churches and communities. Mondays at 7pm, via Zoom - 13 & 20 May, 3, 10, 17 & 24 June, 1, 8, 15 & 22 July. For more info: julie.norris(a)elydiocese.org or book online: https://elydatabase.org/events/mission_ministry *Toilet Refurbishment* the PCC have commissioned a refurbishment of all the toilets in the church which will begin next week. They will be completed in stages so we wont lose all our facilities at once – do not worry! But please do be aware that there may be some disruption when you come into church and please bear with us while this much needed work is done. *Thursday Small Group* – will now be meeting at 7.15pm-8.45pm *Eco-Bite – our new green “nugget” each week: * Would you like to join a community of Christians who care about creation? Have a look at https://greenchristian.org.uk/ They describe themselves as “a community of ordinary Christians from all backgrounds and traditions. Inspired by our faith, we work to care for creation. We do this through prayer, living simply, public witness, campaigning and mutual encouragement. We walk alongside those of faith and no faith. Join us.” *Last Week’s sermon* Last week’s sermon if you want to catch up: sermon 5.5.24.mp3 <http://sermons.stphilipschurch.org.uk/2024-05-05%20-%20Ruth%20-%20c.mp3> The link to our sermon archive: St Philip's sermon archive <http://sermons.stphilipschurch.org.uk/> *This Sunday 12th May – Sunday after Ascension Day* *10.30am – Holy Communion with Explorers *This Sunday Colin will be talking us through Jesus’ Ascension – what does this slightly bizarre event mean for us today? Our readings will be Ephesians 1:15-23 & Luke 24:44-53 If you can't attend church in person you can always use this Zoom link: meeting ID: 976 3739 9129 and Passcode: 330714 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/97637399129?pwd=TGhKWWxOcWF1S242aVhrWDlJdUkxZz09 *Prayers * If any of you have specific prayers you would like us to include in this newsletter do please get in touch. *Tracee & Lee* – Tracee is back home and now recovering well. Please pray this continues! *Please also pray for our Mission Partner this month:* *CPAS* – Making Mission Possible CPAS is an Anglican evangelical mission agency, who believe that the message of the gospel is relevant to all people, and that effective local church ministry is the key to seeing men, women, young people and children come to faith in Christ. *Regular Weekly events to join:* *Friday 12noon Lunchtime Bible Club *A relaxed look at the bible passage/s for the upcoming Sunday. Bring along a packed lunch and explore scripture whilst eating lunch together. *Wednesday 12noon Reflective Holy Communion* A quiet time to help find space and peace in the middle of the week. *Monday & Friday 8.30pm – Compline on zoom * Meeting ID: 836 5965 9953 Passcode: 749968 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83659659953?pwd=btP5AjGMu1s-dE_2W9T0MMFqnnPKSS.1 *Wednesday 10.30-12noon & Friday 1.30-3.00 –* Wednesday & Friday Friends *Both are “Warm Spaces” with Tea/coffee, cake/biscuits and chat * Just turn up if you’d like to join us for a cuppa/read the paper/do some of the jigsaw/knit/colour/sit quietly watching the world go by. *Wednesdays 7.00-7.30pm - Weekly Prayers on zoom*: - Meeting ID: 852 1105 2733 Password: 397987 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85211052733?pwd=OE52bm9NS1RtQVQ0ZytTc0xBZnVsUT09 *Saturdays 8.15am - Morning Bible Discussion and Prayer on zoom*: Meeting ID: 143 338 655 Password: 824271 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/143338655?pwd=L1JJTFZJNU9EaFZjaUFjQzVlalpMZz09 With love and prayers Ruth Need to unsubscribe? Email Bekki: bekki(a)theclarks.biz Blessings Ruth *Revd Ruth Barry* *Vicar, St Philip's Church, Cambridge* 185 Mill Road, Cambridge, CB1 3AN 01223 318315 vicar(a)stphilipschurch.org.uk *My day off is Tuesday*

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St Philip's Church newsletter 3.5.24
by Ruth Barry 03 May '24

03 May '24

Dear all, Happy St Philip’s Day! Well, it was St Philip & St James’ saints’ day on Wednesday so we are belatedly celebrating our patron saint this Sunday. A wonderful reason to celebrate our church, who we are and all that we do. Presuming that “our” St Philip was Philip the Apostle (which is a big presumption - come on Sunday to find out more on that!) then I’ve found it really interesting that, although we don’t hear a lot about Philip the disciple, in two of those moments in which he is identified he seems to be important as a connector or a bridge between Jesus and others. We first hear of him when he goes and finds Nathaniel to bring him to Jesus and then later we hear Philip helps the Greeks from his home town of Bethsaida when they want to meet with Jesus. We’ll talk more about that on Sunday and exploring how he might be a role model for us. But I wanted to leave you with a thought this week about how we act as connectors or bridges between God and others. Not necessarily in a traditional missionary way of telling people about Jesus but in the way in which we allow our relationship with God to extend beyond ourselves. Perhaps through simply being known as the person in the office to go to if someone needs to talk or needs someone to trust. To be the neighbour who is known to faithfully notice and help out when someone else is in need. To be the one who says I can’t answer your questions about Jesus but why don’t you come with me and chat to…(whoever you think might have an answer!!). If people know we are Christians our very lifestyle, life choices and actions can provide connections and bridges for others to connect with God for themselves. Are there places in your life where you see yourself in this bridge role – perhaps you hadn’t realised or seen it as such till today? Are there places you would like to make that connection a more obvious one? *“Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.” John 12:20-22* *News and Upcoming Events* *Sunday 5th May - St Philip’s Day Picnic *– After our celebratory service we will be having a picnic in the Vicarage garden. Bring a picnic and a rug or chair – and pray for good weather! (We will be in church if the weather is like today and absolutely atrocious!) *Sunday 5th May – 11am-12noon - plant swap at St Barnabas. *People are invited to come to St Barnabas and take plants in exchange for a swap, or a donation. *Sunday evenings at St Paul’s – 6pm - Inclusive Theology talks - *An opportunity to look at things differently. 12th May *Black Theology*, Revd Dr Carlton Turner – 19th May *Trauma Theology*, Dr Karen O’Donnell – 26th May* Disability Theology*, Dr Rachel Holdforth – 2nd June *Feminist Theology*, Hannah Fytche *Weeding around the church* – a huge thank you to the team who tackled the weeds this week – your hard work is so appreciated. *Mental Health First Aid Course - 1, 9, 13, 15th May - 9am-12.30pm on zoom* –MHFA England are running a course open to all who would like to become a Mental Health First Aider – to gain the knowledge and skills to spot signs of people experiencing poor mental health, be confident to start a conversation and signpost a person to appropriate support. There is a cost for this course and you will need to attend all sessions but if you are interested come and chat to me and I can let you have the details. *Growing as a Disciple Course* – this is an online course regularly run by Ely Diocese it is a ten session course about deepening your personal faith, and raising your awareness of how God might be calling you to contribute your abilities and time to your churches and communities. Mondays at 7pm, via Zoom - 13 & 20 May, 3, 10, 17 & 24 June, 1, 8, 15 & 22 July. For more info: julie.norris(a)elydiocese.org or book online: https://elydatabase.org/events/mission_ministry *Toilet Refurbishment* the PCC have commissioned a refurbishment of all the toilets in the church which will begin next week. They will be completed in stages so we wont lose all our facilities at once – do not worry! But please do be aware that there may be some disruption when you come into church and please bear with us while this much needed work is done. *Thursday Small Group* – will now be meeting in the church Prayer Room at 7.15pm-8.45pm *Eco-Bite – our new green “nugget” each week: * Join a plant swap or go and see what you can pick up to grow yourself at home. *11am-12noon this Sunday 5th May - *people are invited to come to St Barnabas and take plants in exchange for a swap, or a donation. *Last Week’s sermon* Last week’s sermon if you want to catch up: sermon 28.4.24.mp3 <http://sermons.stphilipschurch.org.uk/2024-04-28%20-%20Michael%20-%20c.mp3> The link to our sermon archive: St Philip's sermon archive <http://sermons.stphilipschurch.org.uk/> *This Sunday 5th May – Easter 6* *8.30am – Reflective Holy Communion *Acts 10:44-end & John 14:1-14 *10.30am – All Age Worship *Celebrating St Philip’s Church and learning about St Philip! If you can't attend church in person you can always use this Zoom link: meeting ID: 976 3739 9129 and Passcode: 330714 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/97637399129?pwd=TGhKWWxOcWF1S242aVhrWDlJdUkxZz09 *Prayers * If any of you have specific prayers you would like us to include in this newsletter do please get in touch. *Judi Griffiths *– Judi’s operation went ahead this week and praise God she is home and recovering well. Please continue to pray for her recovery. *Tracee & Lee* – Unfortunately this week Tracee was rushed back into hospital for emergency surgery which she very nearly didn’t make it through. Praise God she is still alive and recovering! Please pray for God to hold both Tracee & Lee in such a difficult time as they concentrate on Tracee’s recovery and come to terms with the fear they were living with this week. *Ben Hodson* – the newly appointed Headteacher at St Philip’s School. Praise God for this answer to prayer and please pray for Ben as he prepares to join the school in September. *Please also pray for our Mission Partner this month:* *CPAS* – Making Mission Possible CPAS is an Anglican evangelical mission agency, who believe that the message of the gospel is relevant to all people, and that effective local church ministry is the key to seeing men, women, young people and children come to faith in Christ. *Regular Weekly events to join:* *Friday 12noon Lunchtime Bible Club *A relaxed look at the bible passage/s for the upcoming Sunday. Bring along a packed lunch and explore scripture whilst eating lunch together. *Wednesday 12noon Reflective Holy Communion* A quiet time to help find space and peace in the middle of the week. *Monday & Friday 8.30pm – Compline on zoom * Meeting ID: 836 5965 9953 Passcode: 749968 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83659659953?pwd=btP5AjGMu1s-dE_2W9T0MMFqnnPKSS.1 *Wednesday 10.30-12noon & Friday 1.30-3.00 –* Wednesday & Friday Friends *Both are “Warm Spaces” with Tea/coffee, cake/biscuits and chat * Just turn up if you’d like to join us for a cuppa/read the paper/do some of the jigsaw/knit/colour/sit quietly watching the world go by. *Wednesdays 7.00-7.30pm - Weekly Prayers on zoom*: - Meeting ID: 852 1105 2733 Password: 397987 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85211052733?pwd=OE52bm9NS1RtQVQ0ZytTc0xBZnVsUT09 *Saturdays 8.15am - Morning Bible Discussion and Prayer on zoom*: Meeting ID: 143 338 655 Password: 824271 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/143338655?pwd=L1JJTFZJNU9EaFZjaUFjQzVlalpMZz09 With love and prayers Ruth Need to unsubscribe? Email Bekki: bekki(a)theclarks.biz *Revd Ruth Barry* *Vicar, St Philip's Church, Cambridge* 185 Mill Road, Cambridge, CB1 3AN 01223 318315 vicar(a)stphilipschurch.org.uk *My day off is Tuesday*

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