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You will find in this newsletter a prayer request for Afghanistan and her people. The development in recent days has raised many questions and concerns to which there seems to be no good answers now. Much help and prayers are needed while also restrain in making judgements in haste. Peace-loving people who have good will need to be protected and brought to safety. Perpetrators must be held accountable for their actions. Prayers should be offered for all. I think we can learn from history demonization, or unhelpful victimization, are not helpful tools when seeking justice and peace. We pray that Afghanistan, as with every nation, can be governed in peace with justice and mercy.
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O God our heavenly Father, whose love sets no boundaries and whose strength is in service; grant to the leaders of the nations wisdom, courage and insight at this time of change and uncertainty. Give to all who exercise authority determination to defend the principles of freedom, love and tolerance, strength to protect and safeguard the innocent and clarity of vision to guide the world into the paths of justice and peace. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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The Annual Chaplaincy meeting is on 29th August. I hope that many of you are able to attend in person. Information about on-line participation will be sent separately. I wish to take this opportunity to express my thanks to the current council, and the Churchwardens, for their work.
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Last Sunday we had the third baptism so far this year. This Sunday, 22nd August, will be the fourth baptismal service of the year. Please do consider attending, in person or on-line, to pray for the candidate and their family.
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SERVICES
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Most of our Services can be viewed live on Facebook, or you can click this link to
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SUNDAY 22nd AUGUST- 12th SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
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10am Sung Eucharist with Baptism followed by refreshments in the crypt.
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We need greeters, readers, intercessors and technical assistants each week for our Sunday Services. Please email Sarah at office@anglican.fi with the date(s) you can volunteer and preferred role. If you are willing to organise one of these rotas then please get in touch!
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Help for Haiti and Afghanistan
The Red Cross and Unicef in Finland are among the charities raising money for much needed humanitarian aid in Haiti and Afghanistan. If you would like to make a donation please click on the links below:
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'The number of casualties of the recent earthquake in Haiti has been growing rapidly, with the death toll now (18 August 2021) being 1,900 and almost 10,000 injured. The earthquake continues to affect the lives of a million Haitians. The approximately one thousand volunteers of the Haitian Red Cross started providing aid immediately following the earthquake. The International Red Cross and the Afghan Red Crescent Society are also present in Afghanistan and will continue to respond to the immense humanitarian needs. The Finnish Red Cross has supported aid work in Afghanistan over many decades.
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You can support aid work by donating to the Disaster Relief Fund of the Finnish Red Cross, which makes it possible to send rapid aid to locations around the world. Thank you'
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'UNICEF is shocked by the rapid escalation in violence and multiple violations against children’s rights in Afghanistan over recent weeks. Hundreds of children have been killed and over 1,000 injured, with more and more being left in urgent need of food, water and medical supplies. Afghanistan’s children should not pay for this crisis with their childhoods. UNICEF is on the ground reaching vulnerable children and families with essential life-saving supplies. Please donate to protect children in Afghanistan.'
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Congratulations
to Wesley on his Baptism day last Sunday, and grateful thanks to the Gillin family and friends for providing delicious treats after the service.
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The beautiful poem below was chosen by the family to be read at the service:
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"Baptism" By Malcom Guite
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Love’s hidden thread has drawn us to the font,
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A wide womb floating on the breath of God,
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Feathered with seraph wings, lit with the swift
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Lightening of praise, with thunder over-spread,
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And under-girded with an unheard song,
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Calling through water, fire, darkness, pain,
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Calling us to the life for which we long,
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Yearning to bring us to our birth again.
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Again the breath of God is on the waters
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In whose reflecting face our candles shine,
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Again he draws from death the sons and daughters
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For whom he bid the elements combine.
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As living stones around a font today,
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Rejoice with those who roll the stone away.
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Pakistan Independence Day
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Photos from celebrations at Kauklahti Chapel in Espoo, with Father Parvez. A service of Holy Communion was followed by raising the flag, singing & delicious food! The children organised a fun quiz & play.
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Calling all knitters!
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With just over 3 months to go until the start of Advent, we are looking for some keen crafters to make knitted figures of Mary and Joseph! If we have enough volunteers we could add a donkey and perhaps a flock of sheep! Originating in Hispanic countries to celebrate the nativity story, Posada is a period of time during Advent when figures from the nativity story travel around different households! We will be asking our families with young children to host the holy family for one or more nights during Advent before passing them on to the next family. The knitted figures will then reach the stable for Christmas Day at Church. If you can help then please contact Sarah in the office!
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Seaside Dining
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If the mention of Christmas has inspired you to cling on to Summer for just a bit longer then you could try one of these seaside restaurants in Helsinki After all the rain this week you might need to do a sun dance first!
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SUNDAY SCHOOL & YOUTH GROUP
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Last Sunday children made their own icons for the Feast of Mary. They also joined the service to see the baptism that was taking place, and enjoyed getting sprinkled with water by Father Tuomas to recall their own baptism!
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Sunday School takes place on Sundays at 10am in the crypt! Young people aged 11 and above are kindly asked to wear a mask, as are parents accompanying their children. Please wash and sanitize hands on arrival. Sunday School meets at the far end of the crypt and Youth Group meets near the crypt entrance.
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YOUTH GROUP
Youth Group for ages 11 and above meets on the following dates:
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29.8 Youth group: our response to climate change
12.9 Youth group: Taming our tongues: James 3:1-12
26.9 Joint Youth group and Sunday school session: preparing for Harvest festival
31.10: Joint Youth group and Sunday school session: preparing for charity fundraiser
We will also have All Age church services on 19.9 and 3.10 when the children and young people will participate in the service.
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CHOIR
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Please contact Erik at erik.riekko@anglican.fi if you would like to sing in the choir. All are welcome!
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Rehearsals for the Sunday Service
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take place every Thursday from 18.00-19.30, starting on Thursday 19.8.2021.
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takes place on the following Sundays at 18.00
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5.9.2021, 3.10.2021, 21.11.2021, 5.12.2021, 16.1.2022
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ANNUAL CHAPLAINCY MEETING - Next Sunday, 29th August!
There is only 1 week to go until the ACM! Please remember that in order to stand for election or to vote at the meeting you need to be on the Electoral Roll. If you added your name to the electoral roll back in 2019 then you don't need to put your name down again until 2025, but if you are unsure or would like to check then please don't hesitate to get in touch with Sarah in the office.
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To be added to the Electoral Roll and/or to stand for one of our lay roles then please fill out the relevant form and return it before the ACM. You can pick up nomination and electoral roll forms at the back of Church or download them from our website: https://www.anglican.fi/registration-forms/
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COVID guidelines when coming to worship at St Nicholas
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We continue to practice social distancing at Church and masks and hand sanitizer are available on arrival. Those with symptoms of Covid-19 or other respiratory or flu-like illness, or an elevated temperature, or who are particularly vulnerable to infection should not attend public services.
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Please wear a mask on entering the Church and wait to be directed by the Verger to your seat.
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SAVE THE DATE!
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Baptism & Back to School Service
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Annual Chaplaincy Meeting after the service
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Bishop's visit, Confirmation Service, & 'Pot luck' lunch
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Service of Nine Lessons & Carols
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SUPPORTING US
In these difficult times your continued support is greatly appreciated and if possible we would ask you to consider donating towards our ongoing costs by clicking here to be directed to our easy Donate buttons or by means of a bank transfer using the details below:
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Suomen Anglikaaninen Kirkko (The Anglican Church in Finland)
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IBAN: F173 3131 1000 3282 07
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PRAY WITH US
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For those who are fleeing: sanctuary
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For those who are staying: safety
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For those who are fighting: peace
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For those whose hearts are breaking: comfort
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For those who see no future: hope
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Please keep in your prayers the people of Afghanistan & Haiti
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Evangelical Lutheran Church in Finland: Diocese of Espoo, Bishop Kaisamari Hintikka
Scottish Episcopal Church: Diocese of Edinburgh, Bishop John Armes
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Father Tuomas Mäkipää (050-3099132)
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[Please use the contact emails provided]
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