Sunday 12th September

We come together today, as on every Sunday, the Lord’s Day, to celebrate, worship and pray. We pray for all the earth, and all peoples, continuing to remember the victims of terrorism, 9/11 and the further waves of sacrifice and loss across the world, including, of course most recently, the terrible events in Southern Russia. May humanity one day soon truly see in the face of Christ, the means of peace! A special welcome this morning to The Reverend Leslie Forsythe, frequent worshipper in the church, who is our speaker today.

“But they all alike began to make excuses” Luk e 14:18

***********************************

Opening hymn 426 Praise to the Holiest

First reading Romans 10: 1-13

Around the Gospel 203 He is Exalted

Gospel Luke14: 15-24

Offertory hymn 309 Lord Enthroned

Communion / Eucharistic Prayer:

Sung responses can be found on page 8

Everyone is welcome to share in the communion, if you prefer to

receive a blessing at the altar rail you are very welcome,

and if you would like a special prayer or a prayer for healing please

indicate that to the priest when he comes to you

Communion hymn 311 Lord Jesus Christ

Recessional hymn 266 Jesus Calls Us

************************************

Sunday Lunch.

Sunday Lunches will resume on Sunday 19^th September at Ben and Anne’s home. The menu will be roast chicken, that we will buy from the butcher ready roasted, and salads. You are asked to bring either an imaginative salad or a delicious home-made dessert, both to feed six people. Please sign up on the list at the back of the church and indicate whether you will be bringing a salad or dessert. A charge will be made to cover the costs of the bought items. Please note that this time we are asking you to bring your own chair

Harvest Festival

Please note that Harvest Festival will be celebrated on Sunday 3^rd October followed by a lunch at Yvette Anderson’s home. Sign up sheet is on the notice board. Harvest Thanksgiving is a time especially for us to think of others in need. We have chosen two charities to support this Harvest: Handicap International and Restaurants de Coeur. We propose to set up a produce stall after church with the offerings that you bring, as a thanksgiving, to the service, fruit and homemade produce and cakes would be especially welcome. Please support this by bringing your offerings and by being ready to buy from the stall; all proceeds will go to our two charities as will the money taken at lunch.

Church Choir

From September the existing informal choir will become more officially recognised and seats will be reserved for them at the front left of the church, near the organ. If you would like to join the choir, please talk to Joan Leroy or Shirley Rowson (organists)

There are three requirements: you can sing in tune, you can read music, you can sing four-part harmony.

Centenary Appeal. We do thank everyone who is contributing to the appeal we have now reached 23000 euros. Please pick up a leaflet at the back of the church, and look at the display next to the thermometer, we are always very grateful to receive donations.

Christmas Cards.

Carol Marcer and Cathy Edwards have been very busy making Christmas cards in aid of our Centenary Appeal. Some are on sale today but more will be available over the weeks to come. Please do plan to buy your cards from St. John’s this year and help our appeal. If you would like to order cards please sign up on the list on the notice board.

St. John’s Church The Reverend Canon Ben Eaton

Avenue Paul Doumer 04 94 40 48 61