Lanzarote Relocation

A Message from our Chaplain, the Revd Idris Vaughan:

Remember, remember…..
This used to be the start of a rhyme. Remember, remember the 5th of November……….
However for us November is a time of great “Remembering”. The very first day of November is ALL SAINTS DAY when we give thanks to God for his Saints. These were ordinary people with extraordinary lives. They had great faith and shared that faith with others. They are often depicted in stained glass windows with dinner plates behind their heads!   However they remind us that we are all “called to be saints” as St Paul also enjoins us. We too have to live our lives in faith and trust.
On the 2nd November we remember our loved ones departed.  This is known as ALL SOULS DAY. We have our “Memorial Service” at 6pm in the church at Puerto del Carmen. Please come along and remember those who have shaped our lives and supported us with love and friendship. Bring a flower to place alongside the candle when your loved one’s name is read out.
Sunday 8th November we will keep as REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY when we remember and give thanks for those who gave their lives that we might be free. Although traditionally those from the two world wars are remembered, people will also be thinking of those who have died more recently in Afghanistan and other conflicts. At that service we will observe the 2 minutes silence and wear our poppies.
Is it important to remember? I think so. It is not just a nostalgic looking back, but an appreciation of those who have gone before us and to give thanks for their dedication and bravery. We resolve to follow his Saints in “faith, hope and love”. They can strengthen our faith through their example and their prayers.
We know too that our loved ones departed are safe in God’s hands and, as we remember those who gave their lives, we dedicate ourselves to work for peace and justice.
The great REMEMBERING of course happens every Sunday when we celebrate the great gift of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, at the Eucharist or Holy Communion.   Jesus said “Do this in Remembrance of me”.  As we meet together in worship and sacrament, our Lord comes to us and feeds us with his very life.  Having received that new life we then go out “in the power of his Holy Spirit” to live our lives for Him.

God bless our Remembering this November.

Fr Idris

Meetings and events to be held in November include:

Apostles Lunch: These are monthly informal social gatherings.  The next lunch will be at 1pm on Tuesday 10th November.  The venue will be Restaurante Nina in Playa Bastian in Costa Teguise, near the Coronas Playa Hotel.   If you would like to attend, please contact Feida Burke on 928 524347.  15 euros incl. wine.

Mothers’ Union: The next meeting will be on Monday November 9th:  Our hostess is Marilyn Forder whose address is in the Members’ MU card.  Mrs  Christine Heath will speak on Relationships in the Bible.

Bible Study is held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month.  Please contact David Dowdell on 928 834351.

Notices

St Laurence Website.  If you are able, please visit our new website at www.lanzarotechurch.com.   We would welcome your comments. Please contact David Dowdell at david.dowdell@btinternet.com or  928 834351

Transport to Church Services. If anyone should wish to attend one of our church services but is unable to do so for lack of transport, please contact Ray Macfarland-Archer on 928 845818.  Details of the scheme are shown on the website. Volunteers to provide occasional lifts, please contact Ray.

Volunteers to deliver church leaflets to hotels etc in the Puerto del Carmen area are urgently sought.  If you can help us at all in this, please contact any member of the Church Council or Ken Rees on 928 173003

THANK YOU - To  Rodger Dodson who has provided new hymn books for use in Puerto del Carmen, in memory of his mother Joan who regularly attended the Church when she visited the Island.  He has also kindly donated an Advent candle stand and Advent rings for Playa Blanca and Avecost.
To the Rev’d Michael and Barbara Wright for gifting new hymn books for use in Playa Blanca.  To Julie Rodaway who has donated an Advent Ring for  Puerto del Carmen, and to Eiry Rees who has also donated an Advent ring for  Nazaret.  We are most grateful for their generous gifts.

Linda Davis would like to thank everyone for their cards and prayers following the sudden death of her father. Special thanks also to Father Idris for holding a service in Lanzarote to coincide with the funeral in the UK.

2010 Calendars. High quality calendars, designed by Ken Rees and containing photographs of 35 churches in Lanzarote, are now on sale at all church services.  If you would like several of these to send as Christmas gifts, please contact Ken on 928 173003.

Normal services during November will be as follows:

Costa Teguise  – “Avecost” Meeting Hall, C/La Fragata.  9.30 am
1st & 3rd Sundays: – Morning Prayer
All other Sundays: – Holy Communion

Nazaret   -  Church of Nuestra Señora de Nazaret      -    10.00 am
1st and 3rd Sundays only: – Holy Communion

Puerto del Carmen -  Church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen
in the harbour area of the Old Town   -  12.30 pm
Every Sunday: – Holy Communion

Playa Blanca – Church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen – 5.30 pm
Every Sunday: – Holy Communion

A Memorial Service for the remembrance of relatives and friends who have passed on will be held on 2nd November at 6pm Puerto del Carmen.
If you wish a friend or relative to be remembered, please contact Father Idris (below) or complete the separate form available at all services.

NB:  If you would like prayers for loved ones during intercessions at our Sunday services, please contact Father Idris on 928 514241

Early Notice of Christmas Services
Sunday 20th Dec:  Costa Teguise      9.30 am:     Holy Communion
Nazaret            10.00 am:   Christingle Service
Puerto del Carmen 12.30 pm:   Holy Communion
Playa Blanca     5.30 pm:    Carol Service
Thurs 24th Dec:    Playa Blanca     5.30 pm:    Holy Communion
Puerto del Carmen 11.30 pm:   Midnight Communion
Wed  25th Dec:     Nazaret         11.00 am:   Holy Communion