We are aware of a number in our community who are experiencing extreme financial hardship at this time. We are appealing to those who can, to make a special donationto the church account so that some financial support for the purchase of basic necessities can be provided.
Donations made to the church account marked ‘Spende – Hardship Fund’ will be used to provide provisions for those in very urgent need.
For anyone who donates regularly to the church, this amount will be added to the annual donation for the annual tax (Spende) certificate. For others, a Spende certificate can be provided for amounts >€100 if name and address is provided.
The wardens, Church Council and Mabel Wulff* wish you a very happy Easter!
*Mabel Wulff was caretaker of the church from 1924 -1964. The church was closed during WWII, but Mabel stayed at her post, saving the church from certain destruction by putting out the fires caused by incendiary bombs. She provided shelter for the homeless and hid the altar painting, thus preserving it for posterity. Her spirit lives on!
This Easter card was created for us by Birgit Kiupel.
Please visit the Church online section of this website for info on virtual services during Holy Week and beyond.
Please join us this in celebrating this Easter Day with the help of our virtual service, again put together by Father Pete and made possible with the support of his wife Penny and many contributors from the congregation – enjoy and Happy Easter, everyone! 🙂
Unfortunately, we can’t meet together in the church today. Please use this Youtube link to join us at 07:00 pm today (9 April, 2020). YOU CAN USE THE LINK AT ANY TIME, but knowing that all the Christians at St.Thomas’ are worshipping at the same time adds a powerful dynamic to the notion of “community.”
As you recall, it is on this day that we commemorate Jesus washing the feet of his apostles It was also the day he left us Holy Communion, that special encounter with the Divine. Therefore, I would like to suggest a way to make the Maundy Thursday online liturgy more alive and “hands on,” especially if you have children. Involving children’s senses helps them to more easily understand, feel, and retain what is being taught. And guess what: sensory is also good for adults!
Here’s what to do!
FOR THE WASHING OF THE FEET
1) Before Thursday, get a large bowl big enough into which your foot will fit. 2) Get a pitcher into which you will put some warm water prior to the service. 3) Get a towel. 4) Designate someone in your household who will WASH feet, and someone whose feet will BE washed. Or you can wash each other’s feet!
FOR THE LAST SUPPER REMEMBRANCE
1) Get a piece of bread and place it on a dish. 2) Get a cup or glass for each person who will be present. 3) Get some wine or grape juice (in a pinch, any juice will do)
Since we cannot share in the Eucharist (Holy Communion) that day, we will instead have an “agape” meal, where I will explain what happened at the Last Supper. The elements you will have before you and that you will eat and drink will be a reminder of fellowship and happiness that comes from knowing, loving and serving Jesus.
