Author: Jo Dawes

Because we can't sing ALL the carols and songs at our traditional carol service, Mothers' Union is inviting us again for sing-along Christmas carols on Friday 5 December at 6pm. As if that weren't enough to give you a lovely warm feeling, there'll be hot chocolate on offer, too. Admission is free, but donations to church funds are welcome.

A big thank you to everyone who helped make the Church Bazaar on 22 November a success, whether by working behind the scenes, helping on the day or buying what was on offer. This year's event made over EUR 14,000 to support the running expenses of the church, up on last year.

Are you a lucky winner?
Please check your raffle tickets. You could have won a prize. Click on the link to see the list of winning tickets and how to claim a prize if your number's come up.

Now that the Church of England has signed the legislation enabling women to be appointed bishops into canon law, an announcement of the first woman bishop is expected in the New Year. Four bishoprics are currently vacant, with a further five appointments of suffragan bishops due. You can read the Church of England's announcement here and a background article on the BBC website here.

Next Monday and Tuesday 24/25 November sees the launch of the Church Recording Project that BRIDFAS (British Decorative and Fine Arts Society of Hamburg e.V) has initiated with the Anglican Church. A Church Recording expert from London is coming to Hamburg for two days to give the volunteer team some training and go around the church identifying the specific areas to be recorded. There will be a launch event in the church on Monday 24 November at 6pm. All are welcome and there is still pleanty of opportunity to get involved. For more information on the project and the launch, please click the BRIDFAS logo on the right of this page or go to the BRIDFAS website.

Don't forget, this Saturday, 22 November, is the Church Bazaar from 10.30am to 4pm. Daniel Loarte would still welcome helpers on the day. You can contact him on daniel.loarte (at) gmail.com. Please tell your friends about the bazaar. Even better, bring them along.

It's choral evensong today at St Thomas Becket sung by the Anglican Consort, STB's own chamber ensemble. The service starts at 1900 hrs and features music by William Byrd, Thomas Weelkes and Daniel Purcell. See more on our Facebook page.

The Church of England has launched a weekly podcast looking at events in the news and featuring exclusive interviews. The first edition includes Archbishop Justin Welby speaking about journalists working overseas, reports from WW1 battlefields in Belgium and an interview with a vicar who also runs a fireworks company.

This Sunday, 9 November, is Remembrance Sunday
There will be a service of remembrance at 10.30am in honour of all who have died in the service of their country. Wreaths will be laid both at the church and at the Commonwealth Graves at Ohlsdorf Cemetery following the service. Poppy Crosses will be on sale for €2 to support our church. Poppies will also be for sale in aid of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Don't miss Fadi Gaziri's special performance of music from his first solo album, 'Northern Lights', original music inspired by his travels around Scandinavia, on Sunday, 14 December at 7.30pm. Tickets cost €10 (concessions €8). See Fadi's website for more information or download the poster.

Get your presents, Christmas cards and much more at the St Thomas Becket annual bazaar on Saturday 22 November from 10.30 am till 4 pm. New this year is a special lunchtime auction. Shop till you (almost) drop for English preserves, homemade cakes, DVDs, CDs, videos and records, accessories, greetings cards, second-hand books, crafts and decorations. Our café in the gallery plus African and Indian specialities for lunch are guaranteed to perk you up for a renewed shopping burst. There will be a Grand Raffle with exciting prizes, a children’s corner and much more…

St Thomas Becket Church does not receive money from German Kirchensteuer or from the Church of England and so is completely dependent for its financial existence on donations and revenue-generating activities like the Church Bazaar.

Please invite your friends, neighbours, colleagues, distant cousins and, of course, come and buy. Click on the links to download a flier or a poster.