Author: Jo Dawes

Bazaar/mini-market cancelled – order your produce by mail

Posted on by Jo Dawes

Under the present pandemic circumstances, it has unfortunately become clear that holding a mini-market in place of the traditional Christmas bazaar on 21 November is not feasible, as it would not only expose stall-holders and visitors to possible risk of infection, but also entails too many risk mitigation measures to be practical, since Christmas markets across the country have been banned. Therefore the Chaplaincy Council has taken their decision not to go ahead with this in line with many other organisations.

However, all is not lost. British products such as tea, English biscuits, Christmas crackers and puddings, home-made jams, marmalade and chutneys, the renowned recycled Christmas cards, mince pies and Christmas cookies, handicrafts and books, can be ordered by sending a mail to bazaar@anglican-church-hamburg.de and the order picked up after the Sunday service from 12:00–13:00. The preference is for products to be ordered in advance to avoid long queues. However, these products will also be sold on small stalls every Sunday until Christmas from 12.00–13.00.

An order form with information about products available and how to order and pay for them can be found here. Please see separate information regarding online ordering of Christmas cards.Please see separate information regarding online ordering of Christmas cards.

Order your Christmas cards in aid of our church

Posted on by Jo Dawes

In this new digital world into which we have all suddenly been plunged, where physical contact and travel have been severely restricted, perhaps sending a handwritten card to someone is a gift that will be especially appreciated this year.

We have been producing Christmas cards by recycling used cards in aid of the historic English Church of St Thomas à Becket for over 30 years. Motifs range from religious and nativity scenes, winter landscapes, robins, Christmas scenes, animals, humorous, and other festive themes such as wreaths, flowers candles, etc. The cards, complete with envelopes, are 148 x 110 mm and have a Christmas and New Year greeting in English and German.

For the first time, cards can be ordered using this Order Form or by telephoning Judith Holst. The cards will also still be on sale – subject to Hamburg Corona restrictions – at some events including the Church Mini-Market, planned for 21 November, and after the church service on Sundays from 22 November until 20 December between 12:00 –13:00 hours. Read more about our cards here.

Wanderers reloaded

Posted on by Jo Dawes

Our leisurely walking group, the Church Wanderers, is meeting again. On 3 October, we’ll be walking through Wohldorfer Wald from Ohlstedt station (meet at P+R car park opposite the station to start at 11 o’clock). Please let Jo Dawes know if you plan to join and haven’t already said so: mail(at)dawescom.de or 01724058736.

Bazaar update

Posted on by Jo Dawes

Despite the difficult times we are all currently facing, the chaplaincy council has decided to go ahead with preparations for our annual church bazaar which we plan to hold on Saturday, 21 November 2020.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic we have to be very flexible with the management and organisation of the bazaar this year.

Eric Lord has been so kind to once more offer his assistance as Chief Organizer. Madeleine Herring, Wendy Sprock, Emma Richter and Valerie Müller will assist him as well as they can under the circumstances.

Eric has made a start on planning the bazaar without any open food and drink on offer (according to the current regulations) but this is an ongoing planning exercise as we move forward in time, and this may change. At the bazaar we may also have to come up with alternate fundraising ideas due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and so we are grateful for any new ideas on items, stalls or activities we could offer to raise more money. Therefore, please support us and we will do our very best to keep you informed at all times. Should you have any further questions, or if you would like to organise something new this year or can donate any handicrafts, please do not hesitate to contact the team. We are open to new ideas and suggestions.

The final bazaar date will be confirmed as soon as possible.

Church to reopen on 5 July

Posted on by Jo Dawes

St Thomas à Becket church will reopen on Sunday 5 July for a short service of Morning Prayer at 10.30 a.m.

As a result of the ongoing crisis, churches are required to offer shorter services for a greatly reduced number of people so that hygiene and safety regulations can be strictly observed. Full Holy Communion services are not yet possible.

Until our locum arrives, Morning Prayer will be led by members of the congregation. If there are too many people for the 10.30 service, it may be possible to offer a second service at 11.15 a.m.

Please read this message from the wardens and council for full details of hygiene and safety regulations.

Church reopening: when and how?

Posted on by Jo Dawes

The Chaplaincy Council met on 6 May (via Zoom) and discussed the reopening in the context of the guidance received from our Bishops and what is permitted in Hamburg. Although churches may open, there are very strict conditions set. The Council therefore decided that the church will stay closed until the beginning of June to allow for proper preparation.

Fr Pete Wright is still our locum until the end of May, however, and will continue until then to film services together with members of the congregation and post them here: see church online.

There is a small group of people working on what we need to do to reopen the church. We will let you know as soon as we can when that will be and how we are going to do it.

Flowers for Holy Week

Posted on by Jo Dawes

Every day during Holy Week, starting on Monday, BBC Radio 4 is broadcasting a 15-minute programme on wild plants and flowers associated in history and folklore with the key moments of Christ’s Passion. Broadcast daily at 10:45 (9:45 in the UK), ‘The Passion in Plants’ can be found on BBC iPlayer Radio.

Our locum returns to LA

Posted on by Jo Dawes

Our locum chaplain, Fr Pete Wright, and his wife Penny have unfortunately had to return to Los Angeles, since the US State Department ordered the return of all citizens who normally reside in the USA. We hope still to be able to provide some opportunities for the congregation to participate in shared online services with Fr Pete. Please also see the information on this website, particularly the Covid-19 update section.