News

For their last walk in 2014 the Wanderers will be heading to Glückstadt on Saturday, 14 December for a short walk along the Elbe before visiting the Weihnachtsmarkt.

Please meet at 10.10 am in front of the Reisezentrum at Altona Fernbahn station to catch the 10.33 train. We shall buy one or more Schleswig Holstein tickets and divide the cost equally. Trains back to Hamburg depart at 39 and 49 mins past each hour.

There's no need to bring a picnic lunch this time. We can find something to eat at the market, plus Glühwein!

Please let Cicely know by Thursday, 12 December if you plan to come: 040/86 07 90; mobile 0162 635 93 98.

Our life-size nativity scene has made the start page of the Diocese in Europe's website. Read Fr Matthew's report here.

The Venerable Jonathan LLoyd, Archdeacon of Germany and Northern Europe, will be leaving Copenhagen in February to take up a post in Kent in the Canterbury Diocese.

He said his decision to move was prompted by the growth and dynamism of St Alban’s in Copenhagen, “where they need a full-time priest if the church is to grow further in God’s mission”, and that the demands of serving as a priest in a busy church and as an Archdeacon were not sustainable. There was little prospect of immediate relief after the Church Commissioners chose not to help fund a scheme for full-time Archdeacons in the Diocese in Europe.

Read the full story on European Anglican.

…and sing carols!
The Mothers' Union cordially invites you to Carols & Cake – a sing-along of favourite Christmas carols and songs at STB on Friday 6 December at 6pm. Drinks, cake and other sweets will be provided. Admission is by voluntary donation in aid of church funds. You can find the flyer here.

It's that time of year when acorns are underfoot in all the parks and woods around Hamburg. Acorns are the starting point, too, for a new Pause for Thought on spreading the Gospel. Click on “Pause for Thought” on the left of the page or follow this link.

There will be no S-Bahn service to Stadthausbrücke and Landungsbrücken this Sunday, 1 December because of engineering works on the City-Tunnel. Trains between Hauptbahnhof and Altona will run via Dammtor. There will be a replacement bus service between Baumwall and Altona. If you usually use the S-Bahn to get to church, allow plenty of extra time. The HVV website has details.

Wax your quiffs, dust off your winklepickers and get ready to rock. “Elvis” and guest Arco Iris will be singing Christmas songs and others at St Thomas Becket on Sunday 1 December from 6 pm (doors open at 5.30 pm). Entry is by donation and 20 per cent of takings will be given to the Philippines Typhoon Appeal.

1 December is Advent Sunday. All services and events during Advent and Christmas can be downloaded and printed off here.

A big thank you to everyone who helped make yesterday's bazaar a big success, especially to all those from outside the regular congregation who put in so much work every year. And thanks, of course, to everyone who came and bought what was on offer. Apart from raising much-needed money, the bazaar is always an opportunity to meet old friends and welcome new visitors.

The prize list for the raffle can be found here.

Now Bishop Geoffrey has retired, the process of finding his successor has begun. A consultation has started, and the deadline for making your views known is 8 December. You can find out how on the European Anglican website.