Last Sunday, 11th August, was the feast of St Clare of Assisi, revered and remembered for her selfless service to the sick and the poor and this was mentioned in the intercessions. At the 10am Parish Eucharist, the team were welcomed back from Mafambisa. A very early touch down from South Africa meant that a number were not present, no doubt saving their energies for the 6pm Holiday Club Preparation Service. Still, it was good to see some familiar faces back again, many of whom would be soon fully involved in working with about 200 local youngsters as the Holiday Club would officially start on Tuesday, 13th August. Hardly time to come up for air!
Reverend Liz's homily used much of the content from all the earlier readings for the day. Whilst commenting on the diverse array of bread to be found on the shelves of our supermarkets, those well known words of Jesus, "I am the brad of life" might perhaps mean that from here on in famine and food banks were no longer a necessity but alas, that is not the case when basic staples will always be necessary bodily needs. The recent riots in a number of our big cities had had a sad knock on effect as Preen had reported that a number of our sheltering migrants were too frightened to collect their food packages but it was gratifying to learn that locals made a point of delivering such food parcels to the doors of these vulnerable people. Mention was also made of the Imam from Liverpool who showed kindness and reconciliation toward an angry rioter. People of good will were standing together. Jesus was of course referring to spiritual bread that doesn't perish, all part of God's plan. In our Holiday Club, young people will hear the story of our Messiah who shared with everyone and God is most certainly present in the Eucharist. People gather around the table of God in all sorts of places all the time somewhere. The sermon - indeed, the parting words of our worship - ended with the words: "The Mass is ended. Let our Service begin."
Holiday Club will have been dominating much of the week but this Saturday, between 10am to 12pm, Coffee Shop will take place as usual, combining those who bring along their various craft projects and who just come for a convivial chat whilst carrying on with their artistry. This takes place as usual in the Chapter House. If any of you are currently occupied with some craft work, bring it along and compare notes. All are welcome.
Please note that this Sunday, 18th August, service times will be a little different. Parish Eucharist will begin at 9:30am, not 10am! Then, starting at 11am, the Holiday Club Service of Praise will start. Be prepared for a clear narrative about what has been going on in the week that's passed and why. Enjoy some original stage effects and lighting and drama and perhaps some high-jinks too. All are welcome to share in the worship which is allowed to be fun. After all this, there will follow the traditional barbeque in the church grounds.
A final thought, looking ahead somewhat. On Saturday, 14th September, yes into Autumn, there will take place the Sponsored Bike 'n' Hike in aid of the Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust. Please consider taking part. Half the money goes to St Andrew's Church. There are options. You can bike or walk. The walkers will stroll around central Cambridge, peering into churches and college chapels. Minimum donations will be £15 per person. Phone Andrew for more details on 313387.