A typical Monday!

I came into the office this morning in that sort of I'm-not-really-sure-what-time-it-is kind of way, and after a while wondered why the phone hadn't rung at all, only to discover that, although I could ring out, no-one can ring in!

BT are working on it at the moment, so if anyone has left a message I'll probably receive loads at once on Wednesday! Meanwhile, if there's anything urgent, please email instead.

Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible ....

Response to the Pope's invitation to Anglicans

Affirming Catholicism have issued the following statement:

Affirming Catholicism shares the desire of all Christians, and especially Catholic Christians, for the full and visible unity of the Church of Jesus Christ. We also value our Anglican tradition as one which has its own distinctive contribution to make to the life of the whole Church, a gift of the Spirit which is an important part of the richness of God's work in the world. We recognise that Pope Benedict's announcement may be of great comfort to some who combine deep attachment to Anglican patterns of worship with acceptance of the claims of the Roman Catholic Church as regards doctrine and church order. We affirm, though, that there is an authentically Catholic tradition within Anglicanism which seeks unity through a process of mutual learning. In such a process, each church will have something to give and to receive at every level of its life. It is for that unity that we continue to pray ... The Revd Jonathan Clark, Chair – Affirming Catholicism

A statement from the Archbishop of Canterbury can be read here

Supporting Asylum Seekers

The above photo shows the Lewisham Churches for Asylum Seekers committee (LEWCAS) meeting at St Laurence Centre, representing many Churches in the Borough that are working hands on to give travel cards to asylum seekers so that they can go to classes and learn English, and also support with food those destitute and unable to work.

Autumn at St Laurence

The Autumn magazine is being compiled, the caretaker is sweeping up leaves, the church is taking on a beautiful candlelit atmosphere in the darker evenings. Harvest gifts have been sent to LEWCAS and preparations are underway for Advent!

Housegroup is back, meeting on Wednesdays from 8pm to 9.30pm and looking at the Gospel of Luke. Here's the programme:

7 October Christ’s Birth & Boyhood
held at 69 Arngask Road
21 October Christ’s Ministry Begins
held at 20 Penderry Rise
4 November Christ’s Disciples
held at 37 Jutland Road
18 November Christ’s Message, Ministry & Miracles
held at 1 Lake Avenue , Bromley

All welcome, just turn up!

New BBC series on the History of Christianity

Welcome to our links panel The Church Mouse Blog, voted 'highly commended' in the Christian Website of the year awards.

Here you can read what Mouse has to say on the BBC's 'major new series' on Christianity.

Summer at St Laurence's

This week we’ve responded to the statement from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York by following their advice to suspend the administration of the chalice at the Eucharist. The Blessed Sacrament is being administered in one kind only, and we will receive the Host (consecrated bread) in our hands. More details were handed out yesterday, and spare information sheets covering questions about this are at the back of church. Suffice it to say here that theologically it makes no difference and we have fully received communion in this way. Meanwhile, our prayers are with those who are affected by illness at this time.

On a lighter note (pun intended!) there’s a chance to vote for possible replacement panels which will be installed in church as part of the new lighting scheme. There are “mock ups” of two of the alternatives in church now to help us decide. I quite like the shiny one, but keep changing my mind!

From now until the end of August, weekday masses will be on Tuesdays (7.30pm) and Wednesdays (10.30am, followed by coffee). The next healing mass will be on Tuesday 4 August, and the next choral evensong on 6 September (no Sunday evening prayer during August).

Elvis returns to Catford!

Phew, it is hot in the office!

There's plenty going on, as usual, so remember to check our calendar from time to time (click on "What's on" under "Links" to the right). In the meantime though here's a plug for one of the highlights of the Summer - 'Elvis' will be performing here at St Laurence's on Saturday 11th July, and tickets are on sale now!! You can read more about him by clicking on the title of this post.

We had a brilliant evening last time he came here, so do come along if you can. The money raised from the ticket sales is the start of our fundraising efforts for the Christmas Day Party that we put on every year for the benefit of the people of Catford (you can find out more about last year's below).

See you on the 11th!