1. March 22nd 2009
Lent 4: Mothering Sunday
Today’s Services: 09.00 Holy Communion Gary Wilton; 10.30 Holy Communion Gary Wilton; 14.00 Holy
Communion David Mitchell; 7.00 Gillian Wilton
Our readings this week
This is Mothering Sunday. In affirming devoted mothers, we should not forget that we are all called to Christian
virtue, irrespective of our gender, or of whether we have children of our own.
Exodus 2:1-10 This is a story of a mother who, in her love for her child, finds that the only way to save him is to
give him away. Yet in that selfless act, against all hope, she receives her child back and he gains access to
opportunities and privileges that she could never have hoped to offer him. Once heard, this story is never forgotten.
Colossians 3:12-17 The life fully given to God is a response to the love he has poured on us. Lived in thankful
commitment to him, it displays virtues that all admire. This life, that blesses the home, is one to which we are all
called.
Luke 2:33-35 In every child there is wonderful potential. How far it is fulfilled depends in large measure on the
security, love and values of the home. Every loving parent shares in the joys and in the pains of their child – and
children do well to remember it.
Psalm 34 Even the best-run Christian homes encounter crisis; often they experience the joy of rescue. That is a
moment to re-commit to the foundations of the God-fearing life and to building on them with discipline and
faithfulness. So the psalmist, rescued by God, points to praise; to devotion to the wisdom of God; and to commitment
to righteousness. Those whose homes are built on these foundations are most open to receive the good things that
God gives to his faithful people
Pointers for prayer
How disciplined are we in pursuing the virtues that should be the foundations of a Christian home?
•
Pray for families in crisis, that they may be open to God’s rescue and may experience the joy of receiving
•
it; and for all whose hearts are pierced for the pains of their families;
Letting go may be the hardest act for a mother. But for Moses’ mother, it led to rescue;
•
Pray for our society to value and to affirm the virtues of motherhood.
•
At tonight’s Evening Service Gillian Wilton will continue the Lent series on Jewish Festivals by looking at
‘Purim’, drawing on the book of Esther
Our Life Together
Easter Services: Do encourage friends and visitors to join us for our Easter Services.
20:00 Maundy Thursday 9th April
10:30 Good Friday 10th April All Age Drama of the Easter story
12:00 Good Friday Meditations around the Cross
9:00, 10:30, 2:00 and 7:00 Easter Sunday.
This year, for the first time, we are offering an all-age service on Good Friday followed by hot cross buns. If your
child would like a costumed part in the drama, please arrive by 10:20. All are welcome (with or without
children).
Church of Sweden: In recognition of our diocese’s close links with the Church of Sweden, the Revd. Pelle
Sundelin, pastor of the Brussels Church of Sweden parish at Merode, has been given the bishop’s permission to
officiate at Holy Trinity. This is with a view to an application being made to the Belgian State for recognition of
the Church of Sweden as the ‘Swedish-speaking Anglican Church of Brussels.’
Bishops Chaplains Visit Can I re-iterate warm thanks to all those who made the visit of the Bishops Chaplains
to Brussels such a success. There were many people involved in booking coaches, hosting, running the bar,
cooking, clearing up, delivering talks. The Chaplains returned to the UK deeply impressed and much better
informed about Europe and the Church’s role in Europe. As one of them said, “I had never really thought of
myself as European before this visit.”
Beware illegitimate requests for money. Sadly a member of the congregation appears to have been tricked out
of a large sum of money by an email scam involving the misuse of the name of the former chaplain, Nigel
Walker. As a city centre church, we are often subject to requests for money (in person, by mail or by email)
which are illegitimate. Periodically, one of us falls prey to such a request. The one piece of advice we give is: if

2. someone within the church family suddenly asks you for a large amount of money out of the blue then ask
someone else before continuing the discussion with whoever asked. Robert Innes.
Ken Beasley has been in hospital since January 6th and would really appreciate visits by anyone who knows
him. He is in Hopital Brugman Unit 12, Blue building, étage 2, chambre 23. It would be best to telephone him
(0477- 718 727) before going.
Beamer appeal: For several years (and certainly before the arrival of the present chaplain) Holy Trinity has been
hoping to buy a projector to use in worship and teaching. Getting technology suitable for our large high-roofed
church building isn’t easy. But we have: chosen a consultant, obtained a specification and already received the
promise of a very substantial donation. During Lent 2009 we are trying to raise most of the rest of the money we
need. Please note: the correct account number for this is 310-1613905-08. Some of the flyers may have an
error in this number.
La Foresta – If you are coming next weekend, don’t forget to bring small notes and change for the Bar and the
Bookstall. Helen Innes
Electoral Roll
If you consider yourself to be an active member of Holy Trinity please do sign up for our electoral roll! To be a
member of the roll you must be a member of the Church of England (or a church in communion with the Church
of England); and either live in the 19 communes of Brussels or have attended worship regularly at Holy Trinity
for the last 6 months. The minimum age is 18. Forms are available on the table in the foyer as you enter church. If
you are already on the roll, you don’t need to re-register.
Calling all bakers & buyers! The last Bun Sunday raised nearly €280: a big thank-you to everyone. The next
Bun Sunday will be held on the 1st Sunday of April (the 5th) as the 2nd is Easter Sunday. Please for the
moment no more jam jars, foil plates, plastic containers, etc. as our cupboards are full. We do however still need
plastic carrier bags, or help protect the environment and bring along your own recyclable bags next Bun Sunday.
Thanks Ann Freeman
Easter Lilies: If you would like to dedicate a lily to the memory of a loved-one please collect an envelope from
the basket at the back of the church, write the name of the person/s CLEARLY on the envelope and put the
money inside or give it to Sue Cox. Each lily costs 1.50 euros.
Get involved with running the Church!
Holy Trinity relies on many people using their talents ‘behind the scenes’. Three groups are looking for help at
the moment:
The church sacristans would like to hear from anyone who might be interested in joining their team. Please
contact Rose Omondi omondirose@hotmail.com for details of the range of duties involved.
The ‘Live Wires’, who run the sound system during the 10.30 service are looking for two or three people
willing to learn about microphones and other electronic mysteries. No experience is required, but they need to
be able to arrive about 20 minutes before the service to set up. Please contact Petra Zöllner,
GSM: 0484 16 20 21, e-mail: zollner_petra@yahoo.co.uk.
Volunteers for the Church flower team. From a position of six some short time ago this ministry is now down
to three. Contact Sue Cox if you would be free to help.
Give your garden birds a safe place to nest by erecting a birdbox in your garden. On sale on the bookstall for 15
EUR (5 EUR of which goes to A Rocha).
Wider Church News
Cancellation This evening’s talk in the Essays in faith series, due to be held in the classrooms at 5.0pm has
been cancelled. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
Brussels Church Together are organising another event - this time, a quot;24-7 Prayerquot; day on 18 April from 9.00
until 19 April at 9.00. We all need to pray! This will be held at the FCJ (Faithful Companions of Jesus) Centre,
Avenue Winston Churchill 211, 1180 Uccle. Do consider giving an hour of your time - day or night - to pray for
mission and justice. Materials will be made available on-site as aids. The FCJ is accessible via bus 38 (stop
Gossart), tram 23 (stop Gossart), and tram 3 (stop Churchill). For any more information, please contact Sue Bird
(0476-410-875).
Do you want to join Exodus Vision this coming summer (from 1/8/09 to 15/8/09) as we send a team to Dzaleka
refugee camp in Malawi, Africa. 9 team members will be coming from California and you would be welcome to
join them . For any additional information about the trip, please contact Frieda Mukanyangezi at
friedamuk@yahoo.fr

3. Oasis Christian Counselling Centre, with Barnabas Training International, will be running two courses in
counselling skills during 2009. Details at the back of the church, or visit the OASIS website
www.oasiscounselling.org
For your diary
A special Spring Concert, suitable for all ages has been organized by a highly talented group of performers, in
support of the BRITISH CHARITABLE FUND. It will take place on Sunday 26 April, starting at 3.00 pm at the
British School of Brussels Brel Theatre, Tervuren, Tickets: Adults €15, Under 18s €10. Tickets from Barbara
Blackwell (02 344 6877), also by bank transfer to: “BCF asbl” account 310-1890084-28. Don’t forget to add as
message “BCF Concert 2009” and your name and number of Adults and Under 18s. Collect tickets at the door.
Tickets can also be ordered via e-mail BCF.SpringConcert@gmail. For more details see the poster at the back
of the church
This years Chassepierre weekend will be on the 19-21st June. Details after Easter.
HOLY TRINITY Rue Capitaine Crespel 29, B-1050 Brussels
Phone: 02/511 71 83 e-mail: admin@htbrussels.com
website: www.htbrussels.com. Office hours: 09.00 to 12.00 Monday, Wednesday Thursday and Friday and
from 9.00 to 16.00 on Tuesday. Newsletter items – admin@htbrussels.com by 9.00am on Tuesday
Chaplain: Canon. Dr. Robert Innes. Associate Chaplain: Canon Dr. Gary Wilton. Assistant Chaplain: The
Revd. Augustine Nwaekwe. Hon. Assistant Chaplain: The Revd. Prof. James Day
Gift account for pledges and gifts to HTB, the Clergy and Friends of HTB is 310-0344153-83. IBAN:
BE14 3100 3441 5383 BIC: BBRUBEBB