Services in Holy Week

Posted on April 10, 2017 by Sarah Palmer

Our locum priest John Murray writes:

“During Holy Week we’re having four communion services in people’s homes. These have a special atmosphere, more intimate than our Sunday services in church. As at the Last Supper in the upper room, we gather around a table in an ordinary home and remember that very special meal to which Jesus attached a new meaning with his words “This is my body…This is my blood”.

Monday 10 April at 7 p.m.

Holy Communion at the home of Eila Walker,

21 rue Auguste Himly, Strasbourg-Robertsau. 03 88 31 82 11

Tuesday 11 April at 7 p.m.

Holy Communion at the home of Naveed and Victoria Jacob,

5 rue de Wallonie. Tel 03 88 34 55 48

Mercredi 12 avril à 18h00

Eucharistie en français chez Jean et Marie-France Ramanitrarivo,

1 rue du Ried, 67800 Hoenheim. Tel 09 53 71 07 33

Maundy Thursday, 13 April, at 7 p.m.

Holy Communion at the Chaplaincy flat, 15 rue d’Austerlitz, Strasbourg.

Good Friday, 14 April from 1.00 to 2.45 p.m. Église des Dominicains

Meditations on the Passion (1.00 to 2.00 p.m.), followed by

Liturgy of Good Friday (2.00 to 2.45 p.m.)

Easter Day, 16 April at 10.30 a.m. Église des Dominicains

Holy Eucharist followed by Easter Sunday lunch at the home of John and Diane Murray, 21 rue de l’Hospice, Dorlisheim (Tel 03 88 36 12 25). Everyone is welcome, but it would be a help if you could let us know in advance if you are coming. Lifts will be available.

Children Sleepover 29-30 April

Posted on March 30, 2017 by mark

Aumônerie anglicane de Strasbourg
Anglican Chaplaincy Strasbourg
Association à but cultuel inscrite au Registre des Associations
du Tribunal d’Instance de Strasbourg,
Vol. LXXII, Folio N° 114, Dossier N° 229/1995

   15 rue d’Austerlitz, 67000 Strasbourg
   anglican.chaplaincy.strasbourg@gmail.com
      Tél. 06 24 33 16 16

On a beautiful December day, we went for a trip in the Vosges looking for a chalet site able to welcome our « Children Sleepover » 2017. After a rather inconclusive first attempt, we finally discovered a chalet fulfilling all our expectations.

It is the « chalet des Amis de la Nature de la Chaume des Veaux » high above Hohwald. At 980 m above sea level, near the « Champ du Feu » ski resort, the house can be reached in all seasons via the Kreutzweg pass. The house offers 80 beds, split between 28 rooms of capacity for 2 up to 6. There are two big dining rooms, one called Le Ranch seating 35, the other one can seat 70, and the kitchen is well equipped.

It is an ideal child friendly site: they can play outside without any risk as there is no major road in the neighbourhood. In case of rain, there are tables for games such as “baby foot” (table football) and table tennis.

The ramblers will also be delighted as there are plenty of footpaths. The view from the magnificent terrace and the quiet surroundings alone ma

To get there, please take the Strasbourg-Colmar motorway, take the exit Mittelbergheim-Andlau, drive through Andlau and Hohwald (in the direction of Champ du Feu) after the village, turn to the right at the panel indicating Chalet des Amis de la Nature.

We will be able to spend a weekend devoted to our children and friends, in God’s Grace. ke the trip worth while.

We have confirmed our booking for the weekend of 29th & 30th April. Their rates enable us to offer even better tariffs than last year.

The weekend will cost 15 Euros per adult, 12 Euros per child up to 18 years of age, accommodation and food included. We have set up a family offer for 40 Euros. People joining us only for a day will contribute 5 Euros to the costs of meals and rental costs of the premises.

Please note that you will have to bring your sheets and pillow cases (or a sleeping bag). The detailed programme will be sent out later on.

Registration form

Surname: …………………………………………………………………………. first name:…………………………………………………………………………..

Number of people: ………………………………..

Will come for: – the whole weekend (*)

(*) circle your choice – only on the Saturday

– only on the Sunday.

Is planning to bring the following contribution to the meals (or drinks):

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………..………………………………………………………………………………………………

Is willing to help out on the following tasks: ……………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………………………………………..

(Example: preparing meals, washing up, cleaning the reception areas before departure, leisure activities, etc.)

Please do register as soon as possible with either Pauline Dif or Anny Samuels.

Chalet details: tel. 03 88 69 36 16 – email: resa@chaumedesveaux.org

website: www.chaumesdesveaux.org (for further information).

Chalet details: tel. 03 88 69 36 16 – email: resa@chaumedesveaux.org

website: www.chaumesdesveaux.org (for further information).

www.saintalbans.fr/2017/03/30/

Journée Internationale des Droits des Femmes : 4 rendez-vous.

Posted on March 7, 2017 by Sarah Palmer

Dans le cadre de la journée internationale des droits des femmes, le 8 mars, quatre rendez-vous mettent en avant le rapport privilégié du protestantisme avec les femmes.

– Mercredi 8 mars à 18h30, salle de conférence de la Médiathèque André Malraux de Strasbourg : conférence d’Anne-Marie Heitz-Muller, docteur en théologie, sur l’influence de la réformation sur la vie des Strasbourgeoises au XVIe siècle.

– Mercredi 8 mars à 20h, église Saint-Guillaume de Strasbourg : concert-lecture autour de textes de femmes du temps de la Réforme et textes d’hommes illustrant le regard porté par elles. Avec Anne-Marie Heitz-Muller, théologienne et Pauline Haas, harpiste. Entrée libre – plateau

– Samedi 11 mars, à 17h, église Saint-Thomas de Strasbourg : « Femmes d’espérance, femmes d’exception – ces protestantes qui ont osé », une exposition de 32 panneaux autour de grands noms de femmes protestantes (Katharina Zell, Isabeau Vincent, Suzanne de Dietrich, Madeleine Barrault, Berthe Bertsch…) du XVIe au XXIe siècle. Visite guidée par Marjolaine Chevallier, historienne, ancien professeure à la Faculté de théologie protestante de Strasbourg.

– Samedi 11 mars, à 18h, siège de l’UEPAL, 1b quai St-Thomas, à Strasbourg, en salle Koch : table ronde : « La place des femmes, c’est aussi l’affaire des hommes !», avec Gabrielle Cadier-Rey, historienne ; Paule Zellitch, membre du comité de la Jupe ; Chris Doude van Troostwijk, philosophe ; Jean-Jacques Bonsirven, ancien inspecteur ecclésiastique. Débat avec le public animé par Patricia Rohner-Hégé, vice-présidente de l’UEPAL.

Vous êtes bien sûr les bienvenus !

Regards croisés sur la Reforme

Posted on March 5, 2017 by Sarah Palmer

This is the title of a series of evening meetings organised by the local Strasbourg Catholic and Protestant parishes in cooperation with St. Alban’s to mark the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. The second session will be about the development of Anglicanism. The talks will be given in French.

Monday 6 March: Il y a 500 ans, la Reforme.

20.15h, Eglise du Christ Ressuscité, 4 rue de Palerme. Speakers: Anne Heintz and Jean Arbogast.

Monday 13 March: La Réforme ou les Réformes? La famille anglicane.

2015h, Eglise St. Matthieu, 97 bld. d’Anvers. Speakers: Christine Bloomfield and John Murray.

Monday 27 March: Chrétiens ensemble aujourd’hui: témoins d’actions et d’accords oecuméniques

20.15h, Eglise St. Bernard, 4 bld. J-S. Bach.

Lent programme 2017

Posted on February 27, 2017 by Sarah Palmer

During Lent everyone is invited to take part in a series of breakfast time meetings before the service on Sunday mornings. The theme is:

The Psalms: Songs of Faith and Doubt.

On Ash Wednesday, 1 March 2017 at 19.30h there will be a service of Holy Communion for the start of Lent at the Chaplaincy flat, 15 rue d’Austerlitz, which will be followed by a simple supper.

You will find all the details of St. Alban’s Lent Programme here:

Lent Programme 2017

Saturday 18 March: Evening of Music for CASAS at Munsterhof

Posted on February 27, 2017 by Sarah Palmer

CASAS ( Collectif d’accueil pour les solliciteurs d’asile à Strasbourg) is one of the local organisations which St. Alban’s has been supporting for very many years. Thanks to the practical and expert support of CASAS many members of our congregation who arrived in Strasbourg as refugees have been granted asylum and found their place in French society. CASAS has existed for over 30 years, but since the introduction of new asylum legislation in 2016 many of its state subsidies have been cut (see http://www.casas.fr/appel-a-solidarite-mai-2016/ for further details.)

We know at first-hand how important the work of CASAS is; we feel it is vital to do what we can to ensure that it continues to exist. Therefore St. Alban’s is activating its impressively diverse creative potential to raise funds for the organisation. St. Alban’s charitable organisation, ACAS, invites everyone to an Evening of Music for CASAS on Saturday 18 March 2017 at 19.00h at the Munsterhof, 9 rue des Juifs, Strasbourg. Entrance is free, finger food and drinks are on sale, and donations are requested. All proceeds from the Evening will be donated to CASAS.

Annual Chaplaincy Meeting Sunday 26 March 12.00h

Posted on February 13, 2017 by Sarah Palmer

After the morning service on Sunday 26 March the Annual Chaplaincy Meeting will be held in the Centre Mounier next door to the church. This is the occasion on which reports of the previous year’s activities are presented and elections are held. This year we will be electing churchwardens, archdeaconry synod representatives and chaplaincy council members. Please consider carefully whether you could be to be a candidate for any of these positions, and which church members you would like to nominate for election. In the coming weeks there will be nomination forms available at the back of church: each nomination needs to be proposed and seconded.

In order to vote at these elections and to be elected your name needs to be on the electoral roll of the chaplaincy. If you are a regular member of St. Alban’s congregation it would be a good idea if you were on the roll. This brings no obligations, but does entitle you to be nominated, and above all to vote at the elections. Electoral roll forms are available at the back of the church, and if you’re not sure whether or not you are on the roll you can check the list of members displayed on the notice board. The application forms should be given to Churchwarden Anny Samuels, deadline for new entries on the electoral roll is 12 March 2017.

Liebfrauenberg Weekend 31 March – 2 April 2017

Posted on February 10, 2017 by Sarah Palmer

Weekend retreat on the topic of “The Gift of Uncertainty”

Leader: Brother Luke Fox, Mucknall Abbey, nr. Worcester, England.

Liebfrauenberg, a former pilgrimage site and monastery , is a retreat centre surrounded by woods on a hill with wonderful views near Woerth in northern Alsace. Every springtime in Lent members of the Anglican chaplaincies of Strasbourg, Heidelberg and Stuttgart meet here for a study and recreational weekend. As well as study and discussion of the given topic there is time to enjoy the company of friends and to make new ones, to worship together, walk in this beautiful area and enjoy rest and relaxation. All are warmly invited to come and join in. Children are always welcome.

This year our leader is Brother Luke Fox from Mucknell Abbey near Worcester in England, a contemplative Benedictine community for men and women which is part of the Church of England, and he has chosen to talk about uncertainty and thanksgiving.

The weekend starts with supper on the evening of Friday 31st March at 6.30pm and finishes at teatime on Sunday 2 April at about 3pm. It is possible to come for just part of the time if you cannot make it for a whole weekend. If there are four or more children coming there will be a programme especially for them. And on Saturday evening there is a long-standing tradition of visiting the local village for “tarte flambée”. Please note that this year the Eucharist on Sunday will be held early on the Sunday afternoon.

Our leader

Brother Luke writes: “My name is Luke Fox. I am 29 years old and was born and raised in Wales. I studied theology at the University of Wales, Lampeter from 2006-2009. Upon leaving university I spent some time working in a variety of roles for a residential management company before spending a brief period travelling around Europe. I entered Mucknell Abbey as an Alongsider (someone who lives alongside the community without formally becoming a member) in 2011 at the age of 23. After nine months as an “Alongsider” I then entered the novitiate, this lasted 3 years. I then moved on to become a junior professed member of the community. I am now approaching the end of my time as a junior professed member of the community and considering whether to take life vows of stability, obedience and conversion of life, in the community, or to leave and pursue a different path.

The Subject

The focus of the retreat will be on the experience of uncertainty in our lives and the gifts that can emerge from engaging, not fleeing, from that uncertainty. We will spend time reflecting prayerfully on scriptural stories that relate episodes in which characters encounter uncertain times and situations in their lives, and hopefully find correlations with our own lives and the contexts in which we find ourselves. By seeking to ponder the place of uncertainty in our lives we will seek to discover if it offers to us gifts of God’s grace for which we can be thankful.

Practicalities

Every effort is made to keep costs as low as possible. The cost is all inclusive with full board.

Adults 75 euros each day

Young people 13 -17 54 euros each day

Children 4 – 12 40 euros each day

Children under 4 no charge

If you find the price too high please speak to the local Strasbourg organisers, John and Diane Murray. Please use the booking form (see link below) and let the organisers know by 15 March. john.murray67@googlemail.com

Booking form Liebfrauenberg 2017 Email to: john.murray67@googlemail.com

For more information about Liebfrauenberg see http://www.eglise-autrement.com/

Mucknall Abbey also has its own website: http://www.mucknellabbey.org.uk/

World Day of Prayer on Friday 3 March 2017

Posted on January 30, 2017 by Sarah Palmer

The World Day of Prayer is a global women’s movement which invites all people to join in prayer and action for peace and justice. Its vision is for “Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action”.

The World Day of Prayer is celebrated every year on the first Friday of March in more than 170 countries. The movement originated in the USA in 1887 and was first celebrated in France in 1960.

Among the 40 groups preparing celebrations this year in Alsace, the group “Strasbourg Centre” invites both men and women to join them in exploring the central theme:

Am I Being Unfair to You?

Friday 3 March, 15.00h

Chapelle de la Toussaint

15 rue de la Toussaint (near Rectorat and Clinique de la Toussaint, Bus 6 Faubourg de Pierre)

For more information about the movement in English: http://worlddayofprayer.net/index.html

La Journée Mondiale de Prière est un mouvement mondial de femmes qui invite toutes les personnes à se retrouver dans la prière et l’action pour la paix et la justice. Sa vision est “s’informer, prier et agir”.

La Journée Mondiale de Prière est célébrée chaque année le premier vendredi du mois de mars dans 170 pays. Le mouvement est né aux USA en 1887 et la première célébration en France a eu lieu en 1960.

Parmi les 40 groupes qui préparent la célébration cette année en Alsace, le groupe ‘Strasbourg centre” invite à la fois les hommes et les femmes à le rejoindre pour une célébration sur le thème:

“Me trouves-tu injuste ?”

Célébration ecrite par le Comité de la Journée Mondiale de Prière des Philippines (Matthieu 20:1-16).

Vendredi le 3 mars à 15h00

en la Chapelle de la Toussaint

15, rue de la Toussaint (près du Rectorat et la Clinique de la Toussaint, Bus 6 Faubourg de Pierre).

Pour plus d’information en français: http://jmp.protestant.org. Facebook: JourneeMondialeDePriereFrance

Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action: Guiding Principles of the World Day of Prayer

Luxembourg 2008 Starting point: Christian Women
We recognize Christian women as competent to express their faith and to speak about their lives in prayer and worship before God and in community.

Egypt 2009 Listening and speaking
Prayer is rooted in listening to God and to one another. We listen to the Word of God and to the voices of women sharing their hopes and fears, their joys and sorrows, their opportunities and needs.

Papua New Guinea 2009 Committed to learn; striving for wisdom
Learning is a mutual process. Together we strive for wisdom that shapes our understandings and guides our actions in our daily lives.

Jordan 2011 Being a Christian neighbor in a multi-religious world
Called by Jesus Christ to love our neighbors, Christian women seek to live in community with everyone around them including people of other faith traditions.

Switzerland 2011 Developing global ecumenical sisterhood & building trust
Once you begin to respect, trust, and understand one another you can build long lasting bonds. A worldwide sisterhood that gathers in worship every year.

Mexico 2012 Sharing acknowledges that all have something to give and to receive
Each year women of a certain country are able to share their faith and lives. By taking turns each year we emphasize that all are welcome.

Paraguay 2012 Being faithful and creative
Women strive to be faithful to the texts they received for the worship service, to make heard the voices of women of a different country, while creatively expressing their own responses to the text.

Philippines 2013 Stretching beyond what is familiar; becoming inclusive
It takes some risk to understand one another from where the other person is rather than from where I am.
It brings renewal when the new generations of young women join.

Cameroon 2014 Moving into responsible action
We encourage responsible action that grows out of the worship service and its theme. Being willing to look at the problems that affect the world and cause suffering requires courage. To take small steps and proceed one step at a time is an expression of hope, even when confronted by many difficulties.

Sarah and Andrew Wilson – Recent Publications

Posted on January 22, 2017 by Sarah Palmer

It was with great regret that last year we had to say farewell to Sarah and Andrew Wilson and their son Zeke. They had been part of our congregation for seven years while Sarah was working at the Institute for Ecumenical Research in Strasbourg, and they contributed generously to our church life. Andrew, a gifted singer, served as Churchwarden and set up this website, Sarah preached memorable sermons and led equally memorable Bible studies, and over the years we saw Zeke growing from a shy small child to a confident boy. They are now back in the US, in St. Paul’s, Minnesota, but luckily many links remain.

“The Acts of St. Alban’s in Strasbourg”

This is the title of an article that Sarah wrote for the “The Living Church”, a magazine published by the Living Church Foundation in the US, http://www.livingchurch.org/, in its October 16 2016 edition. In it she reflects upon how her understanding of the Acts of the Apostles was influenced by experiencing church life at St. Alban’s, “not a monochrome congregation”, she notes, and “with a welcome that said: here, where nobody is at home, we are at home.” By kind permission of the editor of “The Living Church” Sarah’s article is available here (in four parts):

Living Church St. Albans’s 1 Living Church St. Alban’s 2 Living Church St. Alban’s 3 Living Church St Alban’s 4

“Here I walk – A thousand miles on foot to Rome with Martin Luther”

In August 2010 Andrew and Sarah left Erfurt, the city in which Martin Luther had lived as a student and as an Augustinian monk, to follow the route he had taken 500 years earlier across the Alps to Rome. They went on foot, as Luther himself had done, as fellow-pilgrims. One thousand miles in 70 days, to see, as Andrew writes, “what we could learn not just from Luther’s words but by walking in his footsteps.”

“Here I walk” is Andrew’s account of that pilgrimage: of the uncertainties and strenuousness of the route, with rain, snow and pounding traffic making progress difficult, of unexpected encounters along the way and spontaneous offers of help and hospitality. It is equally a story about Luther and the way his theology developed, as reflected upon by present-day pilgrims wanting to understand what Luther’s insights and beliefs have to do with the transient world in which they find themselves. And the fact that they set off in the wrong year from the wrong place does not detract in any way from the intensity of their experience, nor from that of the reader.

More information on Andrew’s website: http://www.hereiwalk.org/. The book can also be ordered there.

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