News

Thank you Sandra
St. Luke's - 26/04/2009

Sandra Wilkinson receiving a gift from Pat Clifford on behalf of the congregation at the end of her year as Congregational Warden.

Mothering Sunday with Luz Church

Having camped overnight at Sagres on Saturday March 22^nd under the watchful eyes of Chaplain Haynes and other mentors, a slightly weary gang of young people turned up on Sunday to help with Mothering Day service for Luz Church. Watched from packed pews and accompanied by guitar, they sang the first verse of the first hymn after which we all joined in learning as we went along, helped by their clear voices and obvious enjoyment. Several children shared the reading of Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians key words of which, writ in large capital letters, were held aloft in turn by others of the group: “Compassion, Kindness and Humility, Meekness and Patience” all things that from time to time fail both Mothers and Children, but the emphasis was on love. The Gospel reading from John spoke of the giving by Jesus of his Mother to the disciple whom he loved, bequeathing on him the role of son to care for her in her bereavement. This was enacted respectfully and tenderly while the Gospel was read, followed by a Sermon incorporating both children and adults in the wholeness of family life.

Thereafter we followed the regular Service Book and once the children had stepped up to the altar at the beginning of the Eucharist, they sat on the floor and sang to the guitar of Sue Hubbard while the congregation received the bread and wine. It was a lovely Mothering Sunday celebration and following an ancient tradition, all ladies present received a bouquet of flowers as they left the building.

22/3/2009 Margaret Brown

"Pudding on Fridays"

A huge thanks to Derek Edwards, a member of St Luke's congregation, for the signed copies of his newly published book. A good percentage of the proceeds of sales being donated to the Church. A total of €300 has been raised so far and there are still a few signed copies available if anyone missed the book signing.
Derek had a long career as a Stockbroker and was also a member of the Court of Common Council, Sheriff of the City of London and served as a Magistrate for 26 years and yet, somehow managed to find the time to be an amateur jockey!! It really is a good read and most topical too!
Please contact St. Luke's Churchwarden, Sandra Wilkinson (919055959) if you would like to buy a copy.

Synod - February 2009

Three Synod Reps, John Daffey, Susan Hamer and Sue Storer having a two hour break sightseeing at Synod

John and Susan (Synod Reps) sightseeing with Joyce and David

Bishop Bill receiving a gift

Bishop Bill Receiving a gift of a stole.

CHARITABLE GIVING

A Presentation took place in December 2008 at the Nursing Faculty of Faro University. Gathered together for the Presentation were the Dean of the University, Dr. Joao Guerreiro, the Presidente Conselho Directive, Professor Dr. Nidia Braz Also present were the Senior Chaplain of the Church of England, Father Haynes Hubbard and members of the Council and congregations of St. Vincent’s.

Father Haynes presented the cheques to two Student Nurses to pay for their fees throughout the coming year and a certificate to state that the Council of St. Vincent’s would honour their fees until their graduation in four years time. One of the students was a young man from the Alentejo and the other student was a young lady from Almancil.

Nurses from Portugal, under the terms of the new Nursing agreement for the EEC, will be able to work anywhere within the EEC countries. The library at the Nursing Faculty is equipped with tuition books written in English.

Following on from the Presentation, the members of the Faculty and the two students were guests of honour at a luncheon held at Gambelas University restaurant. Sharing thoughts, hopes and dreams across a lunch was a good way to get to know the students and members of the University.

Throughout each year, St. Vincent’s hold many fund raising events, Fairs, Gala Jazz events, concerts, luncheons Grand Draws and others.

The Council of St. Vincent’s are delighted to honour two members of our host country by paying for their tuition fees in the honourable profession of Nursing.

Remembrance Day Service November 2008

The Royal British Legion were again invited to participate in the Remembrance Day Service at St. Luke's Church. The British Ambassador, Mr Alexander Ellis, laid the wreath on behalf of the British Community and Harry Warner and Rosemary Jackson(pictured), both members of St. Luke's congregation, laid wreaths on behalf of the Royal British Legion. The Chairman of the Algarve Branch, Peter Wilkinson, wrote 'I know I speak for all our members when thanking Father Haynes and the Council of St. Vincent's Chaplaincy for inviting us to participate in this Service every year. The Royal British Legion is very grateful for their ongoing support'

Ambassador at Remembrance Service