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Support John in his sail for Solidarity!

john-hutchinson-raft-solidarity-5

John Hutchinson is a sailor with a mission! He is planning to sail a home-made raft from Pissouri to Akrotiri to raise funds for “Solidarity” one of the local charities in Cyprus that is feeding the hungry, especially among the youngest and the oldest of the community. All being well (the weather, that is) John will make his journey on 28 September. All being well he will leave at about 10.00am and the voyage should take around 5.5 to 6 hours traveling at a speed of about 2 knots, to arrive at Currium Beach at around 4.00pm.

John is a regular attendee at the churches of St Barnabas (Limassol) and St Lazarus (Pissouri) churches on the island, part of the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf. Canon Derek Smith, Chaplain of St Barnabas and St Lazarus, described John’s mission to not only sail but build the raft on which to sail with the words “selfless craziness“. Please be praying for John, for his skill in preparing his raft and for the weather on the day – we will let you know how it goes.

If you feel led to help by sponsoring John on his voyage please email him directly at johnwhutchinson@hotmail.com

Take a look at the pictures of John’s raft – John has built the raft himself and will have conducted three sea trials before the attempt this Saturday. For the techie folks among you several crucial components have been modified. It is equipped at the stern with a T section made of pick axe handles to control a large rudder, Brazilian hardwood bolted masts (hardwood rake handles), a wooden 10″ deep keel to which both masts are bolted, spring loaded sail sheets to counteract gusts and to take the strain over a lengthy journey at least in time! A plastic builder’s pallet forms the base with plastic containers and water butts for buoyancy.

Read a recent news item about Solidarity HERE:

Cyprus Musical Ministry: Two Sisters and a Funeral

Friday 22nd November at St Barnabas, Limassol

The musical is based on the story of Lazarus and you can take part in this, with Roger Jones, the well known composer of the musical, who is flying over from UK with a team. The amazing thing is that you only need to come to three rehearsals, including one on the actual day of the performance, with Roger Jones himself. All you have to do is get the CD, and score, if you wish, listen and sing along in the car and turn up for the rehearsals.

Some mums have asked if children and young people can take part – and we would love to have them. Make sure they learn the songs and practise before the rehearsals.

two-sisters-and-a-funeral

Get your CD!

Practice in the car!

Come along to a few rehearsals and

Take part on the night!

Learn the words and music with a CD for voice – soprano, alto, tenor or bass.  CD’s are available from St Barnabas’ church, price 1 euro each. Score is available from Derek price 6 euros – email Derek Smith at stbac@spidernet.com.cy to say which voice version you require.

Rehearsal times

at St Barnabas Anglican Church, Limassol

  • Friday 8 Nov: Sopranos 6.00-7.30
  • Saturday 9 Nov: Altos 6.00-7.30
  • Friday 15 Nov: Tenors 6.00-7.30
  • Saturday 16 Nov: Basses 6.00-7.30
  • Sunday 17 Nov: ALL 3.00-4.30

Download the Programme

Limassol performance

Friday 22 November
St Barnabas Anglican Church
Performers 4pm for 7.30 performance

Island wide performance in Nicosia

Sunday 24 November
American Academy School
Performers 2pm for 5pm performance

Building the future…

On Friday 6th September, church families and friends met in Moni, at the lovely home of Dolly, Patrick and Layla O’Flynn. Some children had already started back at school; for others it was one of the last days of the holidays. The event was entitled Building the future to link in with the church building work. We also hope to encourage other families to become regular worshippers at St Barnabas, particularly as two of our very regular families have moved away for work. We miss them deeply!

Annabel, Rose and Marcia organised games to help people get to know each other and to have fun. The lure of the pool proved too great an attraction, and soon all the young people and some adults were enjoying the water.

Building the future - families event at Moni

Before we ate our “bring and share” meal, we had a short time of worship. Derek quoted 1 Peter Chapter 2, about us being built as living stones on Christ, the chief cornerstone. Brandon (National Director of Youth for Christ Cyprus) spoke from 1 Corinthians 12 about the mutual dependence of the members of the body of Christ. Sue showed the children the old rhyme, with hand actions:

Here is the church,

Here is the steeple,

Turn it upside down

And here are all the people.

The importance of every single person as “the body of Christ” was stressed. The younger children enjoyed praying through prayer bubbles – shake the mixture, put it on the wand, blow and pray. Then watch your prayers rise up to heaven!

During the meal, young and old mixed well and new friendships were formed. The age range was just a few months to seventies, and there were at least two grannies amongst the group. There were thirty nine of us all together, from different church backgrounds, and each one contributed in their own special way.

Now we have started up Junior and Youth Church again, we look forward to welcoming even more families to St Barnabas.

Sue Smith