January 1 – ecumenical service in Domkyrkan

Seek the welfare of the city

The newly decorated Domkyrkan (cathedral) was full for the annual ecumenical service arranged by Göteborgs Kristna Samarbetsråd at 17:00 on New Year’s Day.  Urban Ringbäck, pastor from Smyrna church, preached about the need to pray for the city, and mentioned that Smyrna would be holding a service of prayer on January 25 at 18.00. The service lasted 80 minutes.

January 2 – letter to Church Members

Watching the fireworks on New Year’s Eve, my mind went back to the Millennium celebrations 15 years ago.
The churches had drafted a prayer for the millennium, so worded that those of any faith or none could recognize it as an expression of their own hopes and dreams:
Let there be                        
respect for the earth                                  
peace for its people             
love in our lives
delight in the good               
forgiveness for past wrongs 
and from now on                 
a new start.

This Sunday we celebrate the Epiphany, the coming of the magi, wise men from the East.  We know nothing of their faith; we know only that they came looking for the baby Jesus.  May 2015 be a year of seeking and finding.

Happy New Year.

Barbara

We had about 40 visitors to Open Church today, though there was no choir practice!  Most arrived in the last forty minutes.