In the aftermath of the extreme rainfall and devastating flooding in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and wider Gulf Region, the Bishop-elect Rev’d Sean Semple has been in contact with clergy to offer his prayers for the congregations, people, and officials in all affected areas. He writes, “As a Diocesan family we not only care for one another in times of need and distress, but we also do what we can to bring hope and practical assistance to those in need in our communities. Our ability to carry on and serve others in extremely challenging times comes from our faith in the Risen Christ.” He invites all to pray with him for all whose lives have been affected and disrupted by the flooding, for all who are working so hard to care for the traumatised, and for those involved in the clearing up and repair of infrastructure.

God of compassion,
you hear the cries of all who are in trouble or distress;
accept our prayers for those whose lives are affected by storms and flooding:
strengthen them in their hour of need,
grant them perseverance and courage to face the future
and be to them a firm foundation on which to build their lives;
this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

A message from our friends in the Office of the Diocesan Bishop:

Dear Friends,

As the Diocesan Cathedrals of St Christopher in Bahrain and St Paul in Nicosia prepare for the Consecration and Enthronements of Bishop-elect Sean Semple, it would bring Sean great joy to know that all parishes were united in prayer for the Diocese, for his family, and for him, as he begins this journey of faith with us all.

The Consecration and Enthronement of Bishop-elect Sean at St Christopher’s Cathedral will take place on 24 May 2024 at 6pm. The Enthronement of the new Bishop in St Paul’s Cathedral in Nicosia will take place on 22 June 2024 at 5pm. Both of these events will be livestreamed, and it is hoped that parishes may wish to gather together for the service to celebrate and reflect on this historic occasion, with our new Bishop—the sixth of the Diocese, the first to be consecrated in Bahrain, the first African-born.

Please pray for the Diocese, for Bishop-elect Sean, his wife Jenny, and their family—sharing this prayer:

Heavenly Father,
in every age you raise up pastors and leaders for your Church
to reflect the light of Christ and to lead us in the way of holiness.
We thank you for the election of your servant Sean
who soon will be consecrated as our Bishop.
Grant to him and his family every grace of your Spirit
as they prepare to move to the Diocese.
Bless Sean’s future ministry
that together with the priests, deacons and laypeople of Cyprus and the Gulf
the light of Christ may be seen
and the love of Christ experienced by the people we serve.
We ask this through the name of Christ our Lord. Amen.

With warm thanks and best wishes from your colleagues in the Office of the Diocesan Bishop.

Many congratulations from all of us at St Andrew’s to Sally and David on their
64th Wedding Anniversary!
Blessings on them both.

A very happy and blessed Eid to all our Muslim friends and neighbours – and to Muslims everywhere.

Our new bishop, The Rt Revd Sean Semple, is to be enthroned in his cathedral in Lefkosa/Nicosia on Saturday 22 June.

In recognition that many from the TRNC may not be able to attend, he himself therefore intends to come to St Andrew’s on Sunday 23 June.

We are honoured that this will be his first official engagement here, and are planning a special welcome service, to be followed by a celebratory lunch together.

A reminder that our ACM is this Sunday 7th April at 12 noon, in the hall.
The meeting should finish by 1.15
All are welcome to attend.
Anyone on the Electoral Roll may also vote.

It was wonderful to welcome so many people, from so many places, to our joint Easter Communion Service with the Norwegian Church Abroad.
Pastor Jon Albert Ihlebaek’s very powerful and moving sermon gave us much to think about.

Many thanks to The Norwegian Church Abroad for welcoming us to their fabulous Nordic Easter lunch today. We loved the food – thank you, Birgitta! – the stories, the singing and being in such wonderful company.
We look forward to our sunrise service early tomorrow, followed by our joint Easter Communion Service at 10.30, when Pastor Jon Albert Ihiebaek will preach.