(John 16:20)
On June 8th, we will celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) day, the end of the Second World War in Europe. Britain had been at war for over five years, during which time people’s lives had been transformed.
Many had been involved in military service and risked their lives fighting on the front lines, at sea or in the air. Even those not involved in the fighting directly, had to work extra hard as part of the exhausting war effort that had engrossed the country. All the time, there would have been the constant fear of being bombed or hearing that a loved one had been killed in action.
Then on VE day that was suddenly all over. The fear was gone, everyone could look forward to life returning to normal, the troops could come home and the work of reconstructing the country (and Europe) could begin. It is hard to imagine how incredibly joyful people would have felt on that day.
It is often the case that the greater the suffering or challenge the greater the joy when the suffering or challenge is overcome. In the quote above, Jesus was preparing the disciples for his imminent death. For many at the time, the death of Jesus was a reason to rejoice. A trouble maker had been eliminated, the status quo maintained.
But, the greater joy would be reserved for Jesus’ disciples. Although, they would go through the trauma of losing Jesus, they would discover the amazing joy of seeing him again as the one who had defeated sin and removed the fear of death, not just violent death as at the end of World War II, but the fear of death full stop. That is the incredible joy that people are still discovering today, as they come to follow Jesus.
Paul Worledge
This Sunday
This week we welcome the friends and family of Eden Meyrick for her baptism. All our children’s groups are back after a three week break and we will also be reflecting on the upcoming VE day and joy in victory.
An Update about Youth Hangout and Youth Work
We’ve had a meeting to discuss on how to go forward with providing a safe place for the youth of our church and local community. We’ve considered what worked and what didn’t and feel the way forward is to change the day and time to an evening session. This will include Biblical teaching through activities and games, an easy meal to share together and a big game at the end.
In order to help this vision to take place we are asking if anyone with a passion to engage and explore helping with this initiative to speak to Tonya Curry, Tina Gilham, Paul Worledge or Beth Patterson as soon as possible. We are praying for at least 6 extra volunteers so a rota could be set in place.
Young Voices Questionnaire
If you are aged 11 to 24 or know someone who is, then do encourage them to fill out the Canterbury Diocese Youth Council questionnaire which focuses on mental health. These snapshot questionnaires are an opportunity to hear the voices of young people from across our diocese. It closes on 23 May.
APCM and PCC membership
Our Annual Church meeting (APCM) will be on Thursday 22nd May at 7:30pm in the Church Hall. At this meeting we will be updating you on plans for our Vision 2030 and electing members to our PCC. Please put the date in the diary. Also, please consider standing for our PCC or nominating someone who would be a good fit. We need the wisdom of a variety of church members to help us guide the church over the coming years.
Joy Brenchley – Funeral
Joy’s funeral will be at 12 noon in St. Luke’s Church on Thursday 15th May.
Brian Belsey – Funeral
Brian Belsey who played a key leadership role at Christ Church for many years has sadly passed away. There will be a service of thanksgiving at Christ Church on Monday 19th May at 2pm. This will follow a funeral service at the crematorium.
Youthscape Launchpad Diocesan Event
6:30-9:00pm on Monday 2nd June at St. Laurence church in Ramsgate. Led by Bp Rose Hudson-Wilkin, with Jen Tobin the Diocesan Lead Officer for Children & Young People’s Work and Launchpad Youth Scape Representatives. This is an intergenerational event for young people 11 years old and upwards and those helping to lead young people’s work. See Tonya Curry if you are interested in going as part of a group from St. Luke’s.
New Ladies Group
We would love to start a “Share and Care” group where we can get to know each other better and support and encourage one another.
To get the ball rolling we would like to invite you to a coffee and cake morning at Hazel’s (15 St. Augustine’s Park, Ramsgate CT11 0DE) on Saturday 24th May at 10.30 till 12.00 so that we can throw some ideas around. All ladies welcome.
Please let one of us know if you can come (to help us gauge catering) and if you need a lift or if you cannot make it bur would like to be part of future events: Hazel Kenney (07887863176), Lesley Turner (07896634090), Brenda Clarke (07508174251).
Next Men’s Group Meeting
7pm, Thursday 15th May at the Ramsgate Harbour Lifeboat Station. Your chance to see what is involved in the running of our lifeboat station. This is a free event, but a £5 (or more) donation is suggested. For more information contact Trevor Kenney, 07792828097, trevorkenney1@gmail.com.
Open the Book Training event with ACTS
Interested in sharing Bible stories with local schools? Keen to be part of a trained storytelling team? Join the training session, Wednesday 7th May. 10:00-13:00, St. Peter’s Baptist Church. To book a place contact Abi: primary@actsthanet.com
Also check out the latest ACTS Newsletter.
Thanet Prayer Diary
Download the latest Thanet Prayer Diary, here.
Sponsorship Request
Cyra McWilliams, one of our newer members, is doing a walk 100 miles in May 2025 to raise money for Young Lives vs. Cancer. Click here to support her.
Links to Share:
News Report on last week’s parade
Check out the article in the local news. Read more…
Faith or Dancing
In this piece, Amit, who had been a successful and famous dancer gave it all up to follow Jesus. Read more…
Finally, let’s keep celebrating Jesus’ victory over death.
Yours in Christ
Paul Worledge
(Vicar, St. Luke’s Ramsgate)
Weekly Calendar
Sunday 4th – Thirrd Sunday of Easter
Family Service with Baptism and VE day celebration
(St. Luke’s Church), Psalm 126, 11:00am-12:00pm
Bank Holiday Monday 5th
Tuesday 6th
Prayer Meeting (St. George’s Church) – 9:30-10:00am
Christ Church Toddlers @ St Luke’s (St. Luke’s Church Hall) – 9:30-11:30am
Study Group (Lyndhurst Road) – 2:30-4:00pm
Wednesday 7th
Study Group (Langdale Avenue) – 10:00-12:00 noon
Study Group (South Eastern Road) – 7:30-9:30pm
Thursday 8th
Prayer Meeting (St. Luke’s Church) – 9:30-10:00am
Cafe4All (St. Luke’s Church), Coffee and Chat for all – 10:00-11:30am
Friday 9th
Play and Praise (St. Luke’s Church Hall) – 10:00-11:30am
Saturday 11th
Daily Prayer (St. George’s Church) – 9:30-10:00am
Sunday 11th – Fourth Sunday of Easter
Family Service (St. Luke’s Church), Psalm 126, 11:00am-12:00pm
Online Forms
Under the ‘Contact’ tab on the website, there are now three forms that you can use to help us in managing the church:
- Events Application Form. Use this if you are organising a church event that needs a church room booked, advertising or ticketing.
- Submit a Notice. Use this if you want to ask us to include a prayer request or other notice in the church notice sheet or email.
- Maintenance Reporting Form.Use this to report any non-urgent issues with our buildings or grounds.
St. Luke’s Website
- What’s On – a page which lets you know what is happening this week and gives information about upcoming events.
- Notices – You can read the latest notices on this page.
- Sermons – Read a transcript of a recent sermon or watch the YouTube version recorded at St. Luke’s. You can also listen to the sermon through the podcast website castbox.
Safeguarding Training
If you volunteer in anyway at church the national authorities are strongly encouraging you to take at least the Basic Module in safeguarding training once every three years.
If you have not completed the training in the last three years, then the module can be completed online and takes about ninety minutes. You can access the training by following this link. You will need to first register, to access the training. Once the training is completed, you will be sent a certificate. Please forward that certificate to James (office@stlukesramsgate.org), so that we can keep records of who has done the training.at we can keep records of who has done the training.e sent a certificate. Please forward that certificate to James (office@stlukesramsgate.org), so that we can keep records of who has done the training.
St. Luke's Church Ramsgate 