Watchword for the Week:
God, turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your custom
towards those who love your name. (Psalm 119:132, NRSV)
(Moravian Daily Texts)

Reading & Reflection: Jesus is mixing metaphors (Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52)

Hymn: Heaven shall not wait (Church Hymnary, No. 362)

All-age Prayer:

Blessing: based on Matthew 13

Notices:

A Bible Sharing series on Parables in Matthew’s Gospel begins in the first full week of August. There will be at least one ‘garden group’ meeting outdoors (weather permitting) and at least one online group meeting via Skype or Zoom. To help organize, please register with Pastor Jimmy for this seven-week series. Group sizes are limited to 6-7 per group, so please register early to be sure of a place in the group. The Bible Sharing method requires no previous knowledge, and is suitable for all ages.

The current closure of the Pauluskirche for gathered worship remains in effect until 3 August, when the German Presbyterium meets to consider plans for possible restricted forms of worship after the school holidays. A hygiene concept is being drawn up for this eventuality and will be made known soon. Until then, the church remains open from Tuesday to Friday between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. till noon for individual and private prayer. Please observe standard precautions such as physical distancing, etc. when you enter the building.

Online worship and spirituality resources provided by various local and international churches:
 Sanctuary First (Church of Scotland) daily worship, prayers, pastoral guidance
 Daily Devotional (United Church of Christ, USA) reflections on short Bible texts, usually ending with a one-sentence prayer
 Prayer Matters (International Presbytery) prayers, meditations, reflections and artwork
 Prayer Cycle (World Council of Churches) ecumenical prayer resources focussing this week on the Republic of Congo, Gabon, São Tomé and Principe
 Kraft der Musik (Evangelische Kirchengemeinde) weekly trumpet solos with short reflections (in German)
 Kraft der Worte (Evangelische Kirchengemeinde) short meditative texts and poetry (in German)

Our weekly offerings during worship are our congregation’s main source of income. The corona crisis has put a stop to this, so please consider making donations by bank transfer in order that the ECC may continue to cover ongoing costs. Bank account details are shown below. Thank you.