Pew Sheet – 8th September 2024

The Rector writes Please have a read of the update I received from the Jerusalem Princess Basma Hospital while I was on holidays. As you’ll remember, they were the recipients of last year’s Harvest collection. And here we are, a whole year on, and they need our help more than ever.  You’ll find the email in the middle pages of this pewsheet.  

It is getting so hard to witness to what is happening in Gaza/West Bank and to try and remain hopeful.

Our hearts and prayers are with all the people of the Land of the Holy One…

We echo what it says in verse 5 of the appointed Psalm for today

 Those who turn aside to crooked ways
      the Lord shall take away with the evildoers; 
   but let there be peace upon Israel.

An update received in July from Princess Basma Centre, the recipient of our Harvest Collection in 2023.

Our Princess Basma satellite unit has reopened.

Following the evacuation of an area in Gaza City last week, all three of our Princess Basma staff have now returned and services have resumed at our satellite unit, based in Al Ahli Hospital

Courage in Adversity
During these difficult days, our staff in Jerusalem and in Gaza City were in daily contact, and this was a source of great comfort to both teams.
 

Now, we are so very glad to tell you that at our satellite unit:
– Treatment programs have resumed for children with both acute injuries and chronic conditions 
– Our team are treating 18 children. Many of these, are families who have returned and four of these children are new patients
– Clinical supervision and multidisciplinary online team meetings between Jerusalem and Gaza have started again

We also give heartfelt thanks for services resuming at Al Ahli Hospitial

We also commend to you the work of our two committed therapists, Ismail in Khan Younis and Al Zahraa’ in Deir Al Balah, who like their colleagues in Gaza City are showing amazing fortitude and dedication, treating children out of emergency medical posts.
 

We are uplifted and deeply encouraged by    your concern and compassion for all our staff in Jerusalem and in Gaza. 

We thank all our friends around the world, who continue to pray for the ongoing safety of all our Princess Basma staff and patients and for all those at our sister institution, Al Ahli Hospital.

The Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre operates under the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem 

Dates for your Diary

Monday 9th September

Men’s Coffee Morning Carrigaline Court Hotel 10am

Wednesday 18th September

Mothers’ Union Opening Service 3:30pm St Mary’s Church

Sunday 29th September

United Animal Blessing Service at 11am in St Mary’s Church. 

(no 9:30am Service)

Service of Wholeness & Healing at 7pm in St John’s Church.

Saturday 12th October

Harvest Supper 7:30pm, Canon McCrea Hall

Sunday 13th October

Harvest Thanksgiving Services in both churches, a professional Parish Photo will be taken at the end of the Service. Sunflower Competition Results and Prizes.

Thursday 24th October

Exciting Parish Fundraiser Fashion Event Parish Hall with Emily FashionablyFortyish’  details nearer the time but save the date!

Random Notes CDLXVII

In 2006, various surveys were carried out.  Their results are printed below.

People who walk dogs walk more than those who don’t walk dogs.

A healthy lifestyle can give elderly people a better chance of living longer.

World population is falling. The US Census Bureau partly attributes this to women having fewer babies.

Obesity is caused by large food portions.

Cats love people who love cats.

Ice-cold lager sales increases during heatwaves.

The main reason for visiting a cemetery/crematorium is to attend a funeral or visit a grave.

A study of the electricity consumed by electrical devices shows that people could save money by switching them off.

(Wow!  Who Knew!)

MMPC