The Saint Luke Reredos

A Stained Glass Panel created by, Stained Glass Artisan, Sarah Marnier

Click to view larger photo

Saint Luke's skills as a physician and historian inspired the shape of this panel - a book - and the central image, a human heart. The heart is anatomical and open. We cannot be perfect like the simple modern heart shape that is so universally and flippantly used to represent love, would imply - we are complicatedly human, with all the weaknesses and strengths and fallibility humans have. As such, to be the best that we can, we must open our hearts to allow God into our lives, to fill us with his light, as the heart on the panel is. Just as our hearts pump our blood around our bodies to keep us alive, so when we have been graced with the light of God we must pump that light back out to spread it to others to keep them spiritually alive too. The light from the heart is pushed out over the panel, and beyond the edges of the pages - the written word of the Bible and its teaching is important, but we do not live solely in the Bible, and our lives and our actions in this world today should carry God's message just as profoundly.

With that light in mind, the dove is a traditional symbol of the Holy Spirit, a form of light, grace and beauty that represents the constant presence which wraps us in God's love, nurtures and protects us, and allows us to grow and reflect that love to others.

The combined symbols of the Jewish star, the Christian ichthius, and the male and female, are linked to become One. United. The Same. Equal. That is how God sees and loves us all, and it is Luke's ministry that shows this most, with his diverse inclusion of women, Gentiles and children in His gospel.

Also universal to all, the hand of God holding the hand of the human is another symbol of our frail and yet precious humanity. They show a simple demonstration of love that we often take for granted - so often it is our first physical step of reassurance that we offer to a stranger after the light of a smile. It endures as a gesture of help, of comfort, of love and familiarity, and we all do it. Yet God leads us in the same loving way when we reach for Him, whether we know Him yet or not.

Carrying on with the theme of inclusivity that is so, 'Luke', the olive wreath around the world is representative of conciliation and peace. This particular image is taken from a Cypriot coin - also a reference to the fact that Luke travelled to Cyprus with Paul in the early stages of Christianity, part of the beginning of the church which he chronicled in Acts, and which eventually spread the word of God's love through Jesus around the world.

The above is an explanation, by Sarah Marnier, of the reredos that was presented to St. Luke's Church by a member of the congregation to commemorate her birthday.

Alpha Course

The Course teaches, in a very accessible and informal style, the basics of the Christian Faith. Topics such as "Who is Jesus?", "How can I be sure of my faith?", "Does God heal today?" and "What about the Church?" are aired openly. Alpha is friendly, relaxed and informative, so there is no pressure or hard sell to it, just the invitation to join with others exploring aspects of the Christian Faith which you might have been wondering about for years and never found the answer to.

Enquiries about future courses please contact Rev'd Tony Jeynes on 26 953373.

Christmas Fayre 2007

Months of planning and preparation came to fruition on Tuesday 4th December - 'Set-Up Day' - for the actual Christmas Fayre on Wednesday 5th at The Duckpond, Chlorakas.
All was looking good except for the weather. Forecasters were predicting the wettest and stormiest day for months! In fact there was one heavy shower in the morning but both our prayers and those of our Orthodox friends were answered. It stayed dry until the last bit of packing up was done - and then the Heavens opened!

At 12.00 noon Father Christmas arrived and officially opened the Fayre. This year stalls were better than ever, thanks to the cup for the Best-dressed Stall. Our impartial judges found it hard to choose, but eventually 'Recycled Cards' were the first winners of this annual trophy. The Nicosia Police Band struck up and within minutes the venue was heaving with people, despite the weather. Stalls included a Grand Raffle with the first prize of an air ticket to London, donated by Cyprus Airways. Ever popular attractions were the Bottle Stall, Tombola, Sweets, Jams and Preserves, Silent Auction, Treasure Hunt, Bric-a-Brac, Books, Plants, Name the Bunny, Cake Raffle, Nearly New Clothing, Recycled Cards, Crafts, Church Cards, Rainbow Stall and the Church Information Stall. A wide range of refreshments were available, including delicious Burgers, Hot Dogs and Egg & Bacon Baps.

A sum of CY£11,000 was raised at the Fayre, all of which will be distributed to Cypriot Charities. Our thanks go to all who helped in any way to ensure the success of this annual event, particularly the very many local businesses who gave sponsorship or donated prizes.

Click on the photo to see a list of the Charities who will benifit from the funds raised

After a short break, plans for next year's Christmas Fayre start in February and we hope to see you there!

Children's Ministry - ΠΑΙΔΙΑ Praise

Our monthly children's Service known as 'ΠΑΙΔΙΑ Praise' (meaning Children's Praise) happens each month mainly at 4.00pm in St. Stephen's Church, Stephanie Village, Tala. The format is one of music and singing, practical activity and interaction, prayers and a story from the Bible. There is an atmosphere of fun as well as learning about the Christian faith. Afterwards we share light refreshments. All children are welcome. For a list of Children's Services and Workshops please see our Services page.

Further details can be requested by contacting Colin and Brenda on 26815384 or Sylvia on 26910123.

Flower Festival 2008

This year's Flower Festival, entitled 'The Life of Moses' was once again a great success. The Flower Ladies excelled themselves to produce some wonderfully imaginative and colourful displays, each one depicting part of the Moses story - the Baby in the Bullrushes, the Burning Bush, the Ten Commandments, the Passover, the Parting of the Red Sea, the Pillar of Cloud and Fire, the Tabernacle, Moses death overlooking the Promised Land and many others were portrayed.

Thousands of visitors came and we had so many wonderful comments from them as they left the church, one saying that the only topic of conversation at their hotel was the Flower Festival!

Despite not being able to charge for admission into the church the Festival made €8,000 for local charities.

Next year's Flower Festival will be held on 22nd,23rd and 24th April 2009 and the theme will be the Footsteps of St. Paul.