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Newsletter for week commencing
SUNDAY 30th August 2026
13th after Trinity
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Many of you will know that after 5 and half years as Assistant Chaplain, tomorrow I will leave Portugal to start a new job. Many of you may not know that as well as being a priest, I have worked for the Diocese in Europe as their strategic lead for children, youth and young adult ministry. For the past 2 years I have been developing a strategy that will allow chaplaincies across Europe to grow this ministry and become younger.
My new role is with the Diocese in Norwich, where I will be their lead for Growing Younger, again helping to develop a strategy for children, youth and young adult ministry. I am suspicious of this term. It makes me think that the Church of England has developed an alternative to anti-aging cream!! "Come to church, and you will grow younger!" But at its heart is a desire for the church to attract more young people into the church, many of whom, it is hoped, will go on to be future leaders with the Church of England. And after all, Jesus was in his thirties when he started his public ministry, and the disciples were not much older. Some were just teens!!
However, this is not to exclude those of a more mature age. As I mention in the sermon this week, when Jesus rebuked Peter, my feeling is that it was because Peter missed completely what Jesus needed at this time, as he was turning in his journey towards the cross. What he needed, was ´team disciples´ behind him. Everyone pulling together in the same direction, travelling together, encouraging each other and especially Jesus.
If the church is to survive, and I believe it will, it too has to pull together. The church is first, God´s and second the people´s, entrusted by God to his people to grow and transform its communities. But this will only happen if everyone pulls in the same direction. People putting aside their own desires and wishes, listening and respecting the views of others, praying and seeking the will of God. This is the people´s church where each person has a say, has a voice, has a right to challenge. That is the sign of a church with a healthy culture when everyone is encouraged to speak up and ask question´s with an expectation to be listened too.
So, as I leave, my prayer is that the chaplaincy becomes more united in its work. That people work together, not alone. That people support each other, respect each other, recognise each other´s gifts. That people will encourage each other to use those gifts wisely, so the work does not fall on the few. Jesus needed ALL his disciples to fulfil his mission. And God needs ALL his faithful people to complete his work. Then, and only then, will you see God´s church continue to grow in Estoril, in Lisbon and in Caldas, and His kingdom continue to grow on earth. May you all be richly blessed in your ministries as God is calling you to serve.
Rev Iain
To find out more about what Iain has been doing for the Diocese, click HERE.
Please note: Rev Daleen is on annual leave until 3 September.
Rev Beth is away from 31 August to 7 September.
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A Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the people who have placed around us.
For diverse skills, unique talents and different perspectives.
Lord grant us the grace to be good teammates.
Help us to value each other´s strengths,
to support one another in our weaknesses.
Give us humility to listen, patience to understand,
and a true spirit of co-operation
Unite us in our goals.
Remove pride, gossip and division from among us,
replacing with mutual respect, kindness and clear communication.
May our work together create something greater,
Let your peace guide our actions,
and your wisdom bless our efforts.
Amen.
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Readings for Today
Jeremiah 15. 15-21
Psalm 26. 1-8
Romans 12. 9-21
Matthew 16. 21-28
To view the readings in full 
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SERVICES FOR SUNDAY AND THE COMING WEEK
To view the Service Sheets for both Sunday services
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Sunday
30th August
9:30am
See Notice below
about Sunday Club
for Children.
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St Paul's
Eucharist
Also available by Livestream via Zoom*.
To log in please 
When you log in, you will automatically be admitted to the Zoom room with your video off and your sound muted.
Meeting ID: 863 5685 4848
Passcode: 294912
Alternatively if you wish to see the
Church of England online service
please
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Sunday
30th August
11:30am
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St George's
Eucharist
This Sunday is Rev Iain's last service and will be followed by a shared lunch.
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Thursday
3rd September
12:45pm
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St George's
Holy Communion
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HIGHLIGHTED UPCOMING EVENTS
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Sunday
6th September
3.30pm
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Holy Communion,
Caldas da Rainha Anglican Community.
For more information and location please contact Rev Daleen
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Friday & Saturday
11 September 6.30pm
12 September 7.00pm
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Hampshire Combined Choir Concerts
St Paul's
St George's
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The choir will also be singing for us at the St George Sunday Eucharist on 13th Sept
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Every Wednesday
10.30am - 12.30pm
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Parent and Toddler Group, St Paul's
A place for babies and toddlers to play, explore and socialise.
Tea and coffee available for parents.
Free, just drop in.
For more information please contact Rev Daleen
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Every Thurs
10.30am - 12.30pm
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Coffee In the Library, St Paul's
Everyone is welcome, just drop in and we will be pleased to see you!
On Thursdays from 11am to 12pm join us for Portuguese conversation. Any level welcome!
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To see all the events in the Chaplaincy at a glance:
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Ecumenical Day to celebrate Creation Season
On Saturday 19th September, the Lusitanian Church and the network "Caring for our Common Home" are hosting a day in Lisbon for Christian communities across Lisbon. It will begin in the church of St Mark in Salvaterra de Magos at 11.30am and conclude at 5pm. Many activities for adults and children will be arranged in the Parque de Escaroupim, next to the Tejo. It will be a lovely opportunity to join with our Portuguese ecumenical neighbours. Speaking Portuguese will be a great help, but Google translate has an audio version that will text you an English translation as someone speaks and 1:1 many people speak English.
More details for follow, but if you´re interested, please save the date!
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A Date for Confirmation
I am delighted to announce that Bishop Robert will be visiting the chaplaincy for a confirmation service at St George's on Sunday 6th December. Those of you who have been waiting to be confirmed or received into the Church of England, please keep the date!
I will be arranging further confirmation preparation this term so do be in touch to register your interest.
More information about the visit to follow nearer the time.
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There will be no Sunday Clubs during August, as we go through the holiday season. We would still love to have children with us during August: do look out for activity sheets and simple crafts at the back of each church.
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Lay learning course (online) - sign up now for September
The hugely popular ‘Walking together in faith’ online course from the Diocese is now open to everyone in congregations across Europe. A fantastic opportunity to deepen your faith and understanding and connect with others.
With online, fortnightly sessions from Sept 8th through to June 2027, this course helps delve deeper into our faith together in 4 modules: knowing God, growing in Christ, building community and living beyond ourselves. Meet people from across our diocese in the discussion groups.
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Good Stewards Series (Sunday Sermons)
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Community Fund
Remember that you can support members of our church community who are struggling with moving to Portugal, by donating to the Community Fund. This work and fund is an important part of the chaplaincy´s mission. If you would like to donate or want to find out more, please speak to Asha, Iain or Beth.
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Lisbon Anglicans WhatsApp Community
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