The people walking in darkness have seen a great light, on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2
Dear All,
This Sunday we welcome Rev Mark Ambrose to take our service.
We will also be receiving the gifts for Social Services.
Sheila writes “We have once again been asked to support the young adults in Colchester who are no longer in care, but are in supported living accommodation. These young people have no family to turn to and have to live on a very limited budget.
Most are still in education so they receive benefits from social services from which they have to pay for their flat, food, energy bills and travel to college. Mentors are on hand to teach them skills they need to survive on their own, like budgeting and how to apply for jobs.
Day to day life for these young people is often very stressful as they try to cope on their own in an adult world. Basic food, clothes and toiletries are all they can afford.
To make this a special time of year for these people in our town, we have been asked to give biscuits, chocolates, toiletries, gloves, scarves, jewellery or any other gift you feel they would appreciate. Please do not wrap the gifts so that each present can be allocated to the appropriate person. A roll of wrapping paper would be most welcome.”
Community Christmas Cards
The Community Christmas cards are available in the foyer, thank you to Kathy and Robin for all the counting. These need to be delivered this week so please take a road (or two) and deliver these. Thank you.
Nativity Trail
Thank you to everyone who helped with the Nativity Trail last Sunday afternoon. We had over 120 people through the doors which was amazing!
Christmas Cards
We have made a space available on the noticeboard in the foyer for those who would prefer to leave one card addressed to the church family rather than to send individual ones.
Advent Reflections
Each Wednesday evening during Advent, we will have an opportunity to gather together on Zoom to take some time out from the busyness for worship, prayer, silence and reflection. Everyone is very welcome. This isn’t like a homegroup where we discuss a bible passage or theme – we will spend time in silence reflecting on the music and words and listening to God.
Christmas lunch
We will be serving a Christmas hot buffet lunch this Tuesday, 12th December 2023 at 12.30. All Welcome. Please sign up on the sheet in the foyer if you would like to join us or are able to help. There will be no charge for the meal but a basket for donations and the card reader will be available. Thanks Andrea.
Calling all Christingle Elves!
Rachael writes “It’s that time of year again! As those of you who have previously been involved know, we have a small but dedicated team of elves who help prepare the Christingles ready for the Christmas Eve service. We would be very grateful for any help this year please – we will prepare the bags directly after the morning service on Christmas Eve – hopefully it should take no more than an hour and is a nice way to start Christmas! If anyone is able to help, please can you let me know (coombesrachael@gmail.com). Thank you very much, Rachael.”
Church chairs
Joe writes “As you are aware, the toddler group and the drop-in on Mondays are both already having a big impact on our local community, not only in terms of the lives of those we serve, but also in terms of cultivating social capital for the church moving forward. This is possible because of the sacrifices made by a number of people – one of whom gives up her entire day on a Monday. To make this sustainable, and to support those who are serving on Mondays, I am setting up a team to move the chairs. In a nutshell, would you be able to help support us, either by joining a team to move chairs on Sunday, half an hour after the service finishes, or to help set the church back up on Tuesday mornings at 9:15am. When it is just one person doing it, it can take quite a long time. But when there are a number of us, we can get it done within half an hour or so. Please do let me know if you think you’d be able to help. joerobbins2013@gmail.com Thanks Joe”
This week
There will be prayer meetings on Wednesday and Saturday mornings at 9.30 am. Zoom details will be e-mailed early in the week together with the link for the Wednesday evening Advent Reflection.
With love and blessings.
