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 morning, Mike will be sharing thoughts about Joy. We will also hear testimony from the Ladies Day at Assington Hall last Saturday.
In the evening we have our Carols by Candlelight. – if you are able to help with serving refreshments please speak to Andrea or Jo.
Thank you
Gifts for Social Services – Thank you so much for the amazing gifts and wrapping paper which were brought last Sunday for Social Services.
Community Christmas Cards – Thank you to everyone who has delivered the Community Christmas cards around the neighbourhood. Let’s pray that they will stir people to come and explore the true meaning of the season.
Christmas lunch – Thank you to everyone who prepared, served, set up tables, washed up and cleared away on Tuesday for the wonderful Christmas lunch. Thank you too to Prue and Kate for their musicianship leading the carol singing.
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
Our final Advent Reflection will be on Wednesday evening 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.
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.”
Christmas Eve Morning Service – Sunday 24th December
Jill and Joe write “Christmas Eve morning service is going to be a primary school-style Nativity play, hosted by Joe Robbins. The cast has been assembled so do not fear! Yet we will require vocal audience participation as we go, so bring your best voices with you. You may have read on Facebook already that we’d also love it if you could come dressed as a Nativity character. No acting required – it’s just for atmosphere and fun. If you ever wanted to be Mary, why not wear something blue? Shepherds can come with tea towels appropriately fixed to heads, and kings should provide their own crowns. If you’d like to be an innkeeper, dress in Bethlehem 1st century fashion, and if you’re an angel or total star, then wings or tinsel will suffice. This nativity will have a distinctly primary school feel – we can even promise you recorders playing Away in a Manger! Anything goes really – if you want to come as an animal, any suitable onesie or dressing up clothes will do – we all know there were both lobsters and dinosaurs in that stable long ago… but do enter into the fun of the morning, we all hope it will be a real blessing for us all.”
Youth and Drop in update and prayer
Last week we had our church youth group Christmas meal. Particular thanks to Esther for cooking, and Kate for organising games.
At the Drop-in, we are now averaging 20 per session. We are already seeing changes in them. So far the Drop-in has been peaceful. Please pray that this continues into the New Year.
If you would be interested in visiting the Drop-in, to see what is happening, please do let me know.
Thanks Joe
Church chairs
The chairs need to be moved on Monday morning this week (9.30 am), ready for the Drop-in in the afternoon. If you are able to help with this please let Joe know.
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.