Dear friends
On the first day of Advent I am reminded again that beginnings matter. The 24/7 prayer app today highlights a beginning for the young boy Samuel when he first heard God’s voice.
“The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am!” (1 Samuel 3:3)
It is encouragement that no matter how we feel today, ‘the lamp of God has not gone out’ and he calls us again to settle in Him and listen to His voice.
We want to hear God’s voice in all the activities over the next few weeks and encourage others to draw near to Him too.
After starting the decorating of church this evening, we welcome Steel Crazy to play Christmas Carols and songs along with Christmas refreshments tomorrow 1.30-3.30.
On Sunday we meet for Café Church as we look at the theme of Comfort and Joy and in the light of what we have been learning over the last few weeks as we look forward to Advent and Christmas. It’s 11-12midday in church and online.
Rock solid for youth is 7-8pm in church on Sunday night.
Monday 4th December – Beacon café – 10-12
Tuesday 5th December – Stepping stones for under 5’s and their carers/parents 10-11.30
Tuesday 5th December afternoon house group in the church building– see Rod/Howard
Tuesday 5th December – 7.30pm in church – leadership team meeting
Wednesday 6th December– lunch club – see Rachel Beadle for more information
Wednesday 6th December – 7.30pm house group in the building and online on zoom. See Ruth /Andy Berry or Shelley
Thursday 7th December– 2-4pm warm space and craft group – all welcome
Thursday 7th December 7- 9pm The Thursday night bible study in the building – see Gareth Gadd
Friday 8th December Check with Carol or Robert Owen about bible study this week
Friday 8th December – House group – see Hilary/Jonathan Darling or Helen/Steve Olijnyk
Saturday 9th December – Polar Express film in church along with popcorn and hot chocolate. 6-8pm. Talk to Adam Argyle if you want more information or can help. Or get in touch with Claire Taylor or Lesley.
Sunday 10th December – 11am service in church with communion.
Saturday 16th of December 1-3pm in church, £8 per wreath. There are limited spaces so please book your place with Lesley if you are planning on coming. Do invite friends
All-age nativity service will be on the 17th December. Watch this space…
All-age Christingle service in candlelight on Christmas Eve afternoon at 4.30pm.
Christmas Day we will have an all-age worship service together to celebrate Emmanuel, God with us. If you play an instrument or sing you’d be welcome to join in on that day to play the carols.
Do pray about all these events and services and bring your friends, family, neighbours along.
I have attached a copy of the Christmas Card. They have been professionally printed and you can pick one up in church. Do share on your social media too. A banner will be going up this week.
Finally we often have a Christmas appeal at this time. This year it has been suggested that we make small Christmas hampers for those who may need them locally this Christmas. We regularly have people coming into the building now who we are getting to know who come for conversation, food and help. If you think you can help we are looking for people to buy
A box of mincepies
chocolates
Bubble bath/shower gel
Coffee/tea/hot chocolate
Biscuits
Jam
You don’t have to buy all this, just one thing each is really welcomed. Please check dates before you buy food so that the food will last as long as it can as some may not go out until just before Christmas. You can start to bring things to Lesley or in church from Sunday 3rd December. We will need a bit of help putting these together so again if you would like to help do let us know