Dear Church Friends,
Hello again. How are you? Lots of notices this week so only a short introduction.
We are now into the season of Advent with the lighting of the first candle last Sunday. This symbolises God’s people and is the Candle of Hope. Hope is like a light shining in a dark place.
I should like to thank those who stayed last Sunday after worship for the AGM which briefly covered what happened during 2019 and 2020 and members approved the 2019 and 2020 accounts. The minutes will be issued in due course.
Our Worship on Sunday 5th December at 10.45am will be led by Eileen Garfitt and will include Communion at which Rev Tom Pitkeathly will Preside. To make it easier for the stewards to serve you, would you please sit in alternate pews.
Bible Readings OT Malachi 3: 1 – 4 and NT Luke 1: 68 – 79
Rev Jim has issued two invitations. For more details see posters on the Dawson Hall notice board.
Mince Pies at the Manse on Monday 20th December between 1 and 4pm.
Advent Retreat starting at 9.00am at Elswick URC on Tuesday 21st December 2021.
RSVP to Rev Jim on 07484 221 809 Please let Jim know if you hope to attend either of these events.
Appeal for Christmas Toys
As we did last year, we are appealing for toys for disadvantaged children in our area.
Please bring any gifts, unwrapped, to our Christingle Service/Toy Service on Sunday 12th December, or Sunday 19th December and place them on a table, as we did at Harvest. We will ensure that they will go to where the need is greatest. Thank you.
The Leprosy Mission
A message from Linda L. re the Leprosy Mission Collecting Boxes
Please would people return their collection box to Linda by this Sunday 5th December at the latest. If you would like to make a donation to TLM please put it in an envelope with your name and ‘The Leprosy Mission’ on the front and give it to Linda. Thank you.
A Thank You Message from Janet S
“Once again I coordinated the purchasing and distribution of the Meaningful Chocolate Company Real Advent Calendar.
This is the only Fairtrade chocolate Advent calendar which includes a book for children which tells of the real meaning of Christmas.
With the profit from selling the Advent calendars and donations I was able to arrange 90 calendars to be delivered thanks to your wonderful kindness at The White Church. Other members of the Fylde Fairtrade Steering Group who attend churches across the Fylde also sold the calendars; Fairhaven, Church Road and Kirkham Methodists and St. Cuthbert’s C of E. Rev. Janet Calderley ordered 20 calendars for St. Annes URC for Messy Church. Perhaps we could all join Messy Church next year and receive a calendar!
Our 3 chosen charities; Fylde Coast Women’s Aid received 29, the Children’s Centre at Sydney Street and Blackpool , Fylde & Wyre Home Start received 61 between them.
They all expressed their thanks and were grateful for our donations.
I also gave each of them a Christmas card on behalf of our congregations and Fylde Fairtrade Steering Group. Janet S “
Christmas 2021 Services
Sunday 12th December Christingle & Toy Service Richard Golding
Sunday 19th December Nativity 10.45 am Stuart Gay
Carol Service 4pm
Friday 24th December Christmas Communion 11pm Val Atkinson
Saturday 25th December Christmas Day 10.30am Val Atkinson
There will be no church service on Sunday 26th December.
The 50 Club will resume in January
World Day of Prayer 2022
For many years Ann Bucklow has represented our church at the World Day of Prayer Service which is usually held on the first Friday in March. Ann recently received a phone call from
Eileen Beadle from The Drive Methodist Church. They are doing next year’s World Day of Prayer and there is a meeting about this on January 20th at 2pm at the Drive. Ann would like to retire from this role, so if you feel you could take it on, please contact either Ann or me.
A poem by Iris Hesselden
The year is fading quickly, Lord, a new one lies ahead,
And only You know what’s in store along the path we tread.
There could be days of happiness, of laughing in the sun,
Of great achievement and success, new projects just begun.
There may be shadows on our path with days of tears and pain,
With times when we must seek new hope and rainbows after rain.
We know the trees will bud again, we know the birds will sing,
We know that winter passes by and we will welcome spring.
And so as all the seasons change, Lord, help our spirits climb,
And let us share in love and joy, the precious gift of time.
Please join me in saying the Grace together.
May the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of God and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen
God Bless you all Ruth
