Dear Church Friends,
Hello. I wonder how many of you saw the wonderful sunset on Monday. The Welsh hills were clearly silhouetted in the distance against the backdrop of the red sky. I wished I had a suitable camera on which to capture this spectacular sight. It was uplifting and reminded me of these words I read recently: There can be few things more awe-inspiring- and more difficult to reproduce – than a sunset in all its glory. Painters and photographers have tried with varying degrees of success.
But the Scottish preacher and writer George MacDonald took another approach. He wanted to inspire a similar feeling in people by loving them and showing them how cherished they were by the One who created the sun and the sky, the night and the day.
“If I can put one touch of rosy sunset into the life of any man or woman,” he wrote, “I shall feel that I have worked with God.” What more beautiful work could there be?
As we welcome the period of Advent, I should like to thank Marion and Peter for sourcing, erecting and putting the myriad lights on the lovely Christmas tree that now adorns the front of our church. Once again it is a symbol of things to come and a source of light and hope for the future. We look forward to welcoming you to join us for our Advent and Christmas services.
Our Worship on Sunday 28th November at 10.45am will be led by the Worship Group.
Bible readings are from the Good News Bible. Psalm 25: 1-10 and 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13
This service will be followed by the Church AGM which will be held in the church.
The meeting will start after a short break during which coffee/tea will be served in the church. Please sign the attendance sheet which will be passed round. Non-members are welcome to stay for the meeting but only members have a vote.
Our Worship on Sunday 5th December at 10.45am will be led by Eileen Garfitt and will include Communion at which Val Atkinson will Preside. To make it easier for the stewards to serve you, would you please sit in alternate pews.
Appeal for Christmas Toys
As we did last year, we are appealing for toys for disadvantaged children in our area.
There may be many children in our area for whom Christmas will be a dire time with a shortage of presents due to no fault of their own or their parents. Can you help? Anything suitable you can provide would be much appreciated. Suggestions are: the obvious toys, but particularly gifts for
Teenage Children, plus hats, gloves and scarves, sweets and selection boxes, gifts for teenagers like smellies, etc.
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
At the end of the financial year, 31st December, ALL the money in the account will be sent to the Leprosy Mission and we will start again in the new year.
To avoid counting and banking of money near to Christmas, please would people return their collection box to Linda by 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.
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.
Real Advent Calendar
This is the final day to obtain a Real Advent Calendar from Janet S.
A prayer by Elizabeth Gozney
Dear Lord, I’ve been so busy, I’ve not had time to say
A thank you for the happiness that I’ve enjoyed today!
We all like looking forward to life’s most pleasant things,
And fill each special moment with the memories it brings.
Yet when beset with problems we find some time for prayer,
Because we know God listens and shows his constant care.
Could we not then remember to spare the time to say
A thank you for the pleasure that we’ve received today.
Let us pray
Dear Lord Jesus,
As we enter the period of advent remembering the story of Jesus’ birth in a stable in Bethlehem, let us pray for all those around the world who live in a place of conflict or turmoil where life is difficult and stressful. We give thanks for the comforts we have been blessed with. Help us to see others through Your eyes. In Jesus’ name. Amen
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
