Dear Friends
Do please also check in with the facebook page www.facebook.com/ccpitsmoor/ and website www.pitsmoor.church/ during the week as things do change!
A little word
Jesse’s family is like a tree that has been cut down. A new little tree will grow from its stump. From its roots a Branch will grow and produce fruit. Isaiah 11.1 (NIRV)
Isaiah prophesied in a time filled with gloom and despondency. This Messianic promise, one we often have read at Carol services, holds out hope. The trials of the last 18 months with Covid, the shockwaves from Brexit, or the fear of catastrophic climate change can seem like immense worries. Without wanting to belittle the seriousness of those issues we need to remind ourselves that we believe in a God of hope who can change things, not least you and me. The promised Messiah came; changed everything; and left his Spirit as a sign of hope within us.
Things to pray for
- Give thanks for the hope that lives in you.
- for all who grieve the loss of loved ones.
- for the continued fight against racism and discrimination.
Services
In-Church worship Sunday at 10am. Morning Worship with CoGs group for primary children.
Face coverings please and be especially conscious of how some people will still want to be cautious.
You can also watch by live-stream on the church facebook page.
This week’s readings are: Revelation 1.4b-8 & John 18.33-37
From 5.30
Quiet space for remembering loved ones we have lost, short Act of Worship at 6.30
10am on Thursday
Holy Communion in Church
Service details update
At the PCC on Monday, we reviewed where we are. Thank you for all those who have given us feedback.
At the moment it seems sensible to carry on in the morning as we are for a little longer. December is always different anyway. We are trying to have a variety of styles and, to put it bluntly, it is impossible to please everyone. I’m so pleased about the comments that value being together as more important than doing it my way. Worship is about giving and receiving after all.
A change of pace for Advent
We are planning to do a short reflective service each Sunday evening during Advent. Look out for details.
Giving
Thank you to everyone who contributes financially to the work of the church.
If you are used to giving by the envelope scheme and would like to continue like this, please see Karen Rodgers who can give you a set of envelopes.
If you would like to know about how to give through the bank or use the Parish Giving Scheme speak to Karen (giftaid@pitmoor.church) or Bernadette (treasurer@pitsmoor.church) or Pip (vicar@pitsmoor.church).
Finally, a reminder that peoples financial circumstances change. If you have signed a gift-aid declaration, please let us know if you cease to be a taxpayer. Alternatively, if you are a taxpayer and have never signed one, please talk to us so that we can recover the tax paid on your gifts.
Remembering those we have lost – 21 November
In the evening we will have the church open from 5.30pm for those who would like to light a candle or record a name of someone they have lost. This time will be quiet and unled and will be suitable for those of any faith or none. Folk can just pop in for as long or short a time as they need. At 6.30pm we will have a short act of Christian worship to draw it all together. Please get this message out to those you know who are grieving or would want to mark or remember someone. If someone would like us to do it on their behalf, because they can’t attend, they can contact Pip to leave details.
Ecclesfield & Hallam Deanery Event
Christ Church is hosting this on Tuesday 30 November, 7-9pm. Open to all to hear from and engage with Bishop Pete and members of the Senior Staff Team.
If you could help with refreshments or stewarding, please see Pip.
‘Granddads and Grandmas, Uncles and Aunts.’
All are needed in bringing up children… in fact.. someone said a child needs a whole Church-full of people to bring them up happy and healthy!
Being alongside children in their journey of faith is demanding but totally awesome. We are very grateful to have a great Children of God team developing… but they are going to be over-stretched with- out a few more helpers… especially Granddads and Uncles. Please consider: could God be calling you to this very important ministry? If you are wondering… have a chat to Joanne, Sara, Pip… one of the team…We need you!
Earlier news
Previous editions of this news update are on the website if you can’t find it in your in-box.