Weekly news for 18.12.22

Dear Friends

We very much look forward to gathering together as we get ready to celebrate Christmas over the coming week

A little word

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning his Son.                              Romans 1.1-3a

As we rush into Christmas mode, we will miss the readings for Advent 4. The opening lines of Romans show us the hinge, the transition from what we call the Old and New Testaments. The promise of the prophets, the hope that they have been holding out, becomes the gospel, good news. The good news of God, the good news concerning his Son.

In a time when it feels like a lot of bad news, let’s celebrate the ultimate Good News.

Things to pray for

  • Give thanks that good news is here
  • For all those caring for the vulnerable at this time of year.
  • For those who have lost a loved one this year, for their first Christmas missing them.

Services

Scratch Nativity in Christ Church at 10am.

Come and join the Christmas story in costume as your favourite character.

Refreshments to follow. 

Sunday evening at 7pm.

Carols by Candlelight. Favourite Carols and readings.

Mulled Wine and Mince Pies afterwards.

10am on Thursday 

Holy Communion with Carols. Coffee after – no Lunch Club until the New Year.

Christmas services

If you would like to help with Mulled Wine & Mince Pies after the Carols by Candlelight, please see Pip or Ali. Contributions of Mince Pies (homemade or bought) would be appreciated.

Flyers with all these details are available on the welcome desk.

Advent Course – Thursdays

7.00 arrivals for 7.15 start, finish by 8.45, in the lounge.  

The course is ‘Travelling Light’ and it focuses on the comings and goings of biblical characters, particularly in passages related to Advent and Christmas, to see what light they shed on our own Christian journeys.

New service pattern from January

In January we will be going back to having two services in the morning. At 9.15am, there will be a more informal offering with more discussion and group participation; at 10.30am we will meet broadly as we do at present with CoGs running too.

Keeping up

Reminders of contact details:

Maureen (for admin queries).    office@pitsmoor.church, 07765 232789.

Pip (for everything else!).             vicar@pitsmoor.church, 07799944436.

Earlier news

Previous editions of this news update are on the website if you can’t find it in your in-box.