Dear Friends,
Do please note down all our Christmas Services.
A little word
But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance… Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; 2 Peter 3.8,9,14 (NIV)
Maybe it is because of the atrocities being done in Gaza being presented nightly in front of us, but I have become more aware this year of the repeated calls in the scriptures for us to be peacemakers and reconcilers. The New Testament writers often tell us not to get caught out when Christ returns unexpectedly. Here Peter tells us that Jesus should ‘catch us out’ living at peace. How the world needs us to be modelling that, to be praying for that, and to be challenging the voices of violence from wherever they come.
Things to pray for
- Give thanks for the example of Jesus who calls us to peace with God and one another.
- For parliament, that they might agree to treat migrants fairly and compassionately.
- For all the opportunities in schools for young and old to hear the Christmas story.
Sunday services
9.15am Sunday Gathering
10.30am Holy Communion
Advent 2
The readings are Isaiah 40.1-11 & Mark 1.1-8
with CoGs children’s group and refreshments to follow.
7pm Reflective service
Reflective Advent
Christmas Services
Flyers for our Christmas Services are available now. There are plenty to pass on to friends and neighbours.
Gardening stuff
Will Ross has a list of gardening/maintenance tasks that need to be done around the church grounds. Things like leaf clearing and pruning. If you could spare an hour or two, at a time to suit you in the next couple of weeks, have a word with him and we’ll allocate tasks. willross55@outlook.com
Carol Singing
Nick Edmondson is organising a Carol Sing at Woodhill Lodge on Monday 18 Dec at 3pm (arrive by 2.45). Please offer to join in. Nick would love to hear from you – 07725569380.
Pitsmoor window trail
Back by popular demand. See the creativity unfold daily in windows around the area. The map with each day’s window can be found here https://www.tinyurl.com/PitsmoorMidwinterWindows
Flower Fund
If you would like to make a donation towards the flowers for Christmas, or for later in the year, you can pass on a donation to Bernadette, or pop it in an envelope in the collection, or ask us to make a card donation via our new Contactless giving machine.
What’s on this week?
Wednesday 10am – Stay and Play – in the Welcome Centre
Wednesday 7.30pm – After 8 – at 225 Nottingham Street
Thursday 10am – Holy Communion followed by coffee and Christmas Lunch Club in the Welcome Centre.
Friday 1pm – Craft and Chat – in the Welcome Centre