A warm welcome to you on this Advent Sunday. Please do join us after the service to share in a cup of tea or coffee. All ages are welcome at St. Mary’s, children included. There is also a crèche in the Octagon for the very young if you need it. If this is your first time with us, please do fill in the slip at the end of the newsletter, so that we can keep in touch with you. St Mary’s is fitted with a hearing loop system. Members of the congregation who have a hearing aid with a ‘T’ switch will find that they can hear better when it is switched to ‘T’.
Advent Tea
Today and for the next two Sundays afterwards (10th & 17th December)
Pennie and Malcolm will be hosting an Advent Tea here at St Mary’s
between 3. 45 pm and 5 pm. You are welcome to drop in and have some tea
and cake and chat. We shall mark the season by beginning with a short
prayer and light the Advent candle (s) appropriate to the week. Then we
shall have tea. Some cake will be provided but please don’t let
that stop you bringing something if you can! Your presence rather than
your cake will be more appreciated though!
At 5 pm we will conclude with a short Act of Worship
which will constitute our Evening Prayers (so there will be no Evening
Prayer at 6.30 pm).
Please come along if you would like and enjoy some time just to chat.
Stewardship Envelopes
New envelopes are available for all those who use stewardship envelopes.
Please ensure you take them away with you today. If you would like to
join the envelope scheme, or want to know more about it, please have a
word with Jean Hudson.
Yellow & Green Prayer Cards
Every Sunday, you will receive two prayer cards at the door. You may wish
to use one or both of them during or after the service. For example, cards
filled in during the service may be placed on the offertory plate. Please
return unused cards to the table in the foyer.
Coffee Club
In December the Coffee Club meets only once on Wednesday 13th December
at 10.45 am. All Welcome. Gwen and Audrey
St Mary’s Christmas Card
We will be producing our Annual Christmas Card again this year. For a
donation a message can be inserted into the card which will be given to
each member of the congregation on December 24th.
For something like 10 years we have suggested a donation of £1,
but hope this year that people will feel somewhat more generous.
PCC have not as yet chosen a local charity and would value some suggestions
from members of the congregation. Please see Malcolm, Pennie or the wardens
about any suggestions you may have.
Poppy Appeal
Thank you very much for helping with the Poppy Appeal. A total of £53.35
was raised in our collection box. Without your help, the Royal British
Legion would be unable to continue with their vital welfare and benevolent
work. Thank you.
Advance Notice of Christmas Services
December 24th 10 am Parish Communion with Nativity
3.30 pm Christingle
7 pm Carols & Communion
December 25th 8 am Holy Communion
10 am Christmas Communion
Advent Sunday
Collect: Almighty God, as your kingdom dawns, turn us from the darkness of sin to the light of holiness, that we may be ready to meet you in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
First Reading: Jeremiah 33. 14-16 [8 am only]
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3. 9-13 [8 am only]
Gospel Reading: Luke 21. 25-36 [8 am only]
Post Communion Prayer: O Lord our God, make us watchful and keep us faithful as we await the coming of your Son our Lord; that, when he shall appear, he may not find us sleeping in sin but active in his service and joyful in his praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
This week beginning 3rd December 2006
Advent Sunday
8 am Holy Communion
10 am “Worship For All” - Toy Service
3.45 pm Advent Tea
5 pm Evening Worship
Monday 9 am Morning Prayer
7 pm Parish Office
Tuesday 9 am Morning Prayer
Wednesday 10 am Holy Communion
Thursday 9 am Morning Prayer
Saturday 9.30 am Morning Prayer
Sunday 10th December
8 am Holy Communion
10 am Parish Communion, Junior Church and Lazers
3.45 pm Advent Tea
5 pm Evening Worship
