DECEMBER 2010/ JANUARY 2011

Transcription

1 DECEMBER 2010/ JANUARY 2011 THE MINISTER S LETTER My dear friends Back in the early seventies, in my home church, we held an event to celebrate the sharing of the building between ourselves and the Church of England. The Bishop was invited to speak. I remember nothing of that day, apart from what he said in his plummy upper-class voice Each one, bring one! This was his recipe for church growth. If everyone were to bring just one person next Sunday, he continued, the church would double in numbers. If that were to be repeated the next Sunday, we probably would not be able to fit everyone in. At that point we giggled uncomfortably, because a lot of people were there that day, and it was stiflingly hot already which is probably why I remember what Bishop Eric had to tell us. But here in Colindale we could easily accommodate at least one Sunday of Each one bring one. And what better a time to do so than during the run-up to Christmas! With the familiar pattern of Lessons and Carols, Candlelight Service, Christmas Eve Communion and Christmas Day family worship, we can be sure that even strangers would find something they find attractive (probably familiar, too). And as a visitor remarked to me this morning, I ve never come across a more welcoming and friendly church. So here s your challenge: which one are you bringing? (or two, or three?) In the study scheme we are following this year, the four Sundays of Advent have a particular topic: Light ; Amazement (that God cares); For ordinary people (shepherds); For the powerful (Magi). I guess that what this means for me is that He comes to each one of us, wherever we may be in our Christian journey. The word journey is important. None of us has got there yet. As it happens, I ve recently been invited to help two sets of people on their own journeys. One group I chaired last week was of thirteen ministers who left college last year, and are in their first year of ordained ministry. Some of them were honest about their need to learn; others already knew (or thought they knew) a lot about ministry. It was refreshing to listen to their reports and questions, and for us to discover how much we shared and how much we still needed to learn. Then, tomorrow, Cathy and I have been invited to meet a group of young women aged 15+ to answer their questions about our marriage, and help them in their discussions about what is involved in a long-term relationship. I expect to learn something from their perception of us. So as we join in the journeys of the shepherds and the magi, there will be an opportunity to learn more about the message brought by the angels to Mary and Joseph, and the message conveyed to us by the Person of God in the Manger. What will it be? What will we learn? Where will this year s journey take us? Wherever your own journey leads you, I pray that you will find love and peace. For our part, Cathy and I wish you all a love-filled Christmas and New Year. Revd Jim.

2 As in previous years arrangements have been made for the gifts from the Candlelight Carol Service to be taken to the Manor house Hostel in Bushey. Each year these are very much appreciated and I am hoping that your generosity will continue as it did last year. You will probably be aware that the Hostel does not have any children and, therefore, only gifts such as Tissues, Socks, tights, Hankies, Writing Paper, Aftershave, Smellies (Talc, Soap, Shower Get, etc.,) and any jewellery which you no longer want or use for the ladies. It would be helpful if you could please mark the gift for either a lady or man which will make things a lot easier for the staff at the hostel when these are delivered. I know that all the gifts will be very acceptable and it is a great help to the staff at this time of year for those who will remain at the hostel over the Christmas period and are unable to go to their own homes. Thank you again for your kindness. Vivien Crispe. BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS DURING DECEMBER 2010 AND JANUARY 2011 DECEMBER JANUARY WILLIAM VERONA PHILIP ABIOLA BAYO ANDREW RAY EILEEN ROSE OPÉ NATALIE EMMANUEL JANE JULIAN (1 st birthday) CLIFF TITUS

3 Mary Burton update An Administrator for The Hyde I m delighted to announce that the Joint Church Council / Joint Management Committee have appointed Mrs MeeMee Chai as the Administrator of our shared buildings. This means that building matters heating, leaks, damage, all that sort of stuff should in the first instance be reported to MeeMee. Most importantly, if we need to use a room, or are changing the time of existing bookings, MeeMee needs to know. MeeMee is going to use her own mobile for church work at least for the time being. The number is , and she may be contacted between a.m. and 2.00 p.m. on this number. Alternatively, a text to this number will be responded to quickly. The 2011 National Census. Next year, the United Kingdom will have its once-every-ten-years census. About 35,000 people will be needed to distribute and collect the census forms. The Hyde Churches have been asked to find workers for this. This could be a welcome opportunity to earn some extra cash near to where you live, in a concentrated few weeks around March-April time. Individuals have the choice of working 15, 25 or 37 hours a week. If you would like more information, please see Revd. Jim in the first instance. Be joyful always, pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5.16 Any of us would find it hard to follow Paul's guidance at the best of times, let alone when an accident lays us up in hospital for three months, with no end yet in sight. Mary had a fall at home at the end of August which left her with a dislocated shoulder and broken arm and since then she has been in Edgware hospital with periods at Barnet for tests and surgery. For the first month in Edgware Mary was in a ward on her own and for the most of the rest of the time has been in a ward of four. Not being keen on TV, this has given her a lot of time to be quiet and reflect on her situation. Mary has already faced more surgery and hospital time in her life than most of us ever will, and she has been able to draw on this experience for comfort knowing that healing takes time and that pain and discomfort can be endured. I did not know Mary well before visiting her in hospital, but her calm acceptance of her situation has been a lesson in letting go of what we cannot control or change. The dreadful accident forty years ago that changed Mary's life for ever has now become 'the best thing that happened' something that could only be recognised at a distance and after the years of physical and emotional trauma that followed. Even with the distance of years it is an amazing statement to make. It is a powerful statement of faith: the worst thing transformed into the best thing, through God's healing and transforming power. At the time of writing Mary is facing more surgery at Barnet hospital on Monday (29 th November) a partial shoulder replacement and then back to Edgware for more rest and physio before being able to return home. Thanks to Cathy, for chivvying the two hospitals involved, who seemed to have difficulty communicating between themselves, leading to frustrating delays to date. Most important to Mary, in her recovery, is to still be able to drive in order to keep her independence. Keep Mary in your prayers for her recovery and God's healing and also in thanks for her quiet ministry in the hospital to the staff and other patients. She is looking forward to being back with us soon. Toni Anthony

4 MONEY MATTERS OFFERINGS DURING OCTOBER 2010 OCTOBER 2010 Oct Cash Envelopes Total 3 rd Oct th Oct th Oct th Oct We are very grateful to members of our Church who have given donations for our flowers during the year. It makes a real difference to the feel of our Church and enhances our worship. Please keep the donations coming in for 2011 and let Sheila Mortimore know if there are any additional dates required. We thank the following for their donations during - 31 st Oct DECEMBER 2010 TOTALS , COMMUNION OFFERINGS Communion Offerings during NOVEMBER/DECEMBER will be made on behalf of the CORNERSTONE BOOKSHOP. This is our local Christian Bookshop in Finchley which provides us with much of our Teaching aids and Christian books for the church. The Bookshop is very useful and helpful to both adults and children at The Hyde. COMMUNION OFFERINGS OUR COMMUNION OFFERINGS DURING JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2011 WILL 1, CONTINUE TO BE MADE ON BEHALF OF THE CORNERSTONE BOOKSHOP. Mr. & Mrs. C. Thompson M. & Mrs. Mortimore Mr. & Mrs. Theuri Mr. C. Brown JANUARY 2011 Mrs. M. Vizor - (Née Brownsell) Mrs. M. Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Eddisford We also thank the following team of flower arrangers who have very kindly come along each week during the year to put on such attractive displays Pam Maycock Vivien Crispe Sheila Mortimore Susan Day Christina Eddisford ****************************

5 CHRISTMAS ARRANGEMENTS All our Christmas activities are listed within the Diary column. We do so hope that you will feel able to join us as we celebrate Christmas over a meal, in our Carol Singing, with Mulled Wine or in any of our Services. Chris Mortimore CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR GREETINGS. On behalf of the Church I would like to wish all those who read our Messenger, whether within the fellowship or through the post, or on the internet, a Very Happy and Joyous Christmas and a New Year full of God s Blessings. Chris Mortimore COLINDALE SCHOOL One event over Christmas is a repeat of last year when Year 6 children are coming to church to sing Carols on Wednesday, 8 th December at 10 a.m. It was most enjoyable last year so if you want a treat come and support the children and listen to them sing. Chris Mortimore MULLED WINE Just the usual warning that Cathy and Jim will be at home on Saturday 18 th December and will be delighted to offer mulled wine & mince pies to all our friends. Starts a.m., finishes at See you then! ********************* Send a message of hope (Amnesty International) As in previous years, the older children in Junior Church, will be sending Christmas cards to prisoners of conscience. If you, too, would like to add an extra card to your Christmas list, please ask me for a booklet. The Amnesty slogan is: Better to light a candle than curse the darkness. Cathy Gould

6 PREACHING PLANS for - DECEMBER 2010 DECEMBER th Dec a.m. - Mr. C. Mortimore 12 th Dec a.m. - LESSONS AND CAROLS Rev. J. Gould 6.30 p.m. - Communion Rev. J. Gould 19 th Dec a.m. - Communion Rev. J. Gould 26 th Dec a.m. - Rev. J. Gould JANUARY nd Jan a.m. - Rev. J. Gould 9 th Jan a.m. - Mr. Keith Berry 6.30 p.m. - Communion Rev. J. Gould 16 th Jan a.m. - Communion Rev. J. Gould 23 rd Jan a.m. - Rev. J. Gould 30 th Jan a.m. - Songs of Praise Rev. J. Gould FEBRUARY th February a.m. - Mr. Keith Berry PREACHING ENGAGEMENTS FOR CHRIS MORTIMORE Please pray for Chris as he leads Worship at the following venues during December 2010 and January DECEMBER th Dec a.m. The Hyde 12 th Dec a.m. - Chesterfield Road JANUARY th Jan a.m. - Chesterfield Road 23 rd Jan a.m. - Friern Barnet 30 th Jan a.m. - Northwood Hills. DECEMBER 2010 DIARY FOR DECEMBER 2010 AND JANUARY 2011 Wed. 1 st p.m. - Lunchtime Service p.m. - Contemplative Prayer Thurs. 2 nd p.m. - Hyde-De-Hi Christmas Lunch Fri. 3 rd a.m. - Toddler Group Sat. 4 th - 12 Noon - Christmas Dinner Sun. 5 th p.m. - A Great Light Wed. 8 th a.m. - Children from Colindale School Sing Carols 1.15 p.m. - Lunchtime Service 7.30 p.m. - House Group Party Fri. 10 th a.m. - Toddler Club Sat. 11 th p.m. - Christmas Community Sing Song followed by Tea Sun. 12 th a.m. - Lessons and Carols Wed. 15 th 1.15 p.m. - Lunchtime Service 7.30 p.m. - Elders Meeting Thurs. 16 th p.m. - Hyde-De-Hi Christmas Party 6.30 p.m. - Carol Singing outside Sainsbury. Fri. 17 th a.m. - Toddler Club Sat. 18 th a.m. to 1 p.m. - Mulled Wine and Mince Pies at The Manse 2.30 p.m. - Carol Singing at Whitchurch Lodge Sun. 19 th p.m. - Candlelight Carol Service. Wed. 22 nd p.m. - Lunchtime Service Fri. 24 th p.m. - Christmas Eve Communion Sat. 25 th a.m. - CHRISTMAS DAY CELEBRATION Wed. 29 th p.m. - Lunchtime Service Fri. 31 st p.m. - New Year s Eve Communion JANUARY DIARY DATES CONTINUED OVERLEAF..

7 January Diary continued JANUARY 2011 Wed. 5 th p.m. - Lunchtime Service 7.00 p.m. - Contemplative Prayer Thurs. 6 th p.m. - Hyde-De-Hi Fri. 7 th a.m. - Toddler Club Wed. 12 th a.m. - House Group 1.15 p.m. - Lunchtime Service 7.15 p.m. - House Group Fri. 14 th a.m. - Toddler Group Sat. 15 th p.m. - Church Meeting Wed. 19 th p.m. - Lunchtime Service Thurs. 20 th p.m. - Hyde-De-Hi Fri. 21 st a.m. - Toddler Club Wed. 26 th a.m. - House Group 1.15 p.m. - Lunchtime Service 7.15 p.m. - House Group Fri.. 28 th a.m. - Toddler Club CHURCH MEETING Our Church Meeting will be held on Saturday, 15 th January 2011 at 2 p.m. We do ask that ALL Church Members make every effort to attend this meeting. It is an opportunity to share in the life of our Church as we make decisions for the continuation of our Fellowship. Chris Mortimore Church Secretary ************************************** VALENTINE S BREAKFAST A date for your 2011 Diary. On Saturday 19 th February 2011 at 9 a.m. there will be a Valentine s Breakfast to which Ladies of the Church will be invited. Our two Housegroups recommence for the Spring Session on Wednesday 12 th January. Both groups would welcome new members, so if you feel you would like to join one or other of the Housegroups, please speak to our Minister, Jim, or to me when we will be able to accommodate you. Chris Mortimore HENDON ROOM On behalf of the Church I would like to thank all those who had any part in the arrangements for, or actual work, in the renewing of The Hendon Room. If you haven t seen it, then it is worth a look It really is lovely. So, thank you all for making it so Warm and Comfortable. Chris Mortimore

8 Message from the Editor As we did last year there will be a New Year s Eve Party which will be held in the Community Hall at 8 p.m. This will be followed by our New Year s Eve Communion in the Church at p.m. Please come along and join us for fellowship and some fun. This month has been pretty hectic and I am rushing to try and put The Messenger out before we get too far into December!! I hope it is working and that I have managed to cover everything for the next two months. Like Cathy I thought there would be lots of time to get organised but that time is running out faster than I expected. Anyway, I do hope everyone has a very happy and peaceful Christmas and a good New Year in ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ May I have all material for the February issue of The Messenger by no later than Sunday, the 23 rd January Keep the articles coming in please. Thank you. Vivien Crispe POST OFFICE SCAM This is for everyone to note so that you are not caught out. A card is posted through your door from a Company called P.D.S. (Parcel Delivery Service) saying they were unable to deliver a parcel to you and that you must phone (a Premium Rate Number). DO NOT call this number as it is a Mail Scam originating in Belize. If you phone it will cost you 315. Chris Mortimore BE WARNED.

9 Our SPOTLIGHT this month is on our Church Secretary - Christopher Mortimore. I spent a fascinating evening with our Church Secretary recently. A cup of tea, a biscuit and a three hour chat later, I feel I ve still only scratched the surface. This month s spotlight falls on Chris Mortimore. Tell us about your early days attending school and church I was born 7 th July 1938 in Cheltenham and Gloucester where my father was pastor of a small evangelical church. He had been a missionary in Spain till the Spanish Civil War, before attending Bible College. My first years were spent at a Baptist church not being very academic, I failed my 11plus- just after we moved to Rochester and was put in a school there. I joined Youth Fellowship was converted at 13 and baptised at 15 by my father. Even this early on I felt called to go into the ministry. Dad had to pull some strings to get me through my O-Levels, planning to go to theological college after. One cannot however, cram 4 yrs of grammar education into 18 months- I came away with one O-Level in Geography! I met a policeman friend who suggested police work. I got into the police and soon after got called up for National Service. As I was still training, this was put to one side. I passed out from training school as a cadet at 18yrs and posted in Harlesden, then to Willesden after taking the Pledge of Allegiance to the Queen on my 19 th birthday. How did you meet your wife Sheila? Sheila is ex Salvation Army (there ll be more about Sheila in a future Spotlight I m sure!) A friend and I plotted to go to a huge dance school where we took dancing lessons. It just so happened Sheila and her sister were there. A friendship blossomed, as did a romance and dad married us on the 5 th May 1960 at Brondesbury Baptist in Kilburn. We lived in a flat in Willesden: our first daughter Caroline was born in 1961, followed by Helen in 64. We moved to Dollis Hill and then to Poolsford Road, where we are now. We still attended Brondesbury, but as family life took hold (the girls were under the watchful eye of our own Joyce Field in Girls Brigade), we transferred our membership in 1971 to The Hyde. Jonathan arrived in 1972, and lives in America with his wife and two children. Life as a policeman, a church goer, a family man...what happened to that calling to the Ministry? I had to put theological college aside thanks to my qualifications. I was a deacon at the Brondesbury church, and wanted to continue my calling at The Hyde. As a policeman and minister s son I was often invited to speak about being a policeman at womens groups. At this point a wonderful woman took me under her wing and helped me get into a college for lay preaching. A few lay preaching jobs followed, then the URC decided lay preachers ought to accredited- another course followed then lay preaching took off. I feel I ve been able to fulfill my original calling through this way. I also took the church Secretary role at The Hyde and have held it for 20years. (I think the man deserves a break!) /Continued.

10 How is church life different for our Sunday schoolers today compared to your experience at Sunday school? I went to church in the middle of a huge south London council state and had a Sunday school of 300. They would hire a train (yes, a train) to take to the Kent coast; this was at the tail end of World War Two. I like our spread of children at present - we should be exceedingly grateful for our children, I often visit churches where there is no Sunday school at all. I love seeing our children running out eager to get to their classes Any memorable moments in your time? In full flow of a sermon once, I looked up to see a Christian brother keel over into a heap on the floor. Ambulanced away,i took the congregation to a side room to pray. We could hardly just carry on where we left off...and a favourite memory is of the offering on the offering plate of an orange and a bag of crisps. How has your work as a policeman complimented your Christianity? I think police work enabled me to perform my duties in a compassionate and Christian way. It s been truly tested at times - for example being asked to go home and change for a raid on a nightclub - the things seen on this sort of work weren t very savoury Compassion obviously plays a huge part when you re standing on someone s doorstep at three in the morning to break the news of a sudden family death. I hated dealing with a young family member death - back then Sudden Infant Death syndrome (or cot death) was on the increase, yet there was little research or understanding on it. But a huge amount must have changed in your 30 years in the force? The job is very different there were so many more police on the beat. You would be marched on to parade on duty, marched up to the library, then dismissed one by one to your beat, and ordered not to speak to a fellow officer if you met. It was very strict but a camaraderie developed between you and your colleagues that was unparalleled. The other major change is motorisation. It means there is no time to talk to members of the public for officers. Teaholes are a thing of the past - where a bobby could slip into a house or a shop and have a cuppa. This is all gone and a less personalised force is in place. You must have some great stories from your career? Willesden General Hospital was a cottage hospital. Police often married nurses back then. I remember being called to a sudden death in a house: the undertakers got the body to the mortuary to find the body moaning and groaning with open eyes. A quick dash back to the hospital, one unpronounceddead patient back on the ward, but the story did the rounds of course! I remember a fellow officer disappearing down a grave dug for the next morning, whilst we were searching a cemetary for a missing child in the middle of the night. He needed lifting out. When we were issued motorbikes they d be brought by Wembley Police Station officers to the Welsh Harp reservoir. In those days it could freeze over solidly enough to ride over. However on one occasion, one of my colleagues goes straight into the not-frozen-enough water. Cue dragging frozen colleague out of water and cleaning and towing a bike to a 24hr vehicle repair. Work hard, play hard. Protective clothing in those days were dustbin lids to manage riots at the first Notting Hill Carnivals. Royal funerals and weddings and the Trooping of the Colour - I policed Charles and Diana s wedding in There was no such thing as feeding stations or special transport for the police - you had to get on the tube with everyone else, and if you wanted to eat at one of these events, you nipped to the butchers and kept a rasher of bacon and an egg under your helmet and hope the egg made it back to the station in one piece Retiring must have been quite a transition? I worked assessing thefts and accidents for a motor insurance company, then took up bailiff work, dealing with repossessions. /Continued..

11 One particularly unpleasant incident left me questioning spending time on such things especially as I was about to become a grandfather to Helen s first child, and instead turned my services to Colindale School where all 3 of our children had attended. I was put to work the very next day, reading with children. A teaching assistant type role followed, then, one day I was called into the head s office. I was relieved to find the head only wanted to ask me about joining the School Governors! This is a legal body unlike PTAs- Parent Teacher Associations. I ve been chairmen of Governors for four years now, and really enjoy the work. And lastly, where do you see yourself in ten years time?! I ve had a happy life; 3 children and 6 grand children (including Hyde s very own Luke, Joshua and Hannah Guerin) plus 4 honorary grandchildren. Ask him about this.. I can recall two colleagues who had passed away within 18months of retiring; they had not chosen to do anything with their lives after retiring I feel blessed to be so busy and keeping going with Secretary, School Governor, Choir member, Lay Preacher etc when I m supposed to be retired. Where will I be at 83? Retired from everything! Or, at least trimming responsibilities down.and enjoying the grandchildren! News from the pews. For a giggle Paul Wardrop-Day has discovered if you are guillotining a pile if pictures you should not have your teaching plan at the very bottom of it oops!! Chris and Sheila s oldest grandson Thomas, has recently stood on the hand of none other than Prince Harry. Ask the Mortimores for more information Roger s team came second in the finals of Team of the Year at work. Of course, Events won but they re high profile aren t they? Because they put all the stands out for big events. 2 ND 2 ND 2 ND On 12 th December after the community singalong we are taking the 11s and upwards of Junior Church to Hollywood Bowl for an evening of bowling and a visit to Pizza Hut. This will be a good time for our young people to spend time together. *********************** My apologies to Cathy, as in the November issue of The Messenger I said that when the new babe comes along she would be a grandmother for the second time. I got that wrong, This will be her third grandchild. Hope I have got it right this time! Vivien We say a sad goodbye to our friends Georgina, Winston and Keziah who will be going home to Ghana very shortly. Whilst we will miss them greatly, we pray for a safe trip and a happy and wonderful life there.

12 For our prayers Although Beth has been discharged from hospital for almost 3 weeks, she is still far from well. The pain from the work done on her lungs persists and the painkillers she is given cause other problems. She is still very tired and finds it hard to be up and downstairs for long. She is still feeling unable to receive visitors but has been so grateful for the cards and phone messages from us all. Please keep praying and keeping in contact with both her and Titus. Nursing may be his new career!!! Cathy xx (P.S. Since going to print Beth has gone back into hospital once again.) **************** CHARLES AND ROSE Charles collected the letter of confirmation from the Home Office saying that he and Rose were to stay for 3 years and then be granted full indefinite leave to remain. Their passports were included in the bundle. Give thanks with a grateful heart. JUST A FILLER-IN The secretary of a village church received a letter from the television license office addressed to The Present Occupier of the church, asking why there was no record of a TV license. The secretary replied, The present occupier is God. He took up residence in 1876 when His house was opened and consecrated. As he is an all-seeing God he has no need for a television set. December musings from the manse: Why is my diary so full? I really imagined that retirement would bring a gentle run up to Christmas with plenty of time to write cards, wrap presents, see friends for leisurely lunches and just generally sit back smugly in early December watching the frantic rush going on all round me. Today I sent an to 2 friends saying I had only 2 free days in my diary for anything. That was followed by a friend reminding me how lucky I was that I had so much to do and the energy to do it! So ----clearing out! None!! House hunting on the internet! None!! Time to think about this being our last Christmas at the Hyde---pushed well to the back of the mind as far too hard to even consider. Jim says Moving! Talk to me later, (he probably means August). Cathy Maria Wardrop-Day. To contribute please catch me at church, phone me on or me at -maria682639@yahoo.com.

13 THE FOLLOWING LETTER WAS RECEIVED FROM THE U.R.C. SYNOD CONCERNING DETAINEES ============= Dear Friends, As Christmas approaches we look forward to a time of love and companionship with our families and friends. However, life in detention centres will continue as usual. Around 600 men will be held in Harmondsworth and unable to spend this time with their loved ones. Please will you and your church members and friends send the men Christmas cards so that they are reminded they are not alone and that many people will remember them in their prayers. A personal message will be much appreciated by the men. Bearing in mind that they will come from many different cultures there is the need for sensitivity. Encouragement and hope for their futures come to mind. However, you will each have your own personal message to send according to your belief and experience. The cards will be displayed in the church at Harmondsworth for the men to see. Please send either one card signed by many people or encourage people to send individual cards. Please post enevelopes with cards to the Revd. Patrick Wright at the address below but address the inside of the cards to the detainees at Harmondsworth (i.e., The Detainees at Harmondsworth.) Revd. Patrick Wright Chaplain and Religious Affairs Manager The GEO Group UK Ltd., IRC Harmondsworth Colnbrook By-Pass, Harmondsworth, West Drayton, UB7 0HB Kind regards, Geoff Duncan SOME DATES NOT TO FORGET OVER CHRISTMAS TIME SATURDAY 4 TH DECEMBER 12 NOON CHURCH CHRISTMAS LUNCH SUNDAY 5 TH DECEMBER 5.15 P.M. A GREAT LIGHT WEDNESDAY 8 TH DECEMBER A.M. CHILDREN FROM COLINDALE SCHOOL SING CAROLS SATURDAY 11 TH DECEMBER. CHRISTMAS COMMUNITY SING SONG FOLLOWED BY TEA. SUNDAY12TH DECEMBER 10 A.M. LESSONS AND CAROLS SATURDAY 18 TH DECEMBER A.M. TO 1 P.M. MULLED WINE AND MINCE PIES AT THE MANSE SUNDAY 19 TH DECEMBER 3 P.M. CANDLELIGHT CAROL SERVICE

14 Eternal God, You have come to be with us With no trumpets, No heavenly glory, but a mother and her child, in the dark of night, A very human birth. Here is heaven in ordinary And mystery in a manger. GOD GRANT US THE GRACE AS ANOTHER YEAR STARTS TO USE ALL THE HOURS OF OUR DAYS, NOT FOR OUR OWN SELFISH INTEREST AND OUR OWN WILLFUL, OFTEN-WRONG WAYS, BUT TEACH US TO TAKE TIME FOR PRAYING AND TO FIND TIME FOR LISTENING TO YOU SO EACH DAY IS SPENT WELL AND WISELY DOING WHAT YOU MOST WANT US TO DO ******************** WHERE CAN WE FIND THE HOLY ONE, WHERE CAN WE SEE HIS ONLY SON, THE WISE MEN ASKED AND WE RE ASKING STILL, WHERE CAN WE FIND THIS MAN OF GOOD WILL. IS HE FAR AWAY IN SOME DISTANT PLACE, RULING UNSEEN FROM HIS THRONE OF GRACE. IS THERE NOTHING ON EARTH THAT MAN CAN SEE TO GIVE HIM PROOF OF ETERNITY: IT S TRUE WE HAVE NEVER LOOKED ON HIS FACE.. BUT HIS LIKENESS SHINES FORTH FROM EVERY PLACE, IN EVERYTHING BOTH GREAT AND SMALL. Taking this special time to say You re thought about on New Year s Day and wished a year that s richly blessed with anything that s happiest, and may God keep you in His care and hear your every smallest prayer. As Saviour of the world, the Love of God came down at Christmas to bring grace and redemption to all who believe in Him. A few years ago a party from church went to sing carols at an old people s home in the parish. After we had sung several well-known carols, I asked the residents, Is there anything you would like? One elderly lady replied, I would like to go to bed! **********