Please join us for light refreshments following our 9.30 am service

Transcription

1 Fourth Sunday of Advent CHRISTMAS EVE 24th December 2017 Welcome to ALL HALLOWS and our services today. Children are welcome in this church. There are toys in the Children s Corner and Choir Vestry at the back if they become restless. There is a toilet and baby-changing unit also in the Vestry. LARGE PRINT COPIES OF THIS SHEET & SERVICE BOOKLETS ARE AVAILABLE. PLEASE ASK A SIDESPERSON A Loop System is installed for those with Hearing Aids. Please switch to T Gluten Free Communion Bread is available. (Please see a Churchwarden before the start of the service) am Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer) 9.30 am Parish Communion in Advent HYMNS CAN BE FOUND IN THE ORANGE HYMN BOOK Awake, awake: fling off the night! Long ago, prophets knew Tell out, my soul The angel Gabriel For Mary, mother of our Lord On Christmas night all Christians sing 4.00 pm Crib Service (Please see separate Order of Service) pm First Communion of Christmas CAROLS CAN BE FOUND IN THE RED CAROL BOOK O little town of Bethlehem It came upon the midnight clear While shepherds watched Silent night In the bleak mid-winter O come, all ye faithful Collect for Today God our redeemer, who prepared the Blessed Virgin Mary to be the mother of your Son: grant that, as she looked for his coming as our Saviour, so we may be ready to greet him when he comes again as our judge; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Prayer after Communion Heavenly Father, who chose the Blessed Virgin Mary to be the mother of the promised Saviour, fill us your servants with your grace, that in all things we may embrace your holy will and with her rejoice in your salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Please join us for light refreshments following our 9.30 am service 1

2 Readings for Christmas Eve - PARISH COMMUNION 2 Samuel 7: 1 11, 16 Now when the king was settled in his house, and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies around him, the king said to the prophet Nathan, See now, I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God stays in a tent. Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that you have in mind; for the LORD is with you. But that same night the word of the LORD came to Nathan: Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the LORD: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle. Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, Why have you not built me a house of cedar? Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the LORD of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel; and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildoers shall afflict them no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house. Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure for ever before me; your throne shall be established for ever. Romans 16: Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory for ever! Amen. Readings for Christmas Eve - FIRST COMMUNION OF CHRISTMAS Isaiah 9: 2 7 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. 2

3 For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onwards and for evermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Luke 2: 1 20 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours! When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us. So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. 3

4 CHRISTMAS DAY We wish you all a very happy Christmas 8.00 am Holy Communion with Carols 9.30 am Parish Christmas Communion CAROLS CAN BE FOUND IN THE RED CAROL BOOK O come, all ye faithful See, amid the winter s snow 3. 8 God rest ye merry, gentlemen Infant holy Joy to the world! Hark! The herald angels sing Collect for Christmas Day Almighty God, you have given us your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin: grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Prayer after Communion God our Father, whose Word has come among us in the Holy Child of Bethlehem: may the light of faith illumine our hearts and shine in our words and deeds; through him who is Christ the Lord. Amen. Readings for Christmas Day - PARISH COMMUNION Hebrews 1: 1 4 Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God s glory and the exact imprint of God s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. John 1: 1 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through 4

5 him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father s only son, full of grace and truth. Parish Prayer Diary Please use this Prayer Diary as a part of your daily prayer Please pray for: The Warden & Residents of Marion Murdoch Court Sheltered Housing The Sick: Anne Birkett, Ray, Caroline, Michelle Bools, Stephen Dodds, Sue Brown, Peggy Cox, Pauline, Sheila Cox, Margaret Oldham, Clare Bower, Isabel Harding, Nick & Susannah, Mary Wilson, Norman Harris, Betty Mottram, Kristy The Departed: Grace Baxter, Darrell Johnson, Walter Smith, Jayne Lever Please pray for: Peace in the city centre over the Christmas period Thought for Today Sunday CHRISTMAS EVE Monday CHRISTMAS DAY Tuesday ST STEPHEN Wednesday ST JOHN Thursday HOLY INNOCENTS Friday ST THOMAS BECKET Saturday As we prepare for the celebration of Jesus birth, we pray for ourselves that we might invite Him to be born again in us as we Grow as Disciples. The greatest birth in history is celebrated today. We pray for all Christians across the world with whom we have links as the Saviour of the world is acclaimed. O Come Let us Adore Him! Today we recall the first Christian martyr. Someone will lose their life today because they proclaim Christ. In the midst of celebrations take a moment today to reflect upon this and pray for those who do not count the cost of being a sacrificial offering. The Word was made Flesh and Dwelt Among Us. With these words John acclaims the Incarnation of God and Man. Today we are thankful for John s gift and for all evangelists in the Church. This sombre commemoration of the death of the young is a sharp counterpoint to the celebration of new birth. Please pray today for those who are innocent victims of aggression. Today we commemorate another martyr. We give thanks for Thomas s gift of faith and pray for Justin, his successor. Pray too for our own Isabelle Hamley as she prepares to join his team as Archbishop s Chaplain. The first quiet day of the week, with no feast day. Take a few minutes to be thankful for things that can be celebrated from the last week. We remember those who have not been able to see family and friends as they have been caring for others and serving in the emergency services. 5

6 FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS - 31ST DECEMBER am Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer) 9.30 am Parish Communion HYMNS CAN BE FOUND IN THE GREEN HYMN BOOK Lord, for the years Unto us a boy is born! Glory to God! Infant holy The first Nowell NO EVENING SERVICE Collect for Today Almighty God, who wonderfully created us in your own image and yet more wonderfully restored us through your Son Jesus Christ: grant that, as he came to share in our humanity, so we may share the life of his divinity: who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen Prayer after Communion Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son shared at Nazareth the life of an earthly home: help your Church to live as one family, united in love and obedience, and bring us all at last to our home in heaven: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Parish Prayer Diary Please use this Prayer Diary as a part of your daily prayer Please pray for: The Warden & Residents of Stoke House Nursing Home The Sick: Anne Birkett, Ray, Caroline, Michelle Bools, Stephen Dodds, Sue Brown, Peggy Cox, Pauline, Sheila Cox, Margaret Oldham, Clare Bower, Isabel Harding, Nick & Susannah, Mary Wilson, Norman Harris, Betty Mottram, Kristy The Departed: Grace Baxter, Darrell Johnson, Walter Smith, Jayne Lever Please pray for: A peaceful New Year Thought for Today Sunday 31st December Monday 1st January John Wycliffe: Today we recall the life of one of the churches great reformers. We thank God for the vision we have to Grow Disciples and for the year ahead as we seek to introduce new people to Jesus Christ as our Lord. Naming of Jesus: Today we celebrate with the Holy Family as they offer Jesus to the Lord as their first born. We pray for all babies born today and for their family that they may grow in safety and security and in the knowledge of the Lord. 6

7 Tuesday 2nd January Wednesday 3rd January Thursday 4th January Friday 5th January Saturday 6th January Thought for Today In our Diocese God is a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 God gives grace to the humble. James 4:6 The Lord is great in power. Nahum 1:3 Know that the Lord, He is God. Psalm 100:3 He heals the brokenhearted. Psalm 147:3 Burntstump Seely C of E Primary Academy Heather Gabb Archbishop Cranmer C of E Primary Academy Kate Watson Bleasby C of E Primary School Ann Town/Louise Carpenter The Primary School of St Mary & St Martin Blyth Alison Richardson Bramcote C of E (Aided) Primary School Sarah Meredith In our Parish Charles Close Lymn Avenue Cotgrave Avenue Priory Road Priory Crescent Beverley Gardens First Avenue Second Avenue Third Avenue Apple Tree Lane Friday Lane All Hallows Drive Chestnut Grove Victoria Street Albert Street 3rd January (Wednesday) 8.00 am Holy Communion Services Looking Ahead 7th January - Epiphany 8.00 am Holy Communion 9.30 am Parish Communion - Readings: Isaiah 60: 1 6, Matthew 2: pm Evensong Readings: Jeremiah 31: 7 14; John 1: Diary Dates Wednesday 27th December am to Noon Church Open (NO HOLY COMMUNION SERVICE) Friday 29th December 2.30 pm Funeral Service for Walter Smith 1ST JANUARY NEW YEAR S DAY WALK Suitable for pushchairs and easy walking. Meet in the Ferry Boat Car Park, Stoke Bardolph at am followed by lunch in a local hostelry. More information from Rick Wilson. Friday 5th January am Service at Stoke House Care Home Monday 8th January 7.15 pm PCC meeting in the Memorial Hall 7

8 CHRISTINGLE SERVICE SUNDAY 14TH JANUARY PM Christingle Collecting Candles - Please will you help the Children s Society by taking a collecting candle to have at home during the Christmas Season HELP required to assemble the Christingles on Wednesday 10th January No experience required and good fun ensured! General Notices THE GEDLING MAGAZINE FOR JANUARY 2018 IS NOW AVAILABLE Christmas Wreaths may be placed in the Garden of Rest for the period Advent Sunday until Candlemas, 2nd February 2018 NOTTINGHAMSHIRE CHURCHES 2018 CALENDARS for sale from the bookstall each. Profits to go to Southwell & Nottingham bell repair fund. Our Parish Administrator will be away from the office until Monday 8th January Are your toy boxes and cupboards bursting? Are there toys your children/grandchildren no longer play with? Do you need to make room for new toys this Christmas? Then we can help! We would welcome and appreciate any help you can give with donating age appropriate toys, baby gyms, bouncers, play mats, books, Bumbo seats etc. We also need two thick rugs to roll out to make a baby and toddler area safe and warm for the little ones to lie, roll, sit and play. Please speak to Eleanor Wilson or Emily Galloway if you can help. Thank you. Items for the next Pew Leaflet should reach the office by am on Thursday Rector: Reverend Mic Johnson michael.johnsons@hotmail.com Associate Priests: Reverend Keith Williams and Reverend Jean Lamb Church: allhallows.gedling@btconnect.com Why not visit our website? 8

9 Readings for Parish Communion SUNDAY 31ST DECEMBER Genesis 15: 1 6, 21: 1 3 After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great. But Abram said, O Lord GOD, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus? And Abram said, You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir. But the word of the LORD came to him, This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir. He brought him outside and said, Look towards heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them. Then he said to him, So shall your descendants be. And he believed the LORD; and the LORD reckoned it to him as righteousness. The LORD dealt with Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as he had promised. Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the time of which God had spoken to him. Abraham gave the name Isaac to his son whom Sarah bore him. Luke 2: When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord ), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel. And the child s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed and a sword will pierce your own soul too. There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. 9