Longbridge Methodist Church

Newsletter 09/12/2018

21 Dec 2018 • General news

Read our latest newsletter below or download from this link: Newsletter

This newsletter covers Sundays 9th  and 16th December, 2018

WORSHIP TODAY - SUNDAY, 9th DECEMBER - 2nd SUNDAY IN.ADVENT

11.00 a.m.      Rev. Cleopas Sibanda - Holy Communion - Vision Day Report. 

No Evening Service.

WORSHIP ON SUNDAY 16th DECEMBER - 3rd SUNDAY IN ADVENT

11.00 a.m.      Rev. Brian Brown.

No Evening Service.

Everyone is invited to stay after each morning service for coffee/tea and biscuits in the foyer.

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FLOWERS    The flowers in church today, Sunday, 9th December are in memory of Arthur Price and in commemoration of Irene Price's birthday, parents of Wendy.

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THE MINISTER’S LETTER

Christmas is fast approaching and most of the people are looking for suitable presents to give to their loved ones. Anne Lewin's wonderful book of poetry entitled 'Watching the Kingfisher' contains this delightful and challenging poem, which I think will help us to ponder on the seasonal importance of gift giving.

If it's the thought that counts 

What were they thinking of

To give him these, Gold, 

Frankincense and Myrrh?

Extraordinary gifts to give a child.

When Mary pondered, later, on these things,

I wonder if she thought that these are given to all

Gold: our potential. That makes us royal, each

In our own domain;

Incense: our aspirations, prayers

And dreams, calling us on;

Myrrh: soothing healing for our pain.

Not gifts for children,

But like him, we will grow.

As we prepare to bless each other with gifts, let us not get too caught up in the festivities and forget that our giving must not take place at crippling expense to our planet, our mental health and our bank balance. As we shower our loved ones with gifts, let us think of the needy. Instead of focusing on giving and receiving gifts this Advent and Christmas and even beyond, may you also dwell on the greatest gift ever given. This is the gift of Jesus Christ, who came as a helpless baby to show and later tell us that God is with us. Jesus grew into these gifts of frankincense and myrrh which he was given as a youngster. He lived out their full meaning and shared his life and teaching freely and extravagantly with all. We have a number of Spirit-filled services, carols and prayers that are lined up at Longbridge Methodist Church. Come and let us celebrate the incarnation of Jesus, who is Emmanuel God with us.

And a big thank you to Hazel, Anthony and 12 Sunday Special members who went to 3Generate. It was well educative and spiritually uplifting.

Cleopas

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BENEVOLENT FUND   There is a plate at the back of church this morning (9th Dec,) for donations to this fund.

TODAY (Sunday, 9th December)    Some of the books from our lending library will be on display in the foyer during coffee time after worship. Do look.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR DOROTHY ROUND

Monday, 10th December at 3.00p.m.   Thanksgiving service here at church.

You may like to bring a small floral tribute to the service, after which it would be taken to the grave. Alternatively any donations will go to The Project (preventing homelessness and improving lives). Light refreshments will be served after the service.

Wednesday, 12th December   1.00 p.m. Burial at Weston-super-Mare. Anyone wishing to go should speak to Cleopas Sibanda regarding transport.

CHRISTMAS CARDS    600 of our church cards are available for distribution to friends and in your road.

Please collect cards from the foyer.

TUESDAY, 11th DECEMBER     A.M. Visit of 90 children from Rednal Hill School to make Christingles.

LONGBRIDGE COMMUNITY CHOIR presents “JOY TO THE WORLD"-   a Christmas celebration with well-known carols and Christmas music of all kinds as well as seasonal refreshments. This will be held here at Longbridge on Saturday, 15th December at 2.30 p.m.  Admission is free but donations may be made to The Project - our locaI charity for the homeless. Come and join the celebration!

We are looking for helpers on the day; if you are willing, please see David or Hazel.

OPEN CHRISTMAS      will be held at Barnes Close on Tuesday, 18th December at 7.30 p.m. - carols, refreshments, Christmas items. All welcome.

CHRISTMAS LUNCHES    will be served in the Coffee Pot on Tuesday, 18th and Wednesday, 19th December. A three course meal with all the trimmings. Price £10.00. Please place your booking with Cavell Gasteen.

CHURCHES T0GETHER IN B45     Beer and Carols at Rubery Social Club on Thursday, 20th December at 9.00 p.m.

THE BOOK CLUB   will meet at 2.00 p.m. in the Garner Room on Monday, 17th December.

URGENTLY REQUIRED     Angie Hems will finish working in the Coffee Pot on Tuesdays and Fridays after Christmas. We need a person to replace her or the Coffee Pot will have to shut on those days.

If you know of someone who is looking for a few hours work, cooking snacks and serving lunches, please contact Cavell Gasteen as soon as possible.

CHURCH CHOIR    Our Carol Service and Nativity will be held on Sunday, 23rd December at 11 a,m.   As our choir numbers are severely depleted, we invite anyone who would like to join us for this service and any other over the Christmas period to come to the practice on Friday, 21st December at 2.30 p.m. for about an hour.

NEW ROAD NATIVITY    (CTB45) will take place outside the Co-op on Saturday, 2nd December at 10 a.m. This usually includes a donkey from Liz's farm.

STAMPS   We still collect stamps for the Leprosy Mission - any used stamps are valuable to them. Not so many letters these days, but if you get Christmas cards, could you save the stamps from them - they need ¼ inch or so round them. Many thanks.  Cath & Stan Webb.

CHRISTMAS PRESENTS    Why not buy the book 'A History of Rubery'? This is available from Janet Sly or Cavell Gasteen - price £9.99. Three pounds from the sale of each book goes into Church funds.

JUNIOR MISSION FOR ALL    Lydia and Irene would like to collect for JMA. If anyone would like to give a few pence each week, please see Janet Sly.

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THE NEXT NOTICE SHEET WILL COVER SUNDAYS, 23rd & 30th DECEMBER, 2018 and SUNDAY, 6th JANUARY, 2019.

All notices should be given to Elisabeth Osborn by Wednesday evening, 19th December, 2018.