Great and wonderful are the things that the Lord our God has done for us. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. After so much running around, planning, spending on gifts, cards, clothes and food, wrappings and also going to the shops to buy those few things you have forgotten, be reminded that Christmas-time has come. Let us guard against the secular world of commercialism, consumerism and materialism.
May you cap this fine Christmas by sharing Christ's love to all and sundry. Try by all means to make Christ be the REASON of the season. Christmas is solely ABOUT God fulfilling his salvation promise through the birth of Jesus Christ. Let us also remember those in need and pray for peace throughout the world.
As the New Year is fast approaching, let us thank God for protection, sustenance and guidance in all our joys and sorrows of 2018. Newness is something very popular in many cultures. In fact, who does not enjoy that new bicycle, car, house, suit or dress, etc.? We all enjoy and may we welcome 2019 with joy and happiness knowing that God, who was with us in the past year, will also be with us in this new year.
I wish you a merry and blessed Christmas and a prosperous and Spirit-filled New Year.
Cleopas
BENEVOLENT FUND A plate for donations to this fund will be available at the back of church on Sunday, 30th December in the evening and Sunday, 6th January in the morning.
CIRCUIT CONNECTOR for December to next February - copies are available from the trolley.
CHRISTMAS COLLECTIONS You are invited to make a donation at the Christingle Service to the Children's Society and at the Christmas Eve Communion and on Christmas Day to Action for Children.
COFFEE POT Christmas Holidays The Coffee Pot closed last Wednesday, 19th December and it will re-open at 9.00 a.m. on Tuesday, 8th January. We wish you all a Happy Christmas.
THE PROJECT Copies of this year's interesting annual report are available to take from the table in the Foyer.
NEW BABY Tommy Walsh was born on Monday, 17th December at 2.15 a.m. and weighed 71b 14oz. Both mother and baby are doing well. Tommy is the second grandchild for Janet and Simon and brother for Sophie.
FLOWER ROTA 2019 Please sign up if you would like flowers arranged in memory of a loved one or to celebrate an occasion.
THANKS to all who supported the recent Junior Mission for All sale, when £100 was raised.
PASTORAL VISITORS We urgently need more pastoral visitors. If you might be interested in becoming one and you are a member of this church, please speak to Elisabeth Osborn or Paul Gasteen for more information.
OFFERINGS - November 2018
4th - £671.69 18th - £518.33
11th - £531.35 25th - £732.68
The average for the first quarter of the year was £615.48, against our target of £680 per week. Can you help by increasing your giving?
Benevolent Fund The amount given in November was £19.00.
SATURDAY, 5th JANUARY 9.00 a.m. Prayer Breakfast. All welcome.
TUESDAY, 8th JANUARY The Bible Study Group will meet at 11.30 a.m. in the Chapel for an hour. Everyone welcome.
TUESDAY, 8th JANUARY 7.30 p.m. House Group will meet at Remi's home, continuing our study "Just walk across the room", to be led by Remi.
LADIES' TUESDAY LUNCHEON GROUP will be meeting on Thursday, 10th January, not Tuesday this time, at 12.30 p.m. for 12.45 p.m.
PASTORAL COMMITTEE A meeting will be held at 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 15th January, 2019. Will all Pastoral Visitors please do their best to attend this important meeting?
CRAFT CLUB The next meeting of the Craft Club will be on Wednesday, 16th January in the morning.
MEMORIAL BOOK All the new names have now been entered into the Memorial Book. If you wish to view a page, please see Elisabeth Osborn
NEW BOOK "The epic journey and adventures of William and Klara Churchmouse" is a book for children to 105 years written by Jack Walsh. It can be ordered from Amazon or speak to Simon. 50% of all royalties will be given to Jellybabies. Further details on poster in the foyer.
PRAYER REQUESTS If you would like a prayer shared in the service, please fill in a blue request card. These are available from the box on the trolley and, when completed, should be put by the box provided or, if it is a Sunday, handed to a Steward before the service begins. Thank you.