Rev Chris update – 12th December 2021
Dear all,
A big thankyou to all who made it possible for the Christmas Market to go ahead last Saturday. Apart from raising much needed funds for the church it also brought about a great sense of community spirit that we have all longed for and gave us all that feeling of the coming Christmas.
Thank you also to those that have helped out with the school’s events, particularly ‘Journey to Bethlehem’ – these are always a great joy. Although some have had to cancel in light of current circumstances, but those that have taken place have been most rewarding.
In last week’s update I mentioned the lighting of the second candle on our Advent Wreath in church that reminded us of the prophets from ancient times that spoke of a ‘Messiah’ figure. This week we light the third candle as we fast forward many years in history and the biblical character called John the Baptist, cousin of Jesus, who uttered these words;
“The man who will come after me is much greater than I am. I am not good enough even to bend down and untie his sandals.” Mark 1:7
And so, John joins that prophetic tradition as being one who paves the way for something greater and calls people to re-think their direction of travel and to align themselves with the one who presents the kingdom of God in his very being, Jesus Christ.
John’s ‘mission plan’ is neatly summed up in the words of an advent carol that gets sung at this time of year;
On Jordan’s bank, the Baptist’s cry
Announces that the Lord is nigh;
Awake, and hearken, for he brings
Glad tidings of the King of kings!
Then cleansed be every breast from sin;
Make straight the way for God within;
Prepare we in our hearts a home
Where such a mighty Guest may come.
For Thou art our Salvation, Lord,
Our Refuge, and our great Reward.
Without Thy grace we waste away,
Like flowers that wither and decay.
To heal the sick stretch out Thine hand,
And bid the fallen sinner stand;
Shine forth, and let Thy light restore
Earth’s own true lovliness once more.
All praise, eternal Son, to Thee
Whose advent sets Thy people free,
Whom, with the Father, we adore,
And Holy Ghost, forevermore.
Please do come along to one of our services, as detailed below, whether that be Carols, Crib, Midnight (forgot this on the list last week – oops!!) or Christmas Day. Also please remember those in need this Christmas and when out shopping put some extra items (non-perishable) into your shopping basket and drop them off at The Rectory so that we can add them to the Foodbank collections – Christmas treats would be particularly welcome.
Blessed are you, sovereign Lord, just and true:
to you be praise and glory for ever.
Your prophet John the Baptist was witness to the truth
as a burning and shining light.
May we your servants rejoice in his light,
and so be led to witness to him
who is the Lord of our coming kingdom,
Jesus our Saviour and King of the ages.
Amen
Advent blessings,
Rev Chris
HOME COMMUNION – should you wish to receive Home Communion this Christmas time please contact me and we will arrange a mutually convenient time for me to come to see you.
Contact details – 01622 297307 rev.chris@hotmail.co.uk
PS. COVID RESTRICTIONS
Please note that following the latest government announcement wearing a face covering in church has moved from ‘recommended’ to ‘required’ as they are now mandatory. The regulations do offer the opportunity to sing without face coverings, however, to my mind, this sends mixed messages and I will therefore require those attending services to keep face coverings in place. With regard to after service hospitality this can continue where possible, however refreshments must only be consumed whilst seated at which point face coverings can be removed for that purpose – they must remain in place whilst moving around.
WATER AID CHRISTMAS CARDS
The cards for the Church Christmas Card scheme (Water Aid) will be available for collection from this Sunday (12th) in church.