Prophets and Peace

Dear All Saints and St Marys

On this 2nd Sunday of Advent our attention is drawn to the prophetic voice of both Micah from the Old Testament and John the Baptist. It is also a Sunday when the advent theme of "Peace" is forefront. Prophets often come as messengers, but they are not necessarily associated with being peaceful. I doubt that the company of John or Micah would have been comfortable, with their message of repentance and a promise of God who will act like a refiners fire!

However, it is a reminder to me that peace is hard won, however uncomfortable that may be. That the deep work of God that is needed in each of us even as it calls us to a place that can feel difficult and challenging. How can that be a good thing? What is God doing in this? I hold to the knowledge that each of us is made in the image of God. That God works on us, and keeps working on us, because God loves us. God is never done with me or you. In that way I believe we will arrive with God, ourselves and others at a place which is refined as like gold and silver.

A prose that I came across this week by Casey Overton and is one I have found helpful for Advent - I offer it to you.

Advent is an irrational commitment to a better future.
Advent is a protest demand.
Advent is still believing we are loved even when we have forgotten what love feels like.
The scriptures cannot promise us smooth pathways nor can they entitle us to happiness.
Instead, we are given recipes for the audacity to await our collective salvation even from the brink of death.

May we know God's prophetic call to peace.

This weekend's worship offering.

Sunday 8th December

08.00 - Holy Communion – All Saints
10:00am – Sung Holy Communion – St. Mary’s
10:30am – Service of the Word– All Saints (Link) and Nativity Rehearsal (Church)
 7.15pm - Generations – Christmas Treats – All Saints 

The week ahead

Monday 9th 10.30am Tiny Tots Christmas - All Saints
Monday 9th 7.30pm Advent Home Group
Tuesday 10th Dec 10:30am M4T Christmas Party - St Marys
Weds 11th Dec 9:00am Celtic Morning Prayer - All Saints
Weds 11th Dec 2.00pm - 3-30pm Advent Group - St Marys
Thursday 12th Dec 10:00am Holy Communion - St. Mary’s
Friday 13th 1.00pm Concert - St Marys
Friday 13th All Day - Briarwood School - All Saints
Saturday 14th Dec 12.00 – 2:00pm Saturday Lunches - St Mary’s

Sunday15th Dec 

8.00am Holy Communion - All Saints
10:00am Holy Communion with Bishop Viv - St Marys
4.30pm Nativity Service - All Saints

A reminder that next Sunday (15th Dec) is All Saints Nativity in the afternoon - please donate toys that are given to children who do not receive much at Christmas.

Blessings and Peace

Revd Lizzie