On the last Sunday of the Church year we celebrate the festival of Christ the King. We think about what Jesus wanted to be when he grew up, maybe a carpenter like his father Joseph, a doctor as he was so good a healing people, or a fisherman like his friends? However, Jesus was born to be a King. We expect a King to live in a palace, wear expensive clothes and have lots of people who look after them. On their head they may even wear a beautiful crown. Jesus wore a crown just before he died on the cross, this was not a beautiful or expensive crown but a crown of thorns that was put on his head before he was crucified. Everyone laughed at Him and a sign was put over his head saying “King of the Jews”. Jesus was not a selfish and greedy King, he was the servant King who served all of God’s people here on Earth. Imagine what the world would be like if we did our best to be like Jesus and love each other. It is because of this love that on this Sunday we say a prayer to … … “Stir up, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may by you be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord.” In this prayer we are asking that God’s words stir us to carry on the good word of Jesus Christ our Lord. For this reason, today was the traditional day in which all in the family would help to stir up the Christmas puddings and cakes, hence the name stir-up Sunday. Christmas puddings contain dried fruit, peel, spice, sugar and so on. Traditionally there were 13 ingredients to represent Jesus and his 12 disciples. Each member of the family takes a turn stirring the mixture whilst making a wish. Perhaps over the next few weeks it would be fantastic if you could take a photograph of you making and stirring a Christmas pudding or cake. This is open to any member to any member of our congregation young or old, on your own or with your family. Please could you send any pictures to Lynn. Alternatively, you could design or make a beautiful crown fit for a king.
Dear friends,We had 60 ‘bubbles’ joining for the Remembrance Sunday service and I wish to express sincere thanks to The Zoom Team, and all who contributed in any way to the service. We are blessed. Attached to this page is a copy of the message delivered in church by Sam Nicol. I mentioned that we would update the parish family on proposals to offer worship through the month of lockdown. Wednesday 11th November 10.45amI will broadcast from church an Act Of Remembrance commencing at 10.45am. Sunday 15th November, at 10.30amWe will broadcast via Zoom, a service of Holy Communion. Wednesday 18th November at 6.30pmWe will broadcast via Zoom, a Service of the Word. On the 22nd, 25th 29th of November and 2nd DecemberThe pattern of alternating Holy Communion Service and Service of the Word will be repeated. A review will take place to reflect HM Government guidance. Details and times of the church being open for Private prayer will be issued in the coming days. I trust that these arrangements will allow you to join in an Act of Worship and also allow the Ministry Team to continue to make their valued contributions during the services. We will learn a great deal about the potential of Zoom! Much Love and prayer to you all as we journey together throughout the changing scenes of life, confident in the one who leads us, the God and Father of us all. David
Although lockdown through winter is likely to be more challenging than when we had the wonderful weather during summer, we can look forward to opportunities to pray together from our own homes. Instructions on how to join our virtual services will arrive in your inbox, as usual, this weekend.Across the nation at 6 pm every day this month, Christians throughout the land will respond to the Archbishops’ call to prayer. We can play our part in reducing the spread of Covid-19 and make this month of lockdown a month of prayer and worship with our church family. In this link is some more information.We can look forward with hope and excitement to prayer opportunities this month and meeting in person during December.
