St Nicholas Parish Church Fleetwood. Week beginning 22nd December 2024
We seek to be a church that lives by faith, is known by love and is a voice of hope to the community we serve.
Website https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/11671
Sunday 22nd December – 4th of Advent
8.30 am Holy Communion in Church
9.30 am Worship on Zoom
10.45 am Holy Communion in Church
4.00 pm Family & Co
6.30 pm Nine Lessons and Carols in Church with a Brass Band
Tuesday 24th December – Christmas Eve
2.00 pm Holy Communion in Church
5.00 pm Crib Service for all the family
11.30 pm The First Communion of Christmas
Wednesday 25th December Christmas Day
10.45 am Parish Communion in Church followed by drinks and mince pies at the Vicarage
Sunday 29th December
8.30 am Holy Communion in Church
9.30 am Worship on Zoom
10.45 am Holy Communion in Church
4.00 pm Family & Co
Daily prayer:
Public daily prayers will resume
on Monday 6th January
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As we approach the end of the year it’s natural to look back on 2024 recalling the joys and sadness' of which there have been many, not just for us as individuals but for our nation and world too. Global tensions reached new heights as major conflicts and political upheavals dominated headlines. The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict escalated, with thousands of casualties, while tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon further fueled regional instability. Meanwhile the Russia-Ukraine war continued to ravage Eastern Europe with limited progress. In the U.S. former President Donald Trump was re-elected, while a failed assassination attempt on his life added to the political turmoil. Closer to home the Labour Party had a landslide general election victory under Keir Starmer, but don’t mention the winter fuel allowance and the WASPI’s.
The 1st-Century world into which Jesus was born was unbelievably tense too. He grew up in an atmosphere of political conflict, upheaval, and social discontent. It was into this world that the angels told a group of shepherds, ‘Do not be afraid’ (Luke 2:10). In Bethlehem, a Saviour had been born, and he was Christ the Lord. He would save his people from their sins. In the birth of Jesus, God cut through the tension and established a true and everlasting kingdom built on justice and righteousness.
It’s difficult to predict how 2025 will unfold. It’s unlikely that tensions will disappear anytime soon. But the message of the angels to the shepherds in the 1st Century remains their message to us in the 21st Century: ‘Do not be afraid.’ In the birth of Jesus, a down-to-earth God comes to save us from ourselves. Jesus brings true peace and true freedom which, if we let him, will not only transform us but the world around us. This is good news of great joy for all people.
Regular giving: We are so very grateful to all who donate financially to St Nic’s on a weekly or monthly basis. With your commitment to regular giving, we are able to budget and plan ahead. Weekly envelopes for 2025 will be available from next week. Whilst we appreciate that this method is best for some, with the closure of all the local banks we are finding it increasingly difficult to deal with cash. Might you consider using a standing order? If so, please see Ruth who will help you to sort it out.
Please remember in your prayers: Archdeacon Mark Ireland, Jeff Chambers, Katie, Brian Brown, Mark Price, Debbie, Michael Carthy, Paul Sumner, Sandra Pratt, Michael, Chris Kelsall, Brian Morris, Elaine Clarke, Tracey Ashworth and Beth and Family. We also remember the families of Jane Everitt, Norma Toland, Doreen Merrison, Margaret Tilling and Maureen Barker whose funerals are due to take place.