Everyone is welcome to join us; we can collect those less mobile and also make home deliveries within the Benefice. To reserve a place or to arrange for a lift or meal delivery contact Caroline on caroline.morrice@sky.com or call 01526 830717. There is also a list at the back of All Saints Church or come and see us on the 7th in the Winchelsea Carpark. Suggested donation, £10 ”So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” 1 Corinthians 10:31
1st December Join us for an Advent Lunch at the Winchelsea Centre! 12.30 for 1pm £10 per person List at back or church or email: caroline.morrice@sky.com
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. The Bible verse is from the Gospel of John Chapter 1. To my mind one of the most strikingly beautiful chapters in the whole of Scripture. The words that I have chosen are verses10-13. Within those words there is that real sense that people do not want to know Jesus. In his day the people were afraid of the Roman State, they did want to receive their long awaited Messiah, yet they wanted someone who would bring about the downfall of that Roman State, not this peaceful, caring, Son of God, who spoke of love and a kingdom very different from the earthly concept. Acceptance is a word that we use often but how many of us have not always felt acceptance in a community whether that is in church, in our villages and towns, schools and clubs. As a Benefice, as a Christian family, we are encouraged by Jesus to bring others into our communities, to accept the stranger, as we should accept one other in Jesus name. Above all though, as we come into Advent, the season of expectation, waiting for our Lord, hope awaits in our Lord Emmanuel. Hope that those who do believe in him will become children of God. This Advent and Christmas season there will be so many services, so many carol recitals and I pray that in and through them people will begin to recognise Jesus. This lovely image is by Reverend Ally Barrett. Expectation written on the faces of Mary and Joseph; may we too be filled with that expectation this Advent.
We are coming into the season of Remembering. We will mark All Saints, All Souls and Remembrance Sunday in the coming weeks. It is a time when we take some time to pause in our life’s journey and remember those close to us who have died and give thanks for those family and friends who continue to love and support us. As many of you know I did not receive my knee operation as planned, and I will have to wait for a little while longer now. However, that did give me some time to think about my life as husband, son, brother and priest. I wonder how often you get the opportunity to do the same. I was delighted to take a few days to seek a deepening of my preaching practice by attending the Cambridge Festival of Preaching. It was a wonderful time of being with a group (300 or more) fellow preachers and exchanging ideas and views and listening to some of the most renowned preachers in the Church today. I came away from the festival with copious notes, more new books, and ideas for our Benefice Advent Bible Exploration (more to come!). I was also reinvigorated in my faith through the words I heard and the worship that I received. During the time away Jayne and I visited Winchester Cathedral, where we were fortunate enough to take a tour of the crypt, which is often submerged. In the crypt is a statue named “Sounds II.” During the rainy months, the mysterious sculpture can often be found holding water in its cupped hands, silent in contemplation as the level rises around him to cover the stone floor. I took to thinking how often I might take to contemplate my faith, reflect on my growth and my service to God and to you. The answer probably not quite enough; that might be the case for you too. In the coming month, as we wait for Advent and all that will entail, let’s take the time to stop, think and give thanks. Blessings. Reverend Al.
