Mother Anna writes:I love this time of year, as the nights grow longer and we turn inwards - locking our front doors to the night, closing our curtains and settling into the watchful dark hours of the evening. And in that inward turning we prepare ourselves not just for the busyness of Christmas but for the astonishing arrival of God in a mother's arms, a baby, tiny, warm, vulnerable, yet full of the promise of glory.Advent calls us to slow down, to cultivate that inward focus and make room for Christ amidst the noise and distractions. It is an invitation to step away from the bright lights and jingly music that surround us everywhere, and prepare a quiet place, a place in our hearts for the Christ child.It can be hard to find the time to stop and pay attention to God when we are very busy, but if we can manage it we will be richly rewarded - there is something about the contrast of Advent's quiet watchfulness with the energy of the secular Christmas season which makes it even more worthwhile. I find myself drawn to night time prayer during this season of short days so once again I invite you to join me in saying Compline during Advent, the church's service of Night Prayer.I will be saying Compline at 9pm on facebook most nights in Advent - if you are on facebook you can join me on the St Aldhelm's facebook page. You can also find the service on the Church of England's Daily Prayer webpage. It doesn't take long and it is a lovely way to connect with God as the day comes to an end.This year there will be a weekly Advent Reflection for our deanery, led our neighbour and friend Mthr Tina at St Peter's, Bounces Road N9 8JP. It will take place on Tuesdays at 7.30pm, both in person at St Peter's and on Zoom: Meeting ID: 821 5559 4338, Passcode: 418734.
We are starting our seasonal celebrations early this year, as we combine our Christmas Bazaar with a double celebration, of our newly completed spire project and our wonderful Windmill projects.Join us on Saturday 6 December from 11am to 4pm for our Bazaar, with Christmas stalls, Tombola, delicious refreshments and our very popular Christmas Raffle, with lots of fantastic prizes. Take a look at photos of our newly re-shingled spire and re-gilded weathervane and find out more about our Windmill projects - Cafè, Foodbank, Garden, Stitchers and more, all served with a warm St Aldhelm's welcome.We will be saying thank you to our volunteers and supporters from 3pm and at 5pm there will be a short Eucharist in the chapel.Bring your family and tell your friends - everyone in our community is welcome at this joyous festive time!Christmas servicesSunday 21 December3.00 pm Family friendly carol serviceChristmas Eve Wednesday 24 December11.00 pm Midnight MassChristmas Day Thursday 25 December10.00am Family friendly Christmas Eucharist Find out more about our Christmas services on our Christmas webpage.
Holy Week Services Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 5.00pm Evening Prayer and Eucharist. A short, quiet service Thursday 17 April, 8.00pm Maundy Service, with foot washing, Last Supper and a prayer vigil until midnight. There will be incense at this service. Friday 18 April, 12.00 noon The Good Friday Liturgy, with prayer vigil until 3pm Sunday 20 April, Easter Day 7.00am The first celebration of the resurrection, followed by sausage sandwiches at the vicarage. There will be incense at this service. 10am An all-age Easter service followed by a Bring & Share lunch.
