He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.  Luke 21 : 29 - 31

Readings this week Jeremiah 33 : 14 - 16; 1 Thessalonians 3 : 9 to end; Luke 21 : 25 - 36

Thought for this week - Advent

Advent means
we are waiting for something,
we are to expect
something good and up-lifting
to make us feel better.
And why not?
We struggle so,
and we only want
peace, security and even
a little happiness.
We dream of it—
like a lost treasure
in an empty desert.

Then, in the very dying of the Autumn Season,
along comes Advent
with candles, prayers, songs
and promises
of new possibilities.
And, all tingling
with excitement and expectancy,
we are seduced
into hoping once again.

Oh—thank God
for Advent—
and its perennial promise—
pointing to a light
which never dies.

Prayer for this week

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness and to put on the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility; that on the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Almighty God, as your kingdom dawns, turn us from the darkness of sin to the light of holiness, that we may be ready to meet you in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen

People to pray for

For the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel

For our school visits this week