The Season of AdventSunday 1st December sees the beginning of the season of Advent. It is a penitential season, with the altar colour being purple, but not quite in the same league as Lent.In today’s world, can be difficult to focus on the serious side of Advent when Christmas arrives in the shops and garden centres in September! We tend to observe it more as a time of preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ into the world.Advent is observed by Christians from many backgrounds and traditions, including Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox Christians. Many people will have Advent Calendars, helping them to count down to Christmas. Some will have Advent wreaths with five candles, one for each of the four Sundays of Advent and one for Christmas Day itself. In our churches we will see three purple candles and a pink one which represent hope, peace, joy and love with a white one for Christmas Day, representing the birth of Christ.Sometimes the first candle is called the Prophecy Candle, the second the Bethlehem Candle, the third the Shepherds’ Candle and the fourth the Angel’s Candle. However we interpret Advent symbols, let’s hope we all manage to achieve the balance between the frenzy of getting ready for Christmas and remembering the real significance of the season of Advent – getting ready for the birth Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world.Wishing everyone a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year
SERVICES IN THE PARISHPlease be aware that our pattern of services has altered to reflect changes within the Ministry Team, particularly due to Noel’s circumstances. We would ask you to check regularly in case last minute alterations take place and be patient and understanding as we try to do the very best we can for everyoneSunday 1st December – 1st Sunday of AdventAll Age Worship at 9.30am at St Chad’s, Wishaw – The RectorHoly Communion at 11.15am at St Nicholas’, Curdworth – The RectorService of the Word at 11.15am at St John’s, Middleton – Mr Andrew FarrowSunday 8th December – Second Sunday of AdventHoly Communion at 9.30am at St Chad’s, Wishaw – The RectorFamily Communion at 11.15am at St Nicholas’, Curdworth – The RectorSunday 15th December – Third Sunday of AdventService of the Word at 11.15am at St Nicholas’, Curdworth – Rev James ParryHoly Communion at 11.15am at St John’s, Middleton – Rev Canon Frank LongbottomCAROL SERVICE at 6.30pm at St Chad’s, WishawWednesday 18th DecemberCAROL SERVICE at 7.30pm at St Nicholas’, CurdworthSunday 22nd December – Fourth Sunday of AdventHoly Communion at 9.30am at St Chad’s, Wishaw – The RectorAll Age Worship at 11.15am at St Nicholas’, Curdworth – Rev James ParryCAROL SERVICE at 6.30pm at St John’s, Middleton Tuesday 24th December – CHRISTMAS EVECrib Service and Nativity at 2.30pm at St Nicholas’, CurdworthFirst Communion of Christmas at 9.00pm at St Nicholas’, Curdworth - The RectorMidnight Communion at 11.30pm at St John’s, Middleton –Rev Canon Frank Longbottom Wednesday 25th December – CHRISTMAS DAYChristmas Family Communion at 10.00am at St Chad’s, Wishaw – The Rector Sunday 29th December – First Sunday of Christmas NO SERVICES Sunday 5th January 2025 – Second Sunday of ChristmasAll Age Worship at 9.30am at St Chad’s, Wishaw – Rev James ParryHoly Communion at 11.15am at St Nicholas, Curdworth – Rev Canon Frank LongbottomService of the Word at 11.15am at St John’s, Middleton
Face coverings are no longer mandatory in any setting but are recommended in enclosed or crowded places, particularly where you come into contact with people you don’t normally meet. Social distancing in a place of worship is now a personal choice. People are encouraged to respect other attendees and those working who may wish to adopt a more cautious approach.Regular use of hand sanitiser and/or hand washing is also still recommended.
