Joy to the World! Dear friends, Every Christmas, when we lift our voices to sing “Joy to the World,” something stirs in my heart and I hope in yours too. Those familiar words — “The Lord is come!” — remind us that joy isn’t just a feeling for a season; it’s the presence of Jesus Himself. He is our joy — God with us, right here in the middle of our ordinary lives. Still, I know that for many, this season can be bittersweet. The world feels heavy at times — full of noise, worry, and uncertainty. Some of us are missing loved ones or carrying quiet burdens. And yet, this is exactly where the message of Christmas breaks through. The angels didn’t bring their good news to a perfect world. They came to shepherds in the dark, saying, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy for all people.”That same message is for us today. Real joy isn’t about pretending everything is fine. It’s about knowing that even in the struggle, God is near. Jesus came so that we would never have to face life’s challenges alone. He entered the world not as a distant king, but as a child in a manger — humble, close, and full of love. If we take a moment to look around, despite the challenges we may face, in our every day lives we can see signs of His joy everywhere. In the sparkle of children’s laughter. In the quiet peace that comes when we pray. In a simple walk in nature. In the kindness of a neighbour or the warmth of a shared meal, or the fun of being together. Joy shows up when we choose gratitude, forgiveness, and hope — when we let God’s love shape the way we see and treat others. My prayer this Christmas is that you’ll experience that deep, steady joy — not just for a day, but as a way of living. Let’s share it freely, especially with those who need it most. A simple smile, a visit, a prayer — these small acts can carry the light of Christ into someone’s darkness. So, dear friends, may your hearts be filled with the true joy that Jesus brings — a joy that strengthens, comforts, and renews. Let’s welcome Him again with open hearts and voices that sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come!” “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” — Philippians 4:4 With love and every blessing, Your Priest Rev Alison Jackson
Dear AllI hope you are managing to keep warm through this cold snap, now’s the time to dig out hats, scarves and gloves – if you can find them!This weekend sees another busy time for us all.You can come to High Wych Memorial Hall to pick up a hoop at the ‘Let there be light’ workshop from 10.00 am to 11.30 am on Saturday 22nd November, some materials can be provided. Janet will give us a demonstration of what we can do. These hoops will be used to decorate the village for our ‘Light up High Wych’ event which takes place at 3.45 pm on 14th December 2025 just ahead of our outdoor Carol service again this year at St James. Come and have some fun and eat cake and drink hot drinks and spend time together with your friends.Or you may want to join us on Saturday 22nd November in the afternoon from 2.00 pm at St Botolph’s, Eastwick for the last ‘tidy up the churchyard’ session for the end of the year. Refreshments are provided, we may also be planting bulbs around Eastwick if we have enough volunteers.On Sunday 23rd November we have our usual Holy Communion service at St James at 9.30 am and we will have a Family service at St Botolph’s, Eastwick at 11.15 am.There will also be a wedding in St James church on Sunday afternoon, so the church itself will be closed from Saturday morning as the flowers go in for the wedding.As we are moving rapidly towards Christmas, I attach the 2025 Advent Challenge to help the Pop-Up Shop in Sawbridgeworth in case you want to get involved.We have lots of opportunities to meet up this weekend, I hope I see you soon.Every blessingAlison
Dear FriendsThis week in both St Mary’s, Gilston and St James, High Wych we are running something called Safeguarding Sunday. Safeguarding will be the focus of our service and Cath Sharples our Safeguarding Officer will be running us through some of the things we may not know, as legislation in this area is changing rapidly.I know many of you are currently DBS checked for our different church activities and will be on a regular programme of safeguarding training, but for many of you this maybe the first time you have considered safeguarding in a church setting.We will not be showing any videos for this service, but their maybe elements of what we are talking about that maybe ‘triggering’ from your past experience. If this is you, you may not want to attend this service or may want to make a time to meet with myself or Cath to discuss things through with a safeguarded adult.Both services will still be Holy Communion services and follow the usual service sheet. St Mary’s service is an extra service to the normal timetable as we swopped last week to St Botolph’s, Eastwick, because of the Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial. If you normally come to St Mary’s this will help you understand the change of date for this month.On Sunday afternoon we will have our Messy Church session in High Wych Hall 3.00 pm – 5.00 pm. (see attached flyer for more details). Please invite a family member or neighbour if you think this is something they would enjoy. The theme for this Sunday is ‘Jesus the Good Shepherd’. We will also be welcoming Freya (who was baptised a couple of weeks ago) into our Messy Church family.Next weekend we have our churchyard clear up at St Botolph’s, Eastwick, please come if you are able, refreshments will be provided and it has turned into a fun, community event each time we have done this.I look forward to meeting you at one or more of these events as we strive to; Grow in Faith, Grow in Hope, and Grow in Love.Every blessingAlison
During Advent we can do many things to help us think more closely about the Christmas Story, connecting our lives to that of the birth of Jesus and that very first Christmas. We may use Advent candles, Advent calendars, Advent Bible Study orwe may want to enhance others lives with acts of kindness. Many of us will have already have been buying presents for our loved ones, or thinking about where is the best place to give generously this Christmas.I am hopeful that you may consider giving generously of some Christmas food for the Pop-Up shop in Sawbridgeworth – to help families be able to celebrate well this Christmas.These are my suggestions:-Week 1 We focus on bring soft drinks for that week.Week 2 Stuffing, gravy products, cranberry sauceWeek 3 Christmas puddings, mince pies, Christmas biscuits, toiletriesAll donations need to be in St James church by December 12th to make the bags that will be given out from the Pop Up shop. Alternatively, you may want to make a donation to the Pop Up Shop at:-Barclays BankSort Code 20-36-98Account Number 60798029Name of account: Sawbridgeworth Congregational ChurchUse ref: Pop-Up shopThis will call us to sacrifice some of our wealth but it will benefit others who are struggling. St James church is open every day from 9.30 am to 4.00 pm for you to bring food and place in the green box provided, and we will make sure this food getsto the Pop Up Shop.Thank you, Rev Alison
