John is not with us this Sunday; he is preaching at the Justice service in St Albans Abbey as part of his duty as the Chaplain to the High Sheriff.
Please welcome Richard Prince, who will be playing the organ for our 10.30 communion service.
This weekend’s Bible readings:
Colossians 1:9-20 (p 1182) and Luke 23:33-43 (p 1060)
All age service next Sunday:
Members of the new Roger de Clare worship club will be taking part in our service next Sunday in St Mary’s. Please come and support them, and also William, who will be baptised.
Advent service next Sunday:
On Sunday 27th November at 6.30pm please join us for a special Advent service at St Mary's. Music and readings will help us to mark the beginning of this special season as we prepare to welcome the Christ child at Christmas.
Volunteers sought for school clubs:
We are still looking for some volunteers from the church family to help out with the clubs at Roger de Clare on Thursdays, at lunchtime and after school. If this is something you would like to be involved in, please speak to John or Caroline. We would ideally like enough to create a rota, so that the same people don’t have to commit every week.
Midweek Music at St Mary’s:
This Wednesday, 23rd November in St Mary’s Standon, there will be a short concert of light piano and organ music played by Michael Smith at 12.30. Coffee and light refreshments will be served from 11.30. Do come along for a coffee and chat and to enjoy the music.
Sacombe coffee morning 26th November:
Sacombe will hold its annual Christmas Coffee Morning and Sale on Saturday 26th November, 10.30am to 12.30pm. There will be cards, cakes, gifts and bric-a-brac available, as well as the opportunity to chat over tea or coffee. Orders will be taken for fresh table decorations, which will be available shortly before Christmas. If you have any unwanted items lurking in your cupboards, any gifts of bric-a-brac etc. for the stall will be gratefully received by members of St Catherine's.
Robin’s funeral:
We were very sad to hear that Robin died last Sunday evening. His funeral will take place on 8th December, and his family is keen to invite anyone who would like to come to the Crown & Falcon after the service. It’s impossible to estimate numbers, so they would appreciate a rough idea if we’re able to supply it. If you think you might accept the invitation, please let Caroline know. This is not a commitment either way; just an informal straw poll to help with catering.
FOSM coffee morning:
Thank you to all who supported the FOSM coffee morning and sale. We will let you know how much was raised as soon as we have the final figure. (In case you were wondering, the elephant is Edwin, and there were 154 sweets in the jar – congratulations to the two winners!)
Shoeboxes thank you:
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the shoeboxes. There are now 155 shoeboxes in Lizzy’s living room, ready to be collected on Sunday afternoon. Please pray for them as they head off to the warehouse and then on their journey to the children who will receive them.
Walking Advent calendar:
Once again, we are inviting people in Standon and Puckeridge to take part in a Walking Advent Calendar. A leaflet has been delivered to everyone in Standon and Puckeridge and spare copies are available at the back of St Mary’s. If you’d like to dress a window, please speak to Sue, who is coordinating it, or register with Rebecca (contact details in the leaflet).
New Seasons support group:
New Seasons is a group for those who have been bereaved by losing a partner, either recently or many years ago. It meets on the third Thursday each month from 3 until 5 in Standon Village Hall for tea and cake. This is a lively group whose members support each other with lots of chat and laughter. They are also there to support each other with any problems that may need to be overcome. If you would like to know more please phone Heather 07909 065550 or Rita 01920 821722.
ANCC Carol service:
All Nations is inviting us all, in person or online, to their carol service on Wednesday 30th November at 7.30 pm. Jade has fliers and will answer any questions you have.
Website:
Our benefice website is on the www.achurchnearyou.com platform. The benefice page is: www.achurchnearyou.com/church/7825/benefice. Please visit it to see the range of information there.
Services for the next few weeks
Midweek services each week:
Tuesdays, 9.30am Holy Communion (BCP), St Catherine's
Wednesdays, 9.30am Morning worship & Bible study, St Mary's
Sunday services:
20th November 8.00am Holy communion, St Mary's
10.30am Holy communion, All Saints
4.00pm The Centre, All Saints
27th November 10.30am All age service, St Mary's
4.00pm The Centre, All Saints
6.30pm Advent service, St Mary's
4th December 8.00am Holy communion, St Mary's
10.30am Morning worship, All Saints
4.00pm The Centre, All Saints
11th December 10.30am Holy communion, St Mary's
4.00pm The Centre, All Saints
Details of our Christmas services are listed on a separate flier, available at the back of all our churches. We will include them here from next weekend.