The Song of the Angel: A Christmas Story from Seal Church.

 The Christmas Story I told as part of our Christmas morning service - The Song of the Angel. 

Merry Christmas from all at Seal Church! May you find your song, and sing it! 

Happy Christmas from all at Seal Church: Christmas worship podcasts

 

Dear friends Happy Christmas from all at Seal Church.  Join us for worship online, on the phone or in the building today.  with best wishes Anne Le Bas Online Worship podcast  for Christmas Day   Order of service Worship podcast for Christmas Eve You can also access this podcast by phoning 01732 928061

An extra podcast, including some prayers, readings, and the sermon preached on Christmas Eve as we welcomed the birth of Jesus.

In the church building today - Christmas Day 10 am   Holy Communion with a story instead of a sermon No evening service today Next Sunday - Jan 1 10 am  Holy Communion 6.30pm Evensong Merry Christmas from all at Seal Church

One Word: Love

Love

God’s love was revealed among us in this way; God sent his only son in to the world so that we might live through him. 1 John 4.9

• God gave us Jesus because he loved us, pure and simple; no strings, no conditions, no hidden agendas. Who has shown you love in your life? What has your response been to that love?
• How did people at the time see God’s love revealed in Jesus?
• The writer of the first letter of John says that God’s love enabled us to “live through him”. What effect does it have on us when we know we are loved?
• God’s love is perfect; ours isn’t Are there any relationships you need to mend this Christmas?

One Word: Gift

Gift

A child has been born for us, a son given to us. Isaiah 9.6

God so loved the world that he gave his only son. John 3.16

• How do you feel about the “gift-giving” element of Christmas? Do you enjoy choosing gifts for people, or is it stressful or fraught with complications for you?
• Are there people you feel you have to give gifts to, even if you don’t like them, or they you?
• Do you find it easy to receive gifts, or do you tend to say “you shouldn’t have”?
• Jesus is described as God’s gift to us – unearned and undeserved. What do you think of this and what is your response to it?

One Word: Light

Light

The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it. John 1.5

The true light which enlightens everyone was coming into the world. John 1.9

• Why do you think John described Jesus as being like a light? How did he light up people’s lives? Do you feel he is a light to you?
• How do you feel about darkness? Have you ever been frightened of it? If so, why?
• What is the deepest darkness (physical or emotional) you have known?
• What or who has lit up your darkness? 

One Word: Favoured

Favoured

The angel said to Mary, “Greetings favoured one, the Lord is with you.” Luke 1.28

• “Favoured” can also be translated as “graced”. (“Hail Mary, full of grace,”is the traditional translation of this verse.) Grace is the unearned gift of love, approval and goodwill given by someone with power to someone without it. What do you think Mary might have felt when she heard the angel’s words?
• If Mary remembered these words when she watched Jesus die on the cross, what do you think she might have made of them then? Do you think she still felt “favoured”?
• Have you ever felt favoured (or favourite) Was it a good feeling, or did it bring problems with it?
• Do you feel favoured/graced by God? If so, how?

One Word: Disgrace

Disgrace

Mary’s husband Joseph, being a righteous man, and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. Matthew 1.19

• When Mary was found to be pregnant before she and Joseph started living together, she was at great risk, especially as Joseph knew this child wasn't his. He could have had her stoned to death.  At the very least she would bring lasting shame on herself and her family. How might it have felt to be Joseph, in this position? How might it have felt to be Mary?
• Have you ever felt in disgrace, justly or unjustly? What was it like and how did you deal with it?
• Are there people you regard as a disgrace or of whom you feel ashamed? What can you do about this? Can “grace” be restored to them and to your relationship with them?

One Word: Glory

Glory

We have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son. John 1.14

An angel of the Lord stood before [the shepherds] and the glory of the Lord shone around them. 

Luke 2.9 

• In Hebrew thought the glory of the Lord – kabod – was visualised as a shining, weighty thing like gold. What is the most glorious thing you have ever seen?
• How do you think people saw God’s glory in Jesus?
• Have you ever felt glorious or been treated by others as if you were? What did it feel like?

Sunday Worship podcast link: Dec 18

Dear friends Apologies for any trouble you may have had accessing the podcast last Sunday. I had scheduled it for the wrong date! Thank you to those who alerted me to the problem - please always feel free to email if you find there is a problem.  Join us for worship online, on the phone or in the building today.  with best wishes Anne Le Bas Online Worship podcast     Order of service You can also access this podcast by phoning 01732 928061

In the church building today - Dec 18 Advent 4 10 am   Holy Communion 6.30pm  Carol Service During the week Monday              2-3.30pm Talking Village drop in at Deniz' Cafe in the High Street. Wednesday       7.15-8.15 pm Adult Choir in the church hall                          Friday                 10.30-12.30 Friday Group in the church hall CHRISTMAS EVE - Dec 24 4pm Crib service 9pm First Communion of Christmas (Midnight Mass, but not at Midnight!) CHRISTMAS DAY - Sunday Dec 25 10 am   All Age Communion, with a story in place of a sermon. No Evening Service Advent 4 Today's Gospel reading focuses on Joseph, who discovers that Mary is pregnant, but not by him! This throws him into complete confusion and distress. He knows the child isn't his, and the only conclusion he can draw is that Mary has been unfaithful. He resolves to "dismiss her quietly", send her away with as little fuss as possible, to protect her, and to protect his own reputation. He will be ridiculed if it gets out that he is bringing up another man's child.  The message of an angel makes him think again, however, and today's sermon explores what this might mean to him, and to us.  Guido Reni's portrayal of Joseph with the infant Jesus captures his tender love and protectiveness for this child, who he treats as his own, an action which takes courage and commitment.

ALL AGE IDEAS  Today's Gospel reading tells the story of Joseph, who brings up Jesus, even though he is not his father.  There are often people who love us and care for us like a mum or dad, even though they aren't related to us.  Who loves and cares for you that isn't part of your family? If you  have a Christmas Tree, perhaps you could draw the people who care for you, and hang their pictures on the tree, saying a thank you prayer for each of them.

WHAT'S ON IN SEAL... COMMUNITY LUNCH  All are very welcome at our free Christmas themed community lunch (including veggie options) on Wednesday 21st December at 1pm in the church hall. Soup, cheese, pate, and a hot pud! Good company and a warm welcome. Everyone is welcome. We would love to see you there! More information: Hilary Curtis 07834 413891  Lise Michaelides 07570 125115, or you can just turn up on the day. KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURS FAMILY PARTY IN EARLY JANUARY We will also need help to organise this please, so  please let Marion know if you can offer your assistance in any way. marionjgilchrist@gmail.com PLEASE PRAY... For our finances - we are currently running at a loss and having to eat into our reserves. Just like everyone else, our costs are rising, and income is falling! You can donate online by clicking here.

 

One Word: Flesh

Flesh

The Word became flesh and lived among us.

John 1.14

• It was really important for the early church to proclaim theat God had come to them in real flesh and blood, in a completely human person, who ate and drank, suffered and died. Why do you think this matters so much? What difference does it make to Christian faith?
• How do you feel about your own flesh, your body? Have you ever not liked your body?
• What difference should it make to us that God has blessed flesh with his presence?

One Word: Bethlehem

Bethlehem

And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.

Matthew 2.6, quoting Micah 5.2

• Bethlehem at the time of Jesus was a small, insignificant village about 5 miles from Jerusalem, the kind of place no one expected anything significant to happen yet it had been the birthplace of King David, which was why prophecies said that the Messiah would be born there. What do you think it would feel like to be a long-term resident of Bethlehem?
• We are often surprised when something newsworthy happens in our own backyard. Why do you think that feel like that?
• It’s good to feel proud of and love the place we live in , but that pride and love can easily become destructive, exclusive nationalism. How do we get the balance right?

One Word: Emmanuel

Emmanuel

Look the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call him Emmanuel.

Matthew 1.23, quoting Isaiah 7.14

• Emmanuel means "God is with us". Jesus’ first followers believed that in him, God was with them in a new and special way. Why do you think they thought that? What did they see of God in him?
• How do you think God is with you now (if you do)?
• Where have you seen God’s presence in your life, if you have?
• How might you look for God’s presence in your daily life today?

One Word: Message

Message

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth.

Luke 1.26

• The nativity story is full of messengers, the literal meaning of the word translated as “angel” in the Bible (angellos). What would it feel like to be entrusted with the messages the angels bring?
• Have you ever had to be a “messenger” taking news, good or bad, on someone else’s behalf? What happened and what did it feel like?
• What is the message of Christmas for you? Is there more than one message? Has that message changed for you over time?

One Word: Joy

Joy

The angel said to the shepherds, “I am bringing you good news of great joy.” Luke 2.10

• The angels announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds as “good news of great joy”. Why do you think the shepherds might have found joy in this news?
• When have you had joyful news in your life?
• Jesus’ birth, in the midst of fear and danger, led to a life of hardship and eventual crucifixion. How could this be called “joy”? Is there a difference between joy and happiness?
• How joyful do you feel today? How might you find joy in your life today, and bring joy to someone else?

One Word: King

King

The wise men asked Herod, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?”

Matthew 2.2

• The wise men’s question to King Herod sent him into a panic, which turned to murderous rage. Have you ever felt threatened by someone you thought had their eye on “your” job or position? What did you do? 
• What images does the word “king” create in your mind?
• Who has authority over you in your daily life? How do you feel about their “rule” over you?
• What does it mean to you to call Jesus “king”? How is his rule seen in your life?

One Word: Chosen

Chosen

Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.” Luke 1.46-48

• Mary was astonished to have been chosen to be the mother of the Messiah. Have you ever been surprised to be chosen for a special role?
• Have you ever wanted to be chosen, but not been?
• Have you ever had to do the choosing – making a job appointment, choosing a life partner etc.? How did you make the choice and how did it feel? What were you looking for, and how did you know you’d found it?
• Mary says that God has “looked with favour on her lowliness”. Are the qualifications we look for always the right ones? Do we overlook people who don’t push themselves forward?

Sunday Worship podcast link and other news: Dec 11

 

Dear friends Join us for worship online, on the phone or in the building today.  with best wishes Anne Le Bas Online Worship podcast     Order of service You can also access this podcast by phoning 01732 928061 In the church building today - Dec 1 Advent 3 10 am   Christingle All Age Worship, followed by cake and gift sale. 6.30pm  Breathing Space Holy Communion During the week Monday              2-3.30pm Talking Village drop in at Deniz' Cafe in the High Street. Wednesday       7.15-8.15 pm Adult Choir in the church hall                          Friday                 10.30-12.30 Friday Group in the church hall Saturday            3.45 Christmas light switch on in Seal High Street, with some carol singing Next Sunday  10 am   Holy Communion 6.30pm Carol Service Advent 3 Today's morning service in the church building is an All Age Christingle service, but on the podcast you can hear a service and a sermon based on today's lectionary readings, Isaiah 35.1-10 and Matthew 11. 2-11.  In the Gospel reading, messengers come to Jesus, sent by John the Baptist, who has been arrested by King Herod for challenging his marriage to Herodias (who had been married to Herod's half-brother, who was also her half-uncle... the Herod family tree was extremely complicated, and often unsavoury!) Sitting in prison, facing the possibility of death, John wonders whether his ministry, pointing to Jesus, had been worth it. The sermon explores what this story might mean to us.  Juan Fernande de Navarrettes picture of John the Baptist in prison captures that sense of doubt in John. He gazes at some broken sticks, which are formed into the shape of the cross. Around them a banner is twined. We can only see a few letters on it, but in pictures of John with Jesus he is often carrying a banner which says "Ecce Agnus Dei" - Behold the Lamb of God.  It is as if he is remembering his acclamation of Jesus as the Messiah, but now has begun to see the cost of this, not just to Jesus, but also to him.  ALL AGE IDEAS  In church this morning we have our Christingle service, but on our podcast we are thinking about John the Baptist, who prepared people for the ministry of Jesus and pointed towards him.  John was later arrested by King Herod (the son of the King Herod who is in the story of Jesus' birth), because he had criticized his injustice and corruption. John was probably feeling scared, but also wondering whether standing up for what was right was worth it.  Have you ever had to say that something wasn't right? What did it feel like to do that? Has anyone ever criticized you - said that you had done something wrong? How did that feel? There are brave people still today who say things that might make them unpopular, or even bring them suffering. Say a prayer for those who stand up for justice today and for their families. If you aren't able to come to our Christingle service, perhaps you could make a Christingle, or another Christmas light, with a real candle or a battery powered light. You could put it in your window to shine out into the darkness.    WHAT'S ON IN SEAL... CHRISTINGLE. Our Christingle service takes place today at 10 am. Come along and join us! The collection will be in aid of the Children's Society, who work with vulnerable children and families across the UK. You can find out more about their work here - https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/what-we-do, and donate online, if that is easier for you. We will be holding a cake and gift sale, in aid of Seal Church funds, after the service (see below) COMMUNITY LUNCH  All are very welcome at our free Christmas themed community lunch (including veggie options)!=  on Wednesday 21st December at 1pm in the church hall. Soup, cheese, pate, and a hot pud! Good company and a warm welcome. Everyone is welcome. We would love to see you there! More information: Hilary Curtis 07834 413891  Lise Michaelides 07570 125115, or you can just turn up on the day. KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURS FAMILY PARTY IN EARLY JANUARY We will also need help to organise this please, so  please let Marion know if you can offer your assistance in any way. marionjgilchrist@gmail.com PLEASE PRAY... For our finances - we are currently running at a loss and having to eat into our reserves. Just like everyone else, our costs are rising, and income is falling! You can donate online by clicking here.

One Word: Room

Room

..there was no room for them at the inn.

Luke 2.7

• Biblical commentators argue about why there was “no room”, and what exactly the “inn” was – a guest room in a relative’s house?  a public lodging place? – but the outcome is the same. There was no room for Mary, Joseph and their new-born son. Why do you think this detail in Luke’s story is important?
• Have you ever felt squeezed out or excluded? What did it feel like and what did you do?
• Where do you feel you really “belong” – the place where when you go there, you know there will always be room for you?
• Who might we treat as if there is “no room” for them, in our families, workplaces, communities and world? What might that feel like?

One Word: Journey

Journey

All went to their own towns to be registered.Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem…to be registered with Mary. Luke 2.3-4

• There are many journeys in the nativity story. Mary goes to visit Elizabeth, her cousin, when she hears she is pregnant. She and Joseph travel to Bethlehem. The wise men come from the east, following the star. Joseph , Mary and Jesus flee to Egypt to escape Herod. How might it have felt to make these journeys?
• Do you like travelling, or do you prefer to stay at home? Why?
• Have you ever had to make a journey you didn’t want to make? Why was that, and what happened?

One Word: Born

Born

…to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord.

Luke 2.11

• Have you given birth or been present at, or shortly after a birth. What was it like to greet a new-born child? What did you think and feel? 
• What stories do you know about your own birth – maybe there are some photos? What do you know about how others felt about your birth?
• If you could say one thing to a new-born child today, what would it be?
• John’s Gospel says “what has come into being in Christ, is life, and the life is the light of all people” John 1.4. What do you think this means? What came into being through your birth? 

One Word: Manger

Manger

And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger… Luke 2.7

• Where do you sleep best? Have you ever fallen asleep in an unlikely place?
• Where did you sleep as a child, and what was your sleep like?
• What would it be like to sleep in a manger, or to put your child to sleep in a manger?
• What do you think the animals, and those who looked after the animals, thought of this?

One Word: Fear

Fear

Then an angel of the Lord stood before the shepherds and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said, “do not be afraid, for see- I am bringing you good news of great joy.

 Luke 2.9-10.

[When King Herod heard that the Wise Men had arrived] he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him. Matthew 2.3

• When were you last afraid, and why?
• What helps you to deal with your fears?
• Have you ever been afraid of something it turned out you didn’t need to fear?
• Fear can be a warning, and a necessary challenge (as it is to King Herod). Can you think of a time when it has been good that you were afraid, or when you should have been, but weren’t?

One Word: Peace

Peace

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’                        Luke 2.13-14

• How would you define peace? What does it mean to you?
• When in your life have you felt most deeply at peace? When have you felt furthest from it?
• The peace the angels promised to the shepherds wasn’t an absence of trouble; there was plenty of that in the lives of Jesus and his followers, including his painful death on the cross. It was the knowledge that they were securely held in the love of God, whatever happened. How secure do you feel in God’s love?

One Word: Danger

Danger

 Now after the Magi had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.’ Matthew 2.13

• Jesus was born into danger. In Matthew’s Gospel, he is at risk from King Herod; in Luke’s Gospel he is born homeless, as a result of the decision of the far-off Roman Emperor who orders a census which necessitates a long journey away from home.
• What dangers do you think he and his family faced?
• What dangers do you think the world today faces? Which do you think is our greatest danger?
• Are you good in a crisis? What lessons has your life taught you to help you cope with danger?

Sunday worship podcast link and other news from Seal Church: Dec 4 Advent 2

 

Dear friends Join us for worship online, on the phone or in the building today.  with best wishes Anne Le Bas Online Worship podcast     Order of service You can also access this podcast by phoning 01732 928061

In the church building today - Dec 4 Advent 2 10 am  Holy Communion 6.30pm Evensong During the week Monday              2-3.30pm Talking Village drop in at Deniz' Cafe in the High Street. Wednesday       4.30-5pm Children's Choir in the church hall                            7.15-8.15 pm Adult Choir in the church hall                          Friday                 9 am Seal School Nativity - No Morning Prayer in church today.                           10.30-12.30 Friday Group in the church hall Saturday            3.45 Christmas light switch on in Seal High Street, with some carol singing   Next Sunday  10 am   All Age Christingle Service, followed by cake and gift sale. 6.30pm Breathing Space Holy Communion Advent 2 Today's Bible readings both mention trees, felled or about to be felled. Trees are very important to us, physically and symbolically, older than us, bigger than us, and speaking to us of continuity and strength. But even the strongest tree can be felled in a few hours. But from the stump, new shoots can grow, and life can come out of what looks like death.  The readings invite us to think about what we are rooted in. Are our roots healthy and life-giving? Are we rooted in God's love? In the Old Testament reading, the prophet Isaiah says that " a shoot shall come from the stump of Jesse." This Bible verse gave rise to the image known as the "Jesse Tree", a visual representation of the "family tree" of Jesus, tracing Jesus ancestry from David, Jesse's son (Matthew and Luke's Gospels each give a slightly different version of his family tree). It was a way of (quite literally) rooting Jesus squarely as a part of the history of God's relationship with the people of Israel, rather than a departure from it.  Jesse Trees can be found represented in many forms - in stained glass, in carvings and in paintings. The picture on the right is by Jacques de Besancon, from about 1485, and shows Mary, holding Jesus in her arms, at the end of a long twisting shoot, coming up from the body of Jesse.

ALL AGE IDEAS  Today's readings talk about trees, and their importance as symbols of the life of God, which goes on, no matter what happens. Even if a tree is cut down, new shoots can grow from its roots. Find a tree near you and really look at it. It might be in your garden, or in a park - Seal Recreation ground is full of trees! Do you know what sort of tree it is? Does it have any leaves on it, or have they fallen off? Is it "evergreen", like yew, holly and fir trees, or "deciduous", meaning its leaves fall off in the winter?  What is its trunk like? What might live in "your" tree? Can you collect leaves or seeds from "your" tree. What can you make from them? What happens if you plant a seed from "your" tree in a pot?  Watch "your" tree as the seasons change, and make friends with it! God made it, and loves it as much as you do! The Woodland Trust have lots of great activities to do with trees and in woodlands. Some ideas for Advent below, repeated from last week, in case you didn't catch them then!   Make an Advent ring with four coloured candles and one white candle. In church we use three purple candles and one pink one (for the third Sunday of Advent). We light one candle each Sunday in Advent, and the white one on Christmas Day. In some churches the candles are red. Make an Advent countdown candle. Mark 24 lines on a plain candle and burn down through one line each day, being still and thinking, or talking to one another as you do. Send Mary and Joseph on an Advent journey. Find or make a Mary and Joseph - you could make them by decorating some cardboard tubes if you haven't got any. Take it in turns to hide them somewhere in your house each day during Advent for others to find, and think about the long journey they had to make from Nazareth to Bethlehem before Jesus was born. What might it be like for people who have to leave their home and become refugees today? Collect a "reverse Advent calendar"  - a box into which you can put one item of food each day during Advent. On Christmas Eve, bring it to church, and put it in the foodbank box by the font. Follow our Advent series this year, which is called "One Word" , and looks at one word connected with Advent or Christmas and asks some questions about it. There is also a colouring sheet to fill in each day, where you could write the word or draw something connected to it in each space. There are copies of the booklet and the colouring sheet in church, but you can also download them from the link below, or you can follow it on the church blog, where each day's post will appear, from Dec 1 onwards. What will you do to make Advent a holy and blessed time?

WHAT'S ON IN SEAL... CHRISTINGLE. Our Christingle service takes place next Sunday at 10 am. Come along and join us! The collection will be in aid of the Children's Society, who work with vulnerable children and families across the UK. You can find out more about their work here - https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/what-we-do, and donate online, if that is easier for you. We will be holding a cake and gift sale, in aid of Seal Church funds, after the service (see below) CAKE BAKERS NEEDED! We are looking for cakes to sell after the Christingle service on Dec 11, as well as small gifts etc. so please let us know if you can help with this.  CHRISTMAS LIGHTS THANK YOU to who helped put up Christmas lights around the village yesterday. It was a mammoth labour, completed in record time because of those who turned out to help.  The lights will be switched on next Saturday, at around 3.45, when we will sing some Christmas carols outside the village hall at the end of the Over 60's Christmas tea! Come and join us to lend your voice. KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURS FAMILY PARTY IN EARLY JANUARY We will also need help to organise this please, so  please let Marion know if you can offer your assistance in any way. marionjgilchrist@gmail.com PLEASE PRAY... For our finances - we are currently running at a loss and having to eat into our reserves. Just like everyone else, our costs are rising, and income is falling! You can donate online by clicking here.

One Word: Child

Child

The wolf shall live with the lamb,

   the leopard shall lie down with the kid,

the calf and the lion and the fatling together,

   and a little child shall lead them. Isaiah 11.6

• Children were symbols of vulnerability and powerlessness in the times of the Bible, because that was the reality of their lives. What words or phrases do you associate with the word “child”?
• If you could describe your childhood in three words, what would they be?
• “A little child shall lead them”. Jesus didn’t come as a mighty warrior, but as a little child. What difference should that make to Christian faith?
• What lead might the children in our lives and our world be trying to give us today? How can we listen to them better?

One Word: Hope

Hope

For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.

Jeremiah 29.11:

• The birth of Jesus brought hope to people who were in despair, living under the often harsh rule of Rome. Think about the world now. Who might be feeling like this today?
• What do you think is hopeful about the Christmas story? Why is it a story of hope?
•  Are you a hopeful person?
•  What plans do you think God might have for your life?

One Word: Silence

Silence

When Zechariah came out, he could not speak to the people, and they realised that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kept motioning to them and remained unable to speak.

Luke 1.22

• Zechariah was rendered silent because an angel had told him his wife, Elizabeth, was expecting a child – John the Baptist - long after it should have been possible for this childless couple. Have you ever been so stunned you couldn’t speak?
• How do you feel about silence? Do you seek it out or avoid it?
• What might it be like not to be able to communicate?
• Zechariah could listen during this time, but not speak. What might be good about this? Do you speak too much and listen too little? 

One Word : Expect

Expect

Joseph went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.

Luke 2.5:

• When did you last expect something? Was it a good or a bad feeling? Did what you expect happen?
• Have you ever expected a child (your own or that of a partner or someone close to you)? What did it feel like? What did you know, or not know about the child to be born? What did you expect them to be like and how did you think they would change your life?
• What do you think Mary and Joseph expected from Jesus?
• What are you expecting from today and tomorrow?

One Word Advent Reflections - Starting Dec 1

Advent daily meditations and colouring sheet (Starting Dec 1)

If this year's Advent series looks strangely familiar, that's because it is!

This year I am republishing an Advent series I did a few years ago, since it seems to me that it speaks into our present situation. Life is busy and fraught. There is so much to worry about at the moment. This series, originally published in 2016, focussed, as the title suggests, on One Word, just one word, each day, which I hope will lead us to the One Word who is Jesus.

Advent daily meditations and colouring sheet... (Starting Dec 1)

Less is more, so they say, and that’s especially true in Advent.

At a time of year when the world can feel very noisy and demanding, we can easily feel overwhelmed. Yet, what God did at Christmas was essentially very simple. One baby, born to one family, in one specific place, at one specific time.

That’s why this year our daily meditations will focus on just one word a day, one Advent word that will help us prepare to celebrate the birth of the Word made flesh, Jesus. There will be a few questions each day to prompt your thoughts or discussions. You can find the meditations here on the blog each day - there will be facebook and twitter links too, so follow us there and they will pop up in your feed.

You can ponder these Advent words on your own, or talk about them with others. There will be an accompanying colouring sheet for you to fill if you’d like to as well, perhaps writing the word in each day’s space, or representing it in some other way, It’s up to you.

The series starts on December 1, though Advent really begins on the Sunday before, and runs through to Christmas Eve. It doesn’t matter, though, if you get behind. Take as long as you need over each word.

Here's a prayer to say as Advent begins.

Advent God,

we journey with you,

to Bethlehem’s stable

and a new-born King,

ears attuned

to the song of angels,

eyes alert

for Bethlehem’s star.

Forgive us

if on our journey

if we are distracted

by the tempting offers

of this world.

Keep our hearts aflame

with the hope

of Christmas,

and the promise

of a Saviour. Amen

John Birch www.faithandworship.com

Sunday Worship podcast links: Nov 27 Advent 1

Dear friends Join us for worship online, on the phone or in the building today.  with best wishes Anne Le Bas Online Worship podcast     Order of service You can also access this podcast by phoning 01732 928061 In the church building today - Nov 27 Advent 1 10 am  Holy Communion 6.30pm Evensong During the week Monday              2-3.30pm Talking Village drop in at Deniz' Cafe in the High Street. Wednesday       10.am Good Book Club                            4.30-5pm Children's Choir in the church hall                             7.15-8.15 pm Adult Choir in the church hall                          Friday                 9.30 am Morning prayer in church today                            10.30-12.30 Friday Group in the church hall Saturday            10-11 Talking Village drop-in in the Library Next Sunday  10 am   Holy Communion 6.30pm Evensong Advent Sunday Today marks the beginning of Advent (not Dec 1, though that's when our Advent reflections (see below) will start) Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas, and is partly a time of preparation for it. Today's sermon explores how it might be more than that, though, encouraging us not just to look back to the coming of Christ (Advent is from the Latin "adventus" meaning "coming") in Bethlehem long ago, but to the ways he comes to us now, and the way he will come to us in the future.    ALL AGE IDEAS FOR ADVENT Today is the first Sunday in Advent. Advent is from a Latin word, 'adventus' which means 'coming'. We think about Jesus coming to us as a baby in Bethlehem, but also about the way we might find him today. During Advent we try to  to look around us and to reflect and pray - to notice God at work in the love and joy around us, and also in the things that might need to change in our world, so that we can join in with God's work. That can be difficult when everything is so busy as people get ready for Christmas, but we will enjoy Christmas more if we have been able to stop be still.  There are lots of ways of reflecting during Advent. You could: Make an Advent ring with four coloured candles and one white candle. In church we use three purple candles and one pink one (for the third Sunday of Advent). We light one candle each Sunday in Advent, and the white one on Christmas Day. In some churches the candles are red. Make an Advent countdown candle. Mark 24 lines on a plain candle and burn down through one line each day, being still and thinking, or talking to one another as you do. Send Mary and Joseph on an Advent journey. Find or make a Mary and Joseph - you could make them by decorating some cardboard tubes if you haven't got any. Take it in turns to hide them somewhere in your house each day during Advent for others to find, and think about the long journey they had to make from Nazareth to Bethlehem before Jesus was born. What might it be like for people who have to leave their home and become refugees today? Collect a "reverse Advent calendar"  - a box into which you can put one item of food each day during Advent. On Christmas Eve, bring it to church, and put it in the foodbank box by the font. Follow our Advent series this year, which is called "One Word" , and looks at one word connected with Advent or Christmas and asks some questions about it. There is also a colouring sheet to fill in each day, where you could write the word or draw something connected to it in each space. There are copies of the booklet and the colouring sheet in church, but you can also download them from the link below, or you can follow it on the church blog, where each day's post will appear, from Dec 1 onwards. What will you do to make Advent a holy and blessed time?    WHAT'S ON IN SEAL... SEAL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR – TODAY Return of last year's successful event with stalls offering a range of unique Christmas gifts - 10.30am-3pm. Teas and cakes, Tombola, Raffle, Unique Christmas Gifts, Many Crafts and Sweet Stalls. Come and join us!! CHRISTMAS LIGHTING around the village HELP NEEDED NEXT SATURDAY Marion Gilchrist writes: "We now have a healthy number of volunteers to climb ladders, but if you have a tall ladder you might be able to lend for the morning of Saturday 3rd, we would be very grateful, as we now have more climbers than ladders!. Most are saying they have time on Saturday 3rd, rather than Sunday 4th, so we will aim to get as much done that day as possible. I would be very grateful if 1 or 2 people might be able to oversee the putting back of the equipment safely in the Village Hall at the end of the session, as I may have to leave a bit earlier than finish time. If you feel you could help in this way, please let me know. Erman in Deniz's cafe, is ready to take the final number for our bacon sandwich order - please remember, this is our way of saying thanks to those of you who have braved the elements and giving of your time, so any veggie options need to be directed to me in advance please. Only people who have committed in advance, will have a sandwich orders for them - this includes those hanging lights in areas other than the High Street. You just have to be near Deniz's at 10am please. marionjgilchrist@gmail.com CAKE BAKERS NEEDED!  We are looking for cakes to sell after the Christingle service on Dec 11, as well as small gifts etc. so please let us know if you can help with this.  KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURS FAMILY PARTY IN EARLY JANUARY We will also need help to organise this please, so  please let Marion know if you can offer your assistance in any way. marionjgilchrist@gmail.com THANK YOU to all who helped at the Christmas Wreath making session on Friday, and especially to Maggie and Chris who did such a great job of preparing for and running the evening. A great time was had by all! AND THANK YOU to all who came along, and helped, at Messy Church last week. We really enjoyed preparing for Advent and Christmas together. There's no Messy Church in December, but we'll be back on Jan 15! PLEASE PRAY... For our new Finance Team, which, at the moment consists of the vicar, Paul Thompson and  Wivine and Mark Turner (we would love to have a couple more people join us, especially if you have some experience of church finance, or any finance!) For our finances - we are currently running at a loss and having to eat into our reserves. Just like everyone else, our costs are rising, and income is falling! You can donate online by clicking here.