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.