Christmas News (19 December 2023)

Dear friends,

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.
I bring you good news of great joy
that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10

If you missed either of the 2 services on Sunday, you can watch them on our YouTube channel. The performances by Song Circle and the talk by Tom at Carols by Candlelight were particular high points. Thank you to all who helped make the church look so beautiful for Christmas and for all who worked hard to make the carol service such a lovely occasion.

Carol singing will take place in the Tavern garden on Wednesday 20 December at 7:00pm. The Tavern's pop up bar will be open from 6:30pm. It should be a great evening. If it rains, we will likely move into the Wesley.

There are 3 services next Sunday, 24 December. The 10:30am service will be a BCP Communion and will conclude our short series looking at Luke 1 with the prophecy spoken by Zechariah, father of John the Baptist - Luke 1:67-80 (sometimes referred to as the Benedictus). Please note there is now no Sunday School until 14 January.

On Christmas Eve afternoon, the annual family nativity takes place at 3:30pm. In the evening, Midnight in Bethlehem (Carols & Communion) starts at 8:30pm.

At the front of church, to the right of the staged area, there are 2 Christmas cards and a collection basket for Tearfund. Rather than sending each other cards this Christmas, please think about signing a greeting to all your friends at St John's in one of the 2 cards on the table and donating the money saved to Tearfund. We have already raised over £100 - thank you.

A special memorial service in memory of Lesley Clarke will take place on Tuesday 9 January at 10:30am. All are welcome.

The service on Sunday 31 December will include a short act of Holy Communion at the end of the service.

The weekly church prayer meeting is on Zoom on Saturday at 9:00am for 40 minutes. You are welcome to join us by clicking here or, load Zoom and use Meeting ID: 685 295 1296 and Password: 816262.

There will be no prayer meeting on Saturday 30 December.

This is the last news email of 2023, so I wish you all a very blessed and happy Christmas.

In Christ

Peter
Tue 19 Dec 2023