CLAPHAM :: KEASDEN :: AUSTWICK :: ELDROTH CHURCHES WEEKLY NEWSLETTER “A voice cries out: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord’” No.38. Sunday 6th December 2020 :: Second Sunday of Advent Opening prayer A voice cries out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord.’ Lord, help us listen, and turn to you in penitence and faith. Amen Isaiah 40.1-11 1 Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. 3 A voice cries out: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. 5 Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’ 6 A voice says, ‘Cry out!’ And I said, ‘What shall I cry?’ All people are grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field. 7 The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the Lord blows on it; surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand for ever. 9 Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, ‘Here is your God!’ 10 See, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. 11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep.

Newsletter produced by Revd John Davies: [email protected], 01524 805928. Listen to the prayers and reflections from this newsletter: bit.ly/churches-weekly-newsletter.

1 Psalm 85.1-2, 8-13 1 Lord, you were gracious to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. 2 You forgave the offence of your people and covered all their sins. 8 I will listen to what the Lord God will say, for he shall speak peace to his people and to the faithful, that they turn not again to folly. 9 Truly, his salvation is near to those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. 10 Mercy and truth are met together, righteousness and peace have kissed each other; 11 Truth shall spring up from the earth and righteousness look down from heaven. 12 The Lord will indeed give all that is good, and our land will yield its increase. 13 Righteousness shall go before him and direct his steps in the way. Amen Mark 1.1-8 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; 3 the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight”.’ 4John the baptiser appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptised by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. 8I have baptised you with water; but he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.’ Prayer O God, help us to be attentive to the voices crying in the wilderness of our times: the voices of the poor and oppressed, and all those usually ignored; the voices of those whose truths are hard to face but may just contain the fruits of a better life for this earth and all who occupy it. Give us courage to open our ears to words which challenge our comfortable ways; help us find in our hearts the willingness to follow the path of peace and goodwill. However strange that journey may seem, may we trust you to hold us in your grace as we travel with you. Amen In our prayers: We pray for the towns and villages within the Episcopal Area of Huddersfield/Halifax, for Bishop Jonathan and Archdeacon Anne. The Reformed Episcopal Church of Spain: Bishop Carlos López-Lozano. Those in ill health: Jayne Lodge, Peter Read, Gordon James. Those who have died: John Smale, Jean Richards, John Richards, John Lovett. Collect Almighty God, purify our hearts and minds, that when your Son Jesus Christ comes again as judge and saviour we may be ready to receive him, our Lord and our God. 2 Post Communion Prayer Father in heaven, who sent your Son to redeem the world and will send him again to be our judge: give us grace so to imitate him in the humility and purity of his first coming that, when he comes again, we may be ready to greet him with joyful love and firm faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Blessing May God the Father, who loved the world so much that he sent his only Son, give you grace to prepare for life eternal. May God the Son, who comes to us as redeemer and judge, reveal to you the path from darkness to light. May God the Holy Spirit, by whose working the Virgin Mary conceived the Christ, help you bear the fruits of holiness. And the blessing of God almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be with you now and remain with you always. Amen

CHURCH SERVICES FOR ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS Welcome news - church services will take place this Christmas! They won’t be quite the same as normal, but will still have at their heart ‘The Greatest Story Ever Told’ and the prayers and music that story inspires. See below for details. Wednesdays 9, 16 December: 10.30 Austwick Holy Communion Today: 9.30 Eldroth Holy Communion; 4.00 Clapham Outdoor Carol Singing † December 13: 11.00 Keasden, and 6.30 Austwick A Christmas Celebration* December 20: 11.00 Clapham, and 5.00 and 6.30 Eldroth A Christmas Celebration* Christmas Eve: 2.00 Austwick and 5.00 Clapham Crib Service**, 11.30pm Austwick Holy Communion Christmas Day: 9.30 Eldroth and 11.00 Keasden Family Communion December 27: 10.30 Clapham United Family Communion Service † Outdoor Carol Singing in St James’ churchyard, with lighting of the Christmas tree and mince pies and mulled wine. * A Christmas Celebration. A short time to share in the comfort and joy of the Christmas story. Enjoy listening to the familiar bible readings and carols. Before these services members of our Parish Choir will be singing well-known carols outside the churches - do come early to join them! ** Crib Service. A short family time around the crib retelling the Christmas Story followed by carols outside (weather permitting) Important: Reserving your seat at Keasden and Eldroth’s services Because of current guidelines numbers are limited at Keasden and Eldroth, so to reserve your place at Keasden on 13th please call Angela on 015242 51108; and at Eldroth on 20th and 25th, please call Lorna Pimperton on 015242 51269. 3 CHURCH SERVICES FOR ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS - see Page 3 inside for all the details. Please also watch local church noticeboards and websites for updates and further information on these seasonal events. All welcome! WEEKLY PRAYERS ONLINE. Listen to the prayers and reflections from this newsletter. Go to: bit.ly/churches-weekly-newsletter. CHURCH OF ENGLAND: DAILY PRAYERS. Free: 0800 8048044. KEASDEN CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING ‘TAKEAWAY ONLY’ Next Saturday, 12th December 10am to 12.30pm. Home-made mince pies, Christmas puddings, shortbread, flapjacks, cupcakes etc, plus holly and Christmas decorations to buy and takeaway plus a raffle. If you wish to pre-order your goodies call Angela on 015242 51108. KEASDEN CAROL SINGING OUTSIDE CHURCH. Thursday 17 December, 6.30 to 7.00pm. Weather permitting, all are invited to come and sing a few well-known carols outside church and share a and mulled wine - socially distanced, of course. NEW YEARS WALK. Friday 1st January. A socially distanced walk at Keasden Head. Meeting at the road end from 10am to 11am for a staggered start. Click here for a map of the start point: bit.ly/new-year-walk. AUSTWICK CHURCH ADVENT WREATHS: In December you have the opportunity to buy wreaths (at £15) and other Christmas pots (£5-£7.50) from the plant stall at Austwick Church. Jam sales also continue. Details from Carol Wilkinson, 8 Orchard Close. SUE MANN’S CHRISTMAS VIRTUAL JAM STALL Sue Mann has a variety of jams and available and some seasonal treats including Spiced Apricot and Orange , Traditional Christmas Chutney, Steve’s Pickled Shallots, Runner’s , Piccalilli, (Italian Piccalilli) and Chilli Jam. Also a range of bracelets specially crafted by Moira Ings. Profits to St James’ Church. Please contact Sue on 015242 51792, [email protected]. ELDROTH CHURCH NOTELETS. £8 for a pack of 10 including envelopes. Sally Harrison, 015242 51797, [email protected]. Sally is happy to deliver. CHURCHES COFFEE MORNINGS. Monday morning gatherings on Zoom, 10.30 to 11.30am. All welcome: click: bit.ly/Church-Coffee-Mornings. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR LOCAL SHOPS THIS CHRISTMAS: Clapham Community Shop. 015242 51524, [email protected] Austwick: Crossleigh Stores & Post Office. Ian and Michelle. 01524 251415, [email protected], facebook.com/ crossleighstores. COVID-19 COMMUNITY SUPPORT: [email protected], facebook.com/coronaCcN, 01524 805969. facebook.com/AustwickMutualAid. twitter.com/ AustwickNews. 4