HEATH EVANGELICAL CHURCH MAGAZINE December 2020 - January 2021

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

HEATH EVANGELICAL CHURCH MAGAZINE December 2020 - January 2021 HEATH EVANGELICAL CHURCH MAGAZINE December 2020 - January 2021 God’s glorious autumn colours in Aberporth Road. See p9 Grace is more than a doctrine Preaching as the Word of God News from around Wales Advent memories Books Craft Afternoon Editors: Mr Leighton Hargest Tel: 029 2068 9075 Dr Paul Tench Tel: 029 2061 9109 email: [email protected] Pastor: Rev. Wyn Hughes 122 Whitchurch Road, Cardiff CF14 3LZ. Tel: 029 2061 7738 email: [email protected] Church Website: www.heath-church.org Pastoral Letter Dear Brothers & Sisters, Christmas Eve I sometimes get asked "What is our ethos that seek to look out for one another and be Carol Service as a church?" This is a very good question a witness to Christ. So many do so much and even though it includes what we behind the scenes it's not just about those in Given the ban on congregational believe in, it is more than that. Neither is official positions but a living church. singing and the need for 48 ethos limited to the way we do things. In Our lineage is that of men and women like hours gap between services some ways it's best "felt than telt"! Yet we Lloyd-Jones, Helen Roseveare, Tozer, Isobel with different congregations, the still need some sort of definition as to what Kuhn, Spurgeon, Hudson Taylor, John Elias, Elders have decided that this we are about, our raison d'être. So let me Jonathan Edwards, Daniel Rowland, Whitfield, year's Christmas Eve Carol have a go at giving a rough definition. Bunyan, Luther etc etc. Not all of these Service will be wholly on line. Surely our ethos as a church can be put in 2 would have held Reformed convictions but There are a number of positives words: Calvinistic Methodist (the were men and women who knew God. We from this. God willing, it will be denomination we came out of), or Word and love true believers from different traditions viewed by more people than Spirit, or experiential Christianity etc. We and this is reflected in our congregation. We would come to the church. To hold to a historic Reformed theology but want to worship God in a reverent but not a that end, it is being advertised in with an emphasis on the Gospel, that is, dour manner, teaching one another in our nearly 8,000 Christmas cards preaching Christ. Also we believe in the need hymnody as well, not a performance but that are being delivered by Royal for the Holy Spirit to make this Gospel worship in Spirit and in Truth. This is Mail in the second week of effective, and to revive us as believers. This is reflected in a wide variety of hymns December. It is being advertised why we are not into gimmicks even though including Sankeys and Stuart Townend. We on the church website and on we believe in using every means to spread don’t just want to be concerned about social media. The words of the the Gospel. Prayer is also essential especially spreading the Gospel in our local area but carols will be displayed so that in upholding the preaching for which the wider afield and hence an emphasis on people at home can join in pastor is set apart and called by God. sending missionaries all over the world. singing. The elders as well as the minister have the Those are some random thoughts of our As for the service itself, it will responsibility of pastoral oversight, and to ethos. More could be said, but I love this be led by the Pastor and he will help him and uphold him. Not only are we kind of Christianity; it does something to my preach. There will be several blessed with godly elders married to godly soul. I consider it a great privilege to be Bible readings from men and wives but church workers/assistants/trainees pastor of such a church and how we should women and Sunday School to help with this. Also we are blessed with a be proud of who we are and especially of children. The carols will be hard working diaconate to look after the being Christ's people. May we guard and recorded and will include one running of the church and with a membership nurture these precious things. each by the Sunday School, our young people and by a group of our adults. Please pray that the Yours in Him, Lord will richly bless the truths Wyn Hughes preached and sung to the salvation of precious souls. Preaching Diary (in the church building and live streamed) Online access to services YouTube : Sundays 10.45am & 6.00pm Midweek select Heath Evangelical Church. This is also the case for Daily December Midweek Bible study Thoughts. 6th *, 13th The Pastor /prayer session 7.30 Computer : 20th The Pastor [am ] Wednesdays throughout December www.heath-church.org ; select Hywel George [pm ] and the foreseeable future Live streaming in the top banner 27th Rev David Jones [Merthyr ] on the home page Wednesday 9 December Telephone : dial 029 22 670600 January - Michael Prest (UFM) 3rd *, 10th The Pastor Week of prayer 17th, 24th The Pastor Tuesday 5 - Friday 8 January Christmas Services 31st Dr Dustin Benge [UST ] February Home Bible studies Christmas Eve 7th *, 14th The Pastor Monday 7 December 5.30 (live streaming only) 21st The Pastor Monday 4 January Christmas Day 10.30 The pastor Monday 1 February Watchnight service 11.15 pm * Evening Communion Material for the next issue must be in the editors’ hands by 17th January in order to avoid delay in publication. 2 Wales Prayer Update There are encouraging signs that some Christians and churches are seeking to prioritise prayer. The Evangelical Alliance (EA), for example, called for a Day of Prayer on the 13 November for UK churches which has met with an encouraging response. The EMW Board has similarly been exercised concerning the matter of prayer and would like to reinstate monthly regional prayer meetings on Zoom for Churches/Christians. As a church at Heath we will have our own times of prayer early in January to seek the Lord for His blessing and a powerful movement of the Holy Spirit in Wales. This is a personal challenge to each of us, too, to seek the Lord, but please pray for the Lord’s work in Wales, including the following items. A new Christmas edition of the EMW evangelistic Ask/Holi magazine is available for purchase and distribution by churches and individuals. The size is A5 which is ideal for posting and for giving away to friends and relatives. There are 32 pages divided equally between both Welsh and English children linked with their club and toddlers. There will be an languages. There is a clear and warm Gospel presentation online carol service video on the 20th December and people with testimonies, as well as Bible teaching and a children’s will be invited to watch. Bilingual children's videos about local page. Newtown church are considering another town wide Christian history have been well received by local folk; the mail drop of 8,000 copies of this edition of Ask/Holi . Other videos show what God has done in their area in the past. churches have ordered varying quantities with Mount Elim, Pete's wife Rachel has kept the Toddler Group going Pontardawe intending to distribute 2,000 copies in their area. informally in the park, which has been appreciated with good Their pastor is Steffan Jones. Feel free to obtain copies for contacts being made. your distribution to friends and family over Christmas. Paul Tench distributed recently 400 copies of a previous edition of Please pray for John Bolger, a church member who is a Ask/Holi in the streets around Heath church while 1,000 committed open-air evangelist regularly preaching in copies are on order for distribution in a different part of the Porthmadog, Pwllheli, and Dolgellau. Over a few years, some Heath area. folk have been converted through this preaching, and John has a good hearing from locals, so it is a strategic ministry. Seion, Maerdy: Andrew Scully is finding ministry complicated under current restrictions but recorded services are Pete Campbell is grateful for like-minded churches in transferred to CDs for people to listen to on Sunday Criccieth, Bala (Gareth Williams), Bangor (David Finney in mornings as most people are not on line. They have a Ebeneser and Dafydd Job in Capel y Ffynon) and Talsarnau midweek telephone conference prayer meeting with good (where the pastor is Dewi Tudor). The Criccieth church is numbers joining for that. Nearly all their congregation are stable but in need of prayer. A charismatic church in Criccieth vulnerable due to age or ill-health but they are encouraged in has plans to establish a witness in Harlech so please pray that that after the CDs have been distributed, they are later the witness will be Christ-centred. handed on to others so they reach more people than used to There is a Christian Cafe, The Big Rock , in Porthmadog, and attend their services. They ask for prayer and wisdom in Graham, the owner, was encouraged last summer as he held preparing for Christmas outreach. meetings outside. Please pray for their witness over the Pete Campbell in Penrhyndeudraeth (North West Wales) winter. In Ffestiniog, there is a Christian doctor currently gives thanks for encouragements during lockdown and for working in a practice there who would value prayer. being able to support the foodbank in the village. The regular Please continue to pray for the Lord to give pastors to Zoom prayer meetings and Bible studies have been a source churches in Caergwrle (Wrexham), Llansamlet (Swansea) and of help while notes of sermons have been given to people in Clarbeston Road (Pembrokeshire).
Recommended publications
  • Preacher's Magazine Volume 42 Number 12 Richard S
    Olivet Nazarene University Digital Commons @ Olivet Preacher's Magazine Church of the Nazarene 12-1-1967 Preacher's Magazine Volume 42 Number 12 Richard S. Taylor (Editor) Olivet Nazarene University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/cotn_pm Part of the Biblical Studies Commons, Christian Denominations and Sects Commons, International and Intercultural Communication Commons, Liturgy and Worship Commons, Missions and World Christianity Commons, and the Practical Theology Commons Recommended Citation Taylor, Richard S. (Editor), "Preacher's Magazine Volume 42 Number 12" (1967). Preacher's Magazine. 434. https://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/cotn_pm/434 This Journal Issue is brought to you for free and open access by the Church of the Nazarene at Digital Commons @ Olivet. It has been accepted for inclusion in Preacher's Magazine by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Olivet. For more information, please contact [email protected]. DECEMBER 1967 THE JOY OF THE INCARNATION General Superintendent Benner THE FOURTEENTH HOUR Clayton Bonar PERSONALIZED PREACHING W. R. Watson SINCE I CAME Anonymous FOUR GOOD SERMONS IN ONE POOR ONE J. V. Langjord CHARLES WESLEY, THE THEOLOGIAN Maynard James THE VIRGIN—IN PROPHECY AND FULFILLMENT Ross E. Price HAIL MARY! A PROTESTANT LOOK AT THE MOTHER OF JESUS W. E. McCumber THE RICHARD S. TAYLOR NAZARENE Editor Contributing Editors Hardy C. Powers G. B. Williamson PREACHER Samuel Young Hugh C. Benner DECEMBER, 1967 V. H. Lewis George Coulter Volume 42 Number 12 General Superintendents Church of the Nazarene CONTENTS The Joy of the Incarnation, Hugh C. Benner ...................................... 1 Culture and Holiness, Part II, Editorial .............................................. 2 The Fourteenth Hour, Clayton Bonar .................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Autumn Events at St Peter's Church Sunday Mornings at St Peter's
    Sunday mornings at St Peter’s Church Autumn Events at St Peter’s Church Sunday evenings at St Peter’s Church 9.15 & 11.00am 6.30pm Prayer Central Tuesday 4th September, 8pm Gospel power in human weakness: Treasure in jars of clay Small Groups God meant it for good: The life and times of Joseph Sept 9th 2 Corinthians 1:1-11 Restart Tuesday 11th and Wednesday 12th September Christianity Explored Sept 9th Genesis 37 Sept 16th 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:4 Begins Thursday 27th September Sept 23rd 2 Corinthians 2:5-11 Sept 16th Genesis 38 Prayer Central Tuesday 2nd October, 8pm Sept 30th Harvest Sunday Sept 23rd Communion 2 Corinthians 2:12-3:6 Genesis 39 Harvest Sunday 30th September (gifts of non-perishable foods will be collected at Oct 7th Communion Sept 30th Genesis 40-41 services and donated to Harold Hill Foodbank) 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 Oct 7th Genesis 42-43 CABC Oct 14th Back to Church Sunday Bible Conference on Micah 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 Oct 14th Genesis 44 Saturday 13th October, 10am-4pm Oct 21st 2 Corinthians 4:7-5:10 at Central Baptist Church, Chelmsford Oct 21st Genesis 45 Oct 28th All Age Back to Church Sunday 2 Corinthians 5:11-6:2 Oct 28th Communion 14th October Genesis 46-47 Nov 4th Communion Newcomers’ Lunch 2 Corinthians 6:3-7:1 Nov 4th Genesis 48 Sunday 14th October Nov 11th Remembrance Sunday Nov 11th Thanksgiving for Loved Ones Prayer Central 2 Corinthians 7:2-16 Tuesday 30th October, 8pm Nov 18th Communion Nov 18th 2 Corinthians 8:1-24 Genesis 49:1-28 Light Party Nov 25th 2 Corinthians 9:1-15 At St.
    [Show full text]
  • Ephraim Moravian Church Comments “In Essentials, Unity; in Non-Essentials, Liberty; in All Things, Love”
    Ephraim Moravian Church Comments “In Essentials, Unity; In Non-Essentials, Liberty; In All Things, Love” Congregational Watchword for 2010 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear.” Psalm 46:1-2 December 2010 From the Pastor’s Desk: “A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 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. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”- Isaiah 40: 3—5 Have you finished your Christmas Shopping? I’m a little behind this year because of the move, but… all the gifts for my out of town friends/family are bought and wrapped and will be mailed out after Thanksgiving. I just have a few items left for Bob and Robert. By the first week of December, those items will be purchased, wrapped and under the tree. All decorations will be up by the first Sunday of Advent. By now most of you are muttering some form of bah- humbug! In my defense, I wasn’t always this way. I used to wait and then run around trying to get everything done by Christmas. I found myself stressed out and exhausted. Being a slow learner, it took me a few years to realize that Christmas did not have to be like that.
    [Show full text]
  • Wellesley Village Church Congregational † United Church of Christ
    WELLESLEY VILLAGE CHURCH CONGREGATIONAL † UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST Christmas Eve Virtual Candlelight Service December 24, 2020 8:00pm Welcome to Wellesley Village Church! We Are an Open & Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ. Whoever you are, wherever you are on the journey of life and faith, we are delighted you are here! ORDER OF WORSHIP PRELUDE “Gabriel’s Oboe” David Carrier, organ Patrick Kane, oboe INTROIT “Once in David’s Royal City” Will Farrell, Celeste Godin, Patrick Kane, Kevin McDonald, Vera Savage, voice David Carrier, organ WELCOME & LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES Sarah Sarchet Butter OPENING CAROL “O Come all Ye Faithful” Will Farrell, Celeste Godin, Patrick Kane, Kevin McDonald, Vera Savage, voice David Carrier, organ O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold him, born the King of angels; O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord! Sing choirs of angels, sing in exultation, Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above! Glory to God, all glory in the highest; O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord! Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning, Jesus, to thee be all glory given’ Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing; O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ, the Lord! PRAYER OF CONFESSION Sean Patrick Coady RESPONSE SONG “Earth To God” John Rich Hilary Prus, lead voice David Tolley, guitar, violin, voice Ed Broms, piano, voice ASSURANCE OF GOD’S GRACE Sean Patrick Coady FIRST LESSON Isaiah 9:2-7 Bob Feeny The prophet Isaiah announces the reign of the Prince of Peace.
    [Show full text]
  • Fourth Sunday of Advent
    First Presbyterian Church of Farmington 26165 Farmington Road Farmington Hills, MI 48334 (248) 474-6170 www.farmington-pres.org The Church of the Open Hands _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ December 23, 2018 Fourth Sunday of Advent Prayer of Preparation Ann Weems When the Holy Child is born into our hearts there is a rain of stars. A rushing of angels, a blaze of candles. This God bursts into our lives. Love is running through the streets. We Enter into God’s Presence *Please stand in body or spirit Welcome & Minute for Mission – S.O.S. Chris Davis Congregational Life Invitation to the While We Are Waiting (v. 1) Holy Spirit 92 Prophetic Reading Micah 5:2 - 5a O.T. p. 865 Prelude Solemn Processional Leon Boellmann Lighting of the The Candle of Love Pam Jusino, Shari Fiore & Fourth Advent Candle Jerry Custer *Hymn 88 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (v. 1, 7) Confessing Our Separation from God (unison) God of the Loving Heart, you send signs of love in people who care. But often we confess those places in our hearts where we have refused you entrance: people we have refused to love; habits we never get around to changing; good things we have left undone; and ways in which we hurt you, ourselves, and others. Come to us in the light of your Christ. Shine on those places we have hidden from you. Show us new ways to live. Sweep clean the rooms of our hearts, that Christ may find a home among us. Be known among us now and forever! Amen! A Time of Silent, Personal Prayer for Peace 1 *Song of Assurance 406 We Are Standing on Holy Ground We Hear God’s Word Mindfulness Prayer Anthem Still, Still, Still arr.
    [Show full text]
  • Christmas Sunday Worship Service
    GALILEE BIBLE-PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CHRISTMAS SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE 8.30 am, 20 December 2020 Church Theme Verse 2020: John 17:17 GALILEE “ Sanctify them through Thy truth: THY WORD IS TRUTH.” Bible-Presbyterian Church Pastor : Rev Dr Simon Nagarajan 9858 4865 Associate Pastor: Rev Ong Hock Khee 9642 4117 202 Pandan Gardens, Singapore 609338 Assistant Pastor : Rev Freddy Yong (MWS) 8309 8157 Tel. 6560 2410 Fax. 6560 2909 Advisory Pastor : Rev Philip Heng 9792 9183 Email: [email protected] Ministry Staff : Preacher David Cher 9737 9150 : Mrs Lee May San 9618 9160 Website: www.galileebpchurch.org “IN GALILEE … there’s a great light” 8.30 am, Lord’s Day ORDER OF WORSHIP 20 December 2020 [Please do not let your hand-phone distract] Pianist: Magdalene Simon CHRISTMAS SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE HOLY BAPTISM/TRANSFER-IN PRELUDE … INTROIT [#216] “The Lord Is In His Holy Temple” CALL TO WORSHIP Elder Richard Ng OPENING HYMN #277 ”Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” PRAISE & WORSHIP… Mr Josiah Wang #253 “Silent Night! Holy Night!” #15 “No Other Name” INVOCATION GLORIA PATRI [#812] “Glory Be To The Father” SCRIPTURE READING Psalm 51: 10-19 Mr Ian Ling HOLY BAPTISM/TRANSFER-IN (Elder Richard Ng assisting) Rev Dr Simon Nagarajan HYMN #498 “O Happy Day! OFFERTORY & DOXOLOGY [#815] “Joy To The World” PASTORAL PRAYER MESSAGE “The Prince Of Peace” Preacher David Cher Isaiah 9; Luke 2 CLOSING HYMN #265 ”The First Noel” BENEDICTION & 3-FOLD AMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS POSTLUDE … In compliance with MCCY Covid-19 Advisory: No congregational singing during Worship Service in the Sanctuary. In-Person Worship Service Broadcast Live & available on Galilee Website Luke 2:7 “… there was no room for them in the inn” IS CHRIST IN YOUR CHRISTMAS? Galilee Church, Christmas Sunday, 20 DecemBer 2020 rethren, couple arrived at the B Blessed Christmas Greetings little town of Bethlehem, they were told that the in the Name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! inn was full.
    [Show full text]
  • Calendar for the Week Ministry News Memorials & Honors
    Volume 17, No. 51 December 20–26, 2020 Ministry News Memorials & Honors Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones CHURCH MEMORIAL FUND CHILDREN’S WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE In memory of Our Wednesday evening activities for children have Libba Phillips by Mr. and Mrs. Mark Little ended for 2020 and will resume in January 2021. Nina Thomason by Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Carroll; Ms. LAY LEADER NEEDED FOR VBS 2021 Gay Willis TURNER MEMORIAL FUND Children’s Ministry is interviewing for a lay leader two Christmas solos. Watch for more details. for Vacation Bible School 2021—a member with In memory of a heart for children and the gift of administration. CONCERT TICKET REFUNDS Pat Quarles by Mr. and Mrs. Richard Brennecke We would also like to have a lay leader in Refunds for Christmas concert tickets are available TRANSFORMING THE HEART OF THE CITY training for 2022. Contact Tina Jones (tjones@ until January 31. Please bring or mail your tickets to In memory of firstpresgreenville.org) if you are interested. the Finance Office and we will send you a check. Virginia Anderson by Mrs. Doris Elmore Be sure to include your name and address. Congregational Care Ministry, Tammy Burkhalter Rose Graham by Mrs. Doris Elmore; Dr. and Mrs. C. LIFE HURTS. GOD HEALS. GRIEF SHARE HELPS. Prayer Ministry, Stan Johnson David Williams If you’ve experienced the loss of a PRAYER AT THE STATE HOUSE JANUARY 11 Pat Quarles Mr. and Mrs. William B. Sykes; Mr. and loved one, Grief Share is here to help. Monday, January 11, is National Human Mrs. Nat Copenhaver; Jim and Barbara Davis This small group can provide you Trafficking Awareness Day.
    [Show full text]
  • 16 December 2018 11 A.M
    Ferryhill Parish Church The Church of Scotland Advent 3 16 December 2018 11 a.m. You are very welcome to Ferryhill Parish Church. Please sit wherever you like. If you are visiting then please sign the visitors’ book in the foyer. Children are always welcome and the foyer is available during the service should you wish to use it. Please note that we are experimenting with live streaming of worship. If you do not wish to be seen on the broadcast stream, the seating below the gallery and in the gallery is beyond the view of the cameras. Today’s worship is led by: Peter Johnston (Minister) Lorna Glen (Reader) Kevin Haggart (Organist) Ian Cumming (Beadle) The flowers in the Sanctuary are donated this week by Ian and Diane, remembering their parents with love. 2 Order of Service Gathering Praise Hope is a candle CH 284 (Verses 1 - 3) Lighting Third Advent Candle Call to Worship Leader: The third Sunday in Advent. A Sunday of joy. All: Time to remember joy coming to Elizabeth even in her barren years, joy coming to us when we are least expecting it, joy making us smile in wonder. Leader: May joy surprise us this morning. Let us worship the God of joy. Praise Comfort, comfort now my people CH 274 Welcome and Church Notices Reading Luke 1: 5-7 In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.
    [Show full text]
  • Calendar for the Week Ministry News Memorials & Honors Member News
    Volume 16, No. 51 December 22, 2019 – January 4, 2020 Senior Adult Ministry, Tammy Burkhalter CHRISTMAS EVE SPECIAL Ministry News CHARLIE BUCHANAN AT WIT & WISDOM College Ministry, Mason Simmons On Tuesday, January 7, we are pleased to have Tuesday, December 24, 10:30–11:00pm COLLEGE GATHERING JANUARY 3 FPC’s own Rev. Charlie Buchanan, Student View our Christmas Eve Television All college students are invited to gather at Terry Ministries Pastor, as our Wit & Wisdom speaker. Special on WHNS-TV Fox Carolina and Christine Bruner’s house on Friday, January 3, Come learn how God is moving in the lives of our 7:00–9:00pm. We will be ringing in the new year students to build the Kingdom over the next 50 together as we look forward to what it will bring! years! The program begins at 11:30am, followed Member News You don’t need to bring anything—simply show up by lunch ($8) at 12:30pm. Reserve your seat BAPTISMS (December 15, 2019) ready to see some old friends and make new ones. and lunch by noon on Thursday, January 2, with Carsyn Arnold Riley and William “Liam” Hunter Riley, daughter and son of Mr. and Mrs. William Johnstone The address is 15 McDaniel Court, Greenville, SC Susan Stewart ([email protected] or Riley (Meg) 29605. Hope to see you there! 672.1756). SYMPATHY Congregational Care, Tammy Burkhalter Student Ministry, Charlie Buchanan The pastors and congregation extend sympathy to HELPING THOSE IN NEED THIS WINTER ROOTS WEDNESDAY HOLIDAY SCHEDULE Mrs. Becky Garcia in the death of her husband, Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • The Eucharist
    The Eucharist The Feast of St John the Evangelist The First Sunday after Christmas Sunday 27 December 2020 9.00am Welcome to Southwark Cathedral Set on the south bank of the River Thames in one of the most vibrant and diverse communities in London, this building has been a constant witness in a place of change. The first church was built on this site around the year 606. First a convent, then a monastery, it became in 1106 the Augustinian Priory of St Mary Overie. With Westminster Abbey and St Bartholomew the Great in Smithfield it is one of the three remaining great monastic churches of London. At the Reformation the Priory became a parish church and it remains so for the people of Bankside. In 1905, as south London was rapidly expanding, the church was consecrated as the cathedral for the new Diocese of Southwark. As well as a place of constant witness to our faith in Jesus Christ, this church has a momentous and proud history and has had links with many famous and influential characters including St Thomas Becket, Geoffrey Chaucer, William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens. In the 20th century this cathedral was at the heart of the new movement in theology termed ‘South Bank Religion’. This movement asked challenging questions of people about faith in the modern age which continue to be explored at Southwark Cathedral which describes itself as ‘inclusive: faithful: radical’. Whatever has brought you here today, you are most welcome.Become part of the life here if you can; it will change your life as you encounter with us our living God.
    [Show full text]
  • December 21, 2014 Advent Iv
    DECEMBER 21, 2014 ADVENT IV MORNING WORSHIP DECEMBER 21, 2014 ADVENT IV The service of worship begins with the music of the organ Prelude Grand Jeu et Duo Louis Claude D’Aquin Played by Christel Wiens Processional Hymn 104 – O Come all ye faithful (Adeste fideles) Call to Worship The Rev. Dale Rose Introit – (congregation seated) Shepherd’s Pipe Carol John Rutter Choristers Jessica Willingham, director; Christel Wiens, piano Lighting of the Advent Candle of Love Grace, Samuel, & Melvyn The Lord’s Prayer (sung Amen) The Rev. Dale Rose (Please see inside front cover of the hymn book.) Children’s Presentation – ‘O Holy Night’ Stick Drama Recorded by Point of Grace Mary Edward and Julia Yacoub, directors Congregational Hymn 734 – Away in a manger (Cradle Song) THE CHRISTMAS STORY presented by the children Gospel Lesson: Luke 2:1-16 (NT p.59-60) The Rev. Dr. J. Peter Holmes Hymn *SHB 8 – Angels we have heard on high (vs 1 & 2 – please remain seated) (Gloria) Gospel Lesson: Matthew 2:1-11 (NT p.2) The Rev. Dale Rose Hymn *SHB 8 – Angels we have heard on high (vs 3 & 4 – please stand) (Gloria) (During the singing of the carol, Preschool and Kindergarten children move to the aisle to line up to move to the Chancel.) Children’s Song – Bells are Ringing Frere Jacque Preschool and Kindergarten Class Kelly Dixon, director; Christel Wiens, piano Prayer with the Children The Rev. Dr. J. Peter Holmes Wonderfully Made Abbie Announcements Hymn 100 – Infant holy (Infant holy) Pastoral Prayer (seated) The Rev. Deborah Ban Choral Response C.
    [Show full text]
  • Marking the New Year Luke 13:6-9 January 3, 2021 for La Verne COB and Shared More Broadly Russ Matteson
    Marking the New Year Luke 13:6-9 January 3, 2021 for La Verne COB and shared more broadly Russ Matteson Isn’t that parable from Luke’s Gospel a curious one? “Cut the tree down and throw it into the fire” is the command which makes sense as why would you use the resources and space on an unproductive tree? And yet the gardener in the story asks for one more year, a chance to use the days that lie ahead to make a difference and get good growth and produce fruit from the tree. There is no resolution to the parable, we aren’t told if the gardener is successful. All we know is that the year ahead has been given to work at growth, and the future, as they say, is in God’s hands. This parable is one that is often used around Watchnight services, a worship service that invites followers of Jesus to take time to look into the year ahead and renew their commitment to living faithfully as a disciple. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist tradition, is usually credited as the originator of the service, although it was the Moravians who in 1733 first started religious gathering at the new year for a time of recommitment to Jesus and reexamination of the presence of God’s grace in the lives of the faithful. And for African-Americans, Watchnight has connections to December 31, 1862, also known as Freedom’s Eve when african americans gathered in homes and churches to watch for the dawn of the new day when the Emancipation Proclamation would take effect and, on paper at least, liberate those held in slavery in the Confederate states from bondage.
    [Show full text]