Upcoming Events Th  Nov 26 – Caribbean Evening Be a Part of Changing Children’S Lives December at St

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Upcoming Events Th  Nov 26 – Caribbean Evening Be a Part of Changing Children’S Lives December at St Notices Christmas at St. Gabriel’s TAG - Toddlers and God Our Christian based Toddler Group for the 0-5s and their parents and carers meets on Fridays 10.00-11.30am. We have a lively session of play, refreshments, Bible stories, crafts, songs and prayers. St. Gabriel’s There is no charge to come in. news Coffee, hot chocolate and teas are available to purchase in Christmas Fair the café, and there is squash for the little ones. Saturday 3rd December 4-7pm Why not drop in and meet us? Christingle MONTHLY NEWSLETTER | ST. GABRIEL’S CHURCH, POPLEY | NOVEMBER 2016 - ISSUE 3 th Hope Café Sunday 11 December 5pm Serving our tasty barista style coffees, Candlelit Carols speciality teas and delicious hot Church Events Sunday 18th December 6pm chocolate, all for only £1! Living a Life Filled Nov 4th – Ladies Breakfast We have a soft play area for the little Nativity ones and fantastic company and chat for With Thankfulness Nov 5th – Men’s Breakfast free! Christmas Eve 4pm At St. Gabriel’s we are committed to taking part in Midnight Communion Nov 13th – Remembrance Day Hope Café is open every Tuesday and Wednesday Operation Christmas Child each year. morning from 10am until 12 noon. Christmas Eve 11.30pm A small shoebox can have a big impact. Nov 18th – Messy Church What goes into the box is fun, but Nov 24th – MU Families First what comes out of it is eternal. Upcoming Events th Nov 26 – Caribbean Evening Be a part of changing children’s lives December at St. Gabriel’s th all over the world in Jesus’ name Nov 27 – Advent Sunday We have many special events and services at St. Gabriel’s over Christmas. through the power of a simple gift You can get weekly updates of all the with Operation Christmas Child. Check out our website, app and Facebook page for more details! events on at St. Gabriel’s sent straight to your inbox. Just subscribe to ‘Dates for Simply fill a shoebox with all kinds of goodies. Your Diary’ on the website CONTACT US The shoeboxes are then sent to needy children all over the www.stgabrielspopley.net world. [email protected] The joy on their faces tells the story. Or just ‘tap the app’, search for www.stgabrielspopley.net ‘St. Gabriel’s Church, Popley’ on either Apple or Android 01256 463024 www.samaritans-purse.org.uk St. Gabriel’s Church, Tewkesbury Close, Popley, Basingstoke, RG24 9DU All About Advent Welcome to St. Gabriel’s Advent is a season observed in many Western In November we welcome Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity Dear Friends David and Courtney as they bring of Jesus at Christmas. Aria-Rose for Baptism. Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year and starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, the Sunday nearest to St. Andrew’s Day (30 November). Therefore welcome one another as Christ Practices associated with Advent include keeping an has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Advent calendar, lighting an Advent wreath, praying Romans 15:7 We are a fellowship of believers seeking to show the love of an Advent daily devotional, and setting up Christmas Christ to Popley, Limes Park and Rooksdown through prayer and decorations. action in the power of God’s Holy Spirit. Loving God, Therefore the Lord Welcoming You It may well be that by the time you read this the ashes Community is a vital part of what it is to be human. himself will give you a sign: of Bonfire Night will have cooled and all the fireworks I’m not talking just about the social gatherings like will have been set off, except maybe for that big one Bonfire Night which are usually such great fun! It’s the The virgin will be with child you’re saving for New Year’s Eve! I remember Bonfire sense of community that takes pride in its Night as a boy in Manchester as a time of wonderful surroundings, which cares for the vulnerable individual community. For weeks beforehand the boys in the whether old or young, rich or poor, which takes the and will give birth to a son, neighbourhood would all be out every spare moment time to smile, to greet, to look in on someone. In fact gathering bits of wood (or anything else that would it’s the community that God created us to be a part of, and will call him Immanuel. burn) and piling it onto the bonfire in the field near and to take part in! Unless we all buy in to this idea of where we lived. Competition for “penny for the guy” community it will never be as it should and that (Isaiah 7:14) would be fierce among the children as we scrabbled diminishes all of us! for the best pitch – usually outside the pub! As a Christian I firmly believe that we at St Gabriel’s On Bonfire night we’d rush home from school to get are called to be a people that reflect the nature and changed and gather around the pile of wood and stuff. character of Jesus to our community. Jesus was the As it was lit and the flames reached hungrily into the Master of caring and sharing, listening and talking with Four Sundays and candles cool of the November evening air, fireworks of every those among whom he lived and worked each day. I Advent wreaths are used in homes or churches to mark the passage colour shape and size would crackle and flare, lighting hope that His example and desire today for true of the season. the faces of adults and children alike with their bright, community is what forms the heart of our vision for The first advent candle is that of hope. eerie colours. our church and for Popley. If this is what you are The second Sunday concerns Christ’s birth in so this candle is We’d share ‘hard as rock’ treacle toffee, toffee apples looking for in a community we would love to welcome you any time you want to drop in. called Bethlehem. and potatoes baked to charcoal in the intense heat at The third Sunday is celebrated with rose-coloured vestments and the the edge of the bonfire. As the bonfire died down we I hope and pray that you have a funtastic and safe rose candle is called joy children would wander home to bed and the grown bonfire night, shared with family and friends and one ups would sit around the glowing red embers that in future years will evoke pleasant and powerful The fourth Sunday relates to the annunciation of Christ’s birth, so the swapping tall stories and drinking warm, flat beer! memories for you. candle is known as the Angel’s candle. bonfire and firework smoke and the lingering smell of Yours in Christ Where an advent wreath includes a fifth candle, it is known as expended gunpowder. For me Bonfire Night conjures the Christ candle and lit during the Christmas Eve service. up very pleasant, powerful and evocative memories. Arthur Vicar, St Gabriel’s, Popley. .
Recommended publications
  • Advent-Christmastide 2015
    Advent/Christmastide 2015-2016 Unless otherwise noted, all I John: Darkness & Light Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. I John 1:5 In elementary school, we learn that ordinary light can be split up into many colors (seven, to be exact). All of these colors combine wonderfully to give us the full spectrum light we experience each day in the rays of the sun. Full spectrum light is full, complex, and rich. It brings life and flourishing everywhere it travels. Take it away, and the world would eventually be enshrouded in death. Each year as fall turns into winter and the days get progressively shorter, many of us begin to experience the toll that darkness takes upon us. Our mood sinks and we can find it harder to go about the daily tasks of life. We begin to long for the return of the healing light of the sun. Certain types of artificial light try to mimic what the sun can do, but they are, in the end, cheap and garish substitutes for the real thing. The biblical narrative tells a story of a world that was enveloped in darkness―a darkness of sin, prideful autonomy, and foolish efforts to create our own light. And, into this great darkness, God―the true Light―has come. Jesus is the Light that has come into our darkness. His light is full, complex and rich.
    [Show full text]
  • An Advent Candle-Lighting Liturgy
    CHRISTMAS APPEAL 2016 An Advent candle-lighting liturgy This liturgy for lighting the candles on your Advent wreath enables the whole church to reflect on people without a safe place to call home this Christmas, and to pray that together we may light the way. Please share photos of your Advent candle wreaths with us on social media using #LightTheWay. Please feel free to adapt, extend or abbreviate the liturgy according to your context. (This reflection/poem can be read every Sunday as an introduction to the liturgy.) From light comes life. Deep in expectant earth, a seed stretches. Through the fire-start of imagination, an idea takes root. In a passionate flash, love glows with infant intensity. Safe in the womb, a child senses its season turning and stirs. It is Advent, something coming, vulnerable in its unstoppable desire… God, unquenchable light, may they grow – the seed, the love, the idea, the child. This Christmas, 65 million people simply can’t Voice 2: When hope hangs low in the human be at home. Forced out by the darkness of heart, you, loving creator, kindle violence and fear, they’re searching for safety compassion, breathing life into the and refuge. early embers of change and empathy. As we light the candles on our Advent wreath, Light the candle. we pray for Christian Aid, and all who seek to light the way out of poverty and darkness. Voice 1: We light a candle for hope, sending prayers high into the inky heavens and dreams deep into the human soul. First Sunday in Advent Voice 2: As Advent dawns, God of all hope, Let us pray shine your light on the story of the saints who journeyed before us.
    [Show full text]
  • Faithful Families Advent Calendar 2017
    SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1. Advent Word 2. Advent Gift Think about the advent Celebrate the gift of Faithful Families word HOPE. Talk about FAMILY and do it or make a picture. something special together today: bake cookies, do a craft, or Advent Calendar 2017 play a game together. 3. Advent Candle 4. Advent Gratitude 5. Advent Service 6. Advent Verse 7. Advent Prayer 8. Advent Word 9. Advent Gift Light one candle today Gratitude collage: Take Connect with someone “…hope does not “Dear God, thank you Think about the advent Celebrate the gift of and say, “We light one some photos of things who might be lonely. disappoint us, because for the gift of hope. word PEACE. Talk about FRIENDSHIP today and candle for hope.” you are thankful for. Send a card, give a call, God’s love has been Help us to bring hope it or make a picture. spend some time with a Print them out and hang or take a meal. poured into our hearts into the world by what friend. If you can’t get up on your door or through the Holy we do and say In Jesus’ together in person, give refrigerator to look at Spirit...” name we pray, Amen.” a friend a call or write a throughout advent. Romans 5:5 (NRSV) friend a note. 10. Advent Candle 11. Advent Gratitude 12. Advent Service 13. Advent Verse 14. Advent Prayer 15. Advent Word 16. Advent Gift Light two candles today Gratitude writing: Write a Do something kind for a “If it is possible, so far “Dear God, please help Think about the advent Celebrate the gift of and say, “We light one note to someone who you neighbor! Take a as it depends on you, us to be peacemakers in word JOY.
    [Show full text]
  • The Christmas Story Experience at St. Joe's Welcome to the Family
    The Christmas Story Experience at St. Joe’s Welcome to the Family Friendly Self-Guided Drive Through Christmas Story Experience at St. Joe’s. The Christmas Story Experience is available from December 6 through the 20 from 6pm to 8pm. Please follow the Christmas Story Narration available at www.mystjoes.me for each scene. Look for the inflatable snowman to begin. Advent is the four weeks prior to Christmas. It is a time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus. Many Catholics light an Advent Wreath in preparation of Christmas. The first Advent Candle is purple and represents Hope. Shine in our lives with hope and promise. Give us right vision so that we remain attentive to this holy season. Remind us to look for you in small acts of kindness and love. We await your coming with wonder. The second Advent Candle is also purple represents Faith. Illuminate our hearts with your grace. Enlarge our vision so that we recognize our kinship with all the people of the world. Help us to give to others in ways that meet their deepest needs. We await your coming with gratitude and faith. The third Advent Candle is pink and represents Joy. Brighten our homes with your presence. Clarify our vision so that we might see you in the people we cherish. Make every holiday activity an opportunity to spread your light and love. We await your coming with joy. The fourth Advent Candle is purple and represents Peace. Glow brightly in each moment. Enlighted our vision so that we see beyond the trappings of the holidays.
    [Show full text]
  • WOOSTER of Love, Handcrafted from Paper and Glue, and Has Its Origin in a School Project in Germany
    We display the Moravian Star during Advent and through the Epiphany season. This many pointed star holds a special significance in our traditional Christmas season. It is a labor WOOSTER of love, handcrafted from paper and glue, and has its origin in a school project in Germany. On Christmas Eve, with only the lighted star shining brightly and gently moving as we sing “Silent Night,” taking our light from family or friend, just cannot be equaled in any other Christmas cele- bration. Coming up at Wooster UMC Sunday, December 30: Christmas Carol Sing during worship Sunday Sunday, January 6: Epiphany Pancake Breakfast following worship Sunday, January 6: A new sermon series on the book of Job begins Worship STAFF Senior Pastor Jim Cooper Office Manager Becky Pickett Administrative Assistant/Publicity Tina Fowler Director of Discipleship Ali Vizzo Financial Manager Marj Butler Director of Music Nancy Franck Pianist John Eley Director of Campanile Bells Inez Shirer Pastor ~Jim Cooper ~ [email protected] Custodian John Henderson Office Hours: 8:00 - 4:30 Monday—Friday 243 N. Market St. Wooster, Ohio 44691 CCLI License No. 1315671 330.262.5641 [email protected] www.woosterumc.org December 24, 2018 Christmas Eve ~ 5pm PRELUDE John Eley, pianist PASSING OF THE LIGHT GREETING Pastor Jim Cooper HYMN “Silent Night, Holy Night” arr. Hal H. Hopson (As the music begins, we invite anyone who has come home for Christmas to + HYMN “O Come, All Ye Faithful” Hymnal No. 234 (vs 1-4, 6) come forward to receive the light from the Pastor’s Christ Candle. Please take the light back to your family, friends and those around you.
    [Show full text]
  • ADVENT PRAYER SERVICE Virtue Link: Faith, Hope, Love, Justice, Fortitude Catholic Character Themes: Community, Compassion, Discipleship, Reverence, Solidarity
    1 ADVENT PRAYER SERVICE Virtue Link: Faith, Hope, Love, Justice, Fortitude Catholic Character Themes: Community, Compassion, Discipleship, Reverence, Solidarity PRINCIPAL/EMCEE: Today, we come together to pray as a school community in the spirit of Advent. Advent is a time of waiting. We wait for the birth of Jesus, who came to show us God the Father’s love and to free us from sin, so that we could be with him together forever. We wait for him to be born again in our hearts, our classrooms, our homes, our parish community, and in the whole world. Let us begin this celebration of joyful waiting by singing ________________________. Opening Song (Sugg.: O Come, O Come Emmanuel) Opening Prayer LEADER: God our Father, you created us to be with you forever, and sent your Son Jesus to lead us to eternal life. We ask you now to help us pray with one heart and one mind as we begin this Advent season. We make this prayer to you through Christ our Lord. Amen. Please be seated. Lighting of Advent Wreath LEADER: The Advent wreath is green, the colour of new life and hope. Green reminds us of the newborn Jesus, who came to show us the way to everlasting life. Green reminds us of the gift of new life we received at baptism. Green also reminds us that we are people of hope, because God is always with us, to raise us up when we are sad, when we are sick, and even when we die. The Advent wreath has three purple candles and one pink candle.
    [Show full text]
  • Advent at Home
    Advent at Home Valhalla Parish is a warm and welcoming Christian community in the Anglican Diocese of Kootenay with congregations in both Castlegar and New Denver, BC. Find out more at www.valhallaparish.ca 1 Introduction to the Advent at Home Resource With the season of Advent, the church year starts anew. Advent is a time that invites us to prepare ourselves for the beauty and the mystery of the Christmas season. There is deep and ancient wisdom to intentionally marking these days of waning light that lead to Christ’s birth. As the days grow ever shorter, our lives draw ever more inward. As the earth grows colder, we surround ourselves with those things that bring warmth and comfort. We draw closer together, as we hold out hope for new light and life made noticeable by the lengthening days after the winter solstice. In Advent, we journey together through the valley of shadows waiting for a king to be born. This is not just any king, but the one who will show us the way to beauty, and life, and truth. When the Christ child arrives, he does not show up as a full-grown, adult king. Jesus arrives as a fragile, helpless, newborn baby. Christmas reminds of this very fact—that even the God of the Universe arrives amongst us seeking relationship, care, and community. When Jesus arrives on Christmas in what we Christians call the incarnation—the birth of God amongst us—it is not with ​ ​ a triumphal shout, but a hopeful whisper. It’s a whisper worth listening for.
    [Show full text]
  • The First Sunday in Advent - Candle of Prophecy Second Sunday in Advent - Bethlehem Candle
    THE FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT - CANDLE OF PROPHECY SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT - BETHLEHEM CANDLE LIGHT THE FIRST CANDLE AS THE FAMILY SAYS TOGETHER: LIGHT TWO CANDLES AS THE FAMILY SAYS TOGETHER Jesus said, "I am the light of the world, he who follows me will Jesus said, "I am the Light of the world, he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." not walk in darkness, but will have the light of Life." A CHILD ASKS: A CHILD ASKS: Why do we light one candle? Why do we light two candles? A PARENT RESPONDS: A PARENT RESPONDS: This candle reminds us of the light of hope that the prophets The first candle reminds us of the light of hope of the prophets. had in their expectation of a Messiah who would bring peace The second candle reminds us of the dark night when Joseph and love to the world. and Mary found light and warmth in the stable. READ WHAT THE PROPHETS HOPED FOR WHEN THEY THOUGHT READ ABOUT THE SEARCH FOR A PLACE FOR JOSEPH AND AND PRAYED ABOUT WHAT GOD WOULD DO FOR HIS PEOPLE. MARY TO SPEND THE NIGHT The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Read Luke 2: 1-7. those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness on them has light shined. (Isaiah 9:2) SING 0, LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by Emmanuel.
    [Show full text]
  • Fourth Sunday of Advent December 20, 2020
    FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 20, 2020 600 Holly Avenue Winston-Salem, NC 27101-2716 Witnessing to the love of God in the heart of Winston-Salem since 1893. FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT December 20, 2020 11:00 a.m. Watchword for the Week – The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. Luke 1:49 (Selections in today’s service are taken from the blue Moravian Book of Worship.) The beautiful season of Advent calls us to personal preparation for the celebration of the birth of our Savior. Our banners and all the appropriate appointments in our sanctuary should serve as silent reminders of the significance of this season. As the people of old were called to prepare the way for God’s Promised One, we are called to share the good news. PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP BAND PRELUDE Calvary Band Trio, Brian Lott, Director TRINITY CHIME GREETINGS AND NEWS OF THE CONGREGATION The Right Reverend Lane A. Sapp 2 PRELUDE – Once He Came in Blessing Rebecca Kleintop Lepore (2014) Mary Louise Kapp Peeples, organ LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE Brian Lott THE PRAISE OF GOD HYMN OF PRAISE 260 – Rejoice, Rejoice, the Kingdom Comes T. KINGSFOLD (The hymn music and text are shown on page 4.) MOMENTS WITH THE CHILDREN Mrs. Amanda Schumpert T. HAGEN (310 B) [Hymn 281] Text: Johann Scheffler (1657). Tr. Bennet Harvey, Jr. (1885) Tune: Francis Florentine Hagen (1836) [Moravian composer] Morning Star, my soul’s true light, tarry not, dispel my night. Morning Star, my soul’s true light, tarry not, dispel my night.
    [Show full text]
  • Commotio Matthew Berry Bob Bob Chilcott (B
    The Rose in the Middle of Winter Carols by Bob Chilcott Commotio Matthew Berry Bob Bob Chilcott (b. 1955) CHILCOTT The Rose in the Middle of Winter (b. 1955) I sang for eight years in the choir of King’s College, as Angels from the realms of glory was written in 2006 for 1 Song of the Crib (2012) 5:42 Cambridge – five years as a boy chorister and three years the BBC Singers at the suggestion of the Singers’ as a choral scholar. One of the highlights of the year was producer Michael Emery. Two lovely texts by women 2 Les anges dans nos campagnes (2006) 2:50 the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols on Christmas poets were introduced to me – the first, The night he was Eve. Here, alongside the more traditional music, we born, from the poem The Thorn by Helen Dunmore was 3 The Advent Candle (2011) 2:59 generally sang a newly composed carol. It was always requested by Ben Nicholas in 2007 for his choir from 4 The Rose in the Middle of Winter (2009) 2:51 exciting to sing something new, but it would usually divide Dean Close School and Tewkesbury Abbey. Philip opinion and sometimes cause controversy not only Barnes, the conductor of the St Louis Chamber Choir, 5 The Heart-in-Waiting (2008) 3:45 amongst the singers but also amongst the many loyal came up with the idea of combining the beautiful Emily followers of Christmas music. For many choirs the music Dickinson poem Before the ice with the Latin responsory 6 The shepherds sing (2011) (Laurie Ashworth, Soprano) 3:45 they sing at Christmas is that with which they most closely for Christmas Day O magnum mysterium and I wrote this 7 The Shepherd’s Carol (2000) 3:30 identify themselves, so a lot of energy is given to their setting for his choir in 2012.
    [Show full text]
  • Music for Advent Words of Welcome *Opening Prayer the First Lesson
    Welcome to our guest organist Opening Voluntaries | Music for Advent The Third Lesson | Isaiah 40:1-5 Matt Bartelt We are grateful to have Dr. David Composed and Adapted by David Arcus Arcus with us in worship this morning. Anthem | Riu, Riu, Chiu arr. Allaway He is an international recitalist and Words of Welcome Rev. Dr. Alice Rogers Youth Choirs award winning improviser and com- poser, who spent much of his career on *Opening Prayer River, little river, guardian of the riverside, the music staff of Duke University. A Almighty God, you have brought us again to this glad season when God keep the wolf from our sheep. Yale classmate of Steven Darsey, he is we celebrate the birth of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Grant currently Parish Musician of St. The ranting wolf tried to bite her, but God the all-powerful protected her. that his Spirit may be born anew in our hearts this day and that we Matthew’s Episcopal Church in He wished to keep her from sin, not even original sin should this virgin have. may joyfully welcome him to reign over us. Open our ears that we Hillsborough, North Carolina. He who was born the great monarch, Christ the patriarch dressed in flesh may hear again the angelic chorus of old. Open our lips that we, Has redeemed us by becoming small, although He was infinite, finite He made too, may sing with uplifted hearts. Glory to God in the highest, and himself. Children’s bulletins and worship on earth, peace, goodwill toward all.
    [Show full text]
  • Grade 3 – Chapter 9 and Advent Introduction (11/17 and 11/20)
    Grade 3 – Chapter 9 and Advent Introduction (11/17 and 11/20) STEP 1 - WELCOME The Church is the Body of Christ, to which all her members STEP 2 - INVITE belong. Stewardship is the way we appreciate and use God’s STEP 3 - DISCOVER gifts – including our time, talent, and treasure and the gift of STEP 4 - LIVE creation- to serve God and others. STEP 5 - CLOSING Be Flexible -Kids are going to be kids and we need to meet them where they are at -We have lesson plans but when you get into a certain topic that you’re getting good engagement from your kids on, you should continue to push that -Understand your class and know what gets them going, then use this as your planning your lesson STEP 1 - WELCOME Community Activity STEP 2 – INVITE Let us Pray Pray the Memorare Read God’s word Talk about What do you wonder questions. STEP 3 – DISCOVER We Each Have a Role Read 1st paragraph and paragraphs about The Church Talk about Faith words Doing Jesus’ Work Read paragraphs Activity – Important Message sheet Sharing in Jesus’ Work of Helping Others Read paragraph Read God’s Word Ask children the questions in the margin under God’s word and write answers on the board Decide as a class what kind of service project or activity you could do to help others Share your Gifts Read paragraphs STEP 4 – LIVE Our Catholic Life Read paragraphs and encourage children to get involved in the parish Advent Introduction Review what is Advent and why we celebrate it Activity – Color advent wreath Hand out Advent calendar (will be printed off) and encourage children to do things at home with their families and cross off the days coming up to Christmas Advent Matching Game – Will have 3 copies so break children into groups to let them play the game of matching the words to the picture.
    [Show full text]