Dear Friends
Well, this is it, the countdown to Christmas…
Last week we had a lovely time at the Advent Study – it was such a joy to be with you.
This week… apart from video, music and conversation we are making Christmas cookies.
There is room for anyone else who would like to come so just let me know and I will make sure there is a chair for you (you might have to bring your own rolling pin though). Wed evening (tonight) 7.30 pm at the Rectory.
I would just like to draw your attention to our Advent Challenge for this year (see flyer).
Which finishes early as the bags are being made up on 13th December 2025, so all donations before that time will be gratefully received.
Our plan is to support the Winter Night Shelter in Bishop Stortford again this year by using a giant Christmas card to send seasons greetings to each other and donating the money we would have spent on Christmas cards. The card should be in church for you soon to start writing on, thanks to Sam, for organising this again.
Just a heads up – we will need a group to come to the Rectory on 23rd December to make up the Christingle bags. We have had great fun working together doing this over the past couple of years, please let me know if this is something you would like to get involved in.
We are aiming to make over 200 Christingle kits this year – the bags are bought, the candles and red ribbon ready, I’ve even got the sweets. As last year, nearer the 23rd we will need 200 oranges. If any of you could donate in that last week a bag of large oranges we should have enough to make the Christingles.
This Sunday sees Judith Denton, our Reader, preaching at the 8.00 am BCP at St James and then we will have a Family friendly feel at our Family service at 9.30 am at St James. We start with breakfast and around 10.00 am we will begin our service, following the theme of our Advent Study and one of my favourite Christmas hymns – Joy to the World. There will be lots of activity and some familiar carols as we celebrate the Christmas story together.
I hope to see you again soon
Every Christmas blessing
Alison