Pictures of the full exhibition are on our Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=522209959947002&set=pcb.522210033280328
Have you ever started to read an article in a magazine or online and then stopped after a little while, when you saw just how long it was? Sometimes teachers or editors have been known to write on the top of an assignment or written submission – ‘TLDR’.TLDR is the simple abbreviation for ‘too long didn’t read’ and it happens all the time. Many books and blogs are abandoned, even if someone has a high level of interest in the subject of what has been written about. I expect some people could scribble ‘TLDR’ on the top of some of the books of the Bible, like the books of Samuel or the prophet Ezekiel. They may start off with good intentions but after the first few densely written pages of somewhat convoluted goings-on and too many unpronounceable names, they give up! Some people may have even applied that when they picked up a Bible, thinking they would work their way through it – and then just put it down again, unread, daunted by the task.One way of looking at Christmas could be to see it as God’s response to our inner struggles with getting to grips with the whole sweep of the Biblical narrative. Perhaps God realized that many people would never have, or take, the opportunity to read and to understand the great stories, poetry, prophesies, and historyof the Old Testament. Perhaps God thought, ‘They may not read any books but maybe they’ll pay attention to some angels, a baby – and the man that baby grew up to become.’We’ve all been born too late - 2,000 years too late! – to have been witnesses to the man who changed the world and our understanding of who we are and who God is. We have to get our accounts of Jesus’ birth and life from the four Gospels, so we’re back to that reading! The Gospels are not too long and most of them can be read in one or two sittings, with a large mug of tea to the ready. The beauty of Advent and Christmas is that we really don’t have to read anything. All we have to do is to attend carol services and hear the stories being sung about and listen to the lessons being read about the significance of the birth of the Christ child. In St Peter’s Church, we have part of the story in the beautiful stained-glass window at the east end. We can sit and hear stories of the nativity while pondering the meaning of the man who died on the cross and rose again. If someone were to ask you to tell them the meaning of Christmas and they only had a few minutes, what would you say to them? What does it mean to you?Rev’d Christina Rees
Lord, direct our thoughts, and teach us to pray. Lift up our hearts to worship you in spirit and in truth, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ‘Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God all my life long.’ (Psalm 146:1-2)Hymn: Little donkey, little donkey, on the dusty road...Isaiah 35:1-10; James 5: 7-10When the Lord comes, he will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness, and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Therefore in the light of Christ let us confess our sins: Most merciful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we confess that we have sinned in thought, word and deed. We have not loved you with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. In your mercy forgive what we have been, help us to amend what we are, and direct what we shall be; that we may do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, our God. Amen. May the God of love bring us back to himself, forgive us our sins, and assure us of his eternal love in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Prayer for the day: God for whom we watch and wait, you sent John the Baptist to prepare the way of your Son: give us courage to speak the truth, to hunger for justice, and to suffer for the cause of right, with Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Matthew 11: 2-11Please see the message from the minister. Let us join in prayer, asking for the light of the Lord to be known to everyone: We pray for St Peter’s Church and the Church throughout the world, that people will be drawn together by the love of our Lord, even when physically apart, and that this season leading up to Christmas will be a special time for all. We pray for our planet, that lessons will be learned so that the Earth and its creatures will thrive, and that all people will work together in peace. We pray for our friends, families and neighbours - may we all share the love of Christ and build relationships. We pray for people who are sick or suffering, especially for those on our hearts and minds today, that they will know our Lord’s healing presence. We pray for the departed, remembering all who mourn. Let us pray for the coming of God’s kingdom in the prayer that Jesus taught us: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory for ever and ever. Amen.Hymn: O come, O come, Emmanuel...May Christ the Sun of Righteousness shine upon us, scatter the darkness from before our path, and make us ready to meet him when he comes in glory; and may the blessing of God Almighty who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit rest upon us and remain with us always. Let us go in peace to love and serve the Lord, in the name of Christ. Amen.
Kayleigh Poacher from BBC Radio Norfolk came to record St Peter's and Harmony choir Sheringham this week. They sang an original song, called "How Many Sleeps?", composed by Director of Music, Lys Morgan-Hart, and featuring soloist Maisie Baillie. The recording will be used as part of the feature 'Kayleigh's Christmas Carols', and will be broadcast, together with an interview, on Monday 12th December at 11.30am. It will also be available on iPlayer and BBC Sounds after the show has aired.