St Nicholas Parish Church Fleetwood. Week beginning 24th December 2023
We seek to be a church that lives by faith, is known by love and
is a voice of hope to the community we serve.
Website https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/11671
Sunday 24th December Christmas Eve
8.30 am Holy Communion in Church
9.30 am Worship on Zoom
10.45 am Holy Communion in Church
5.00 pm Crib Service in Church
11.30 pm First Communion of Christmas
Monday 25th December
10.45 am Family Communion
12.00 pm Christmas drinks and mince pies at the Vicarage
Tuesday 26th December
No Service today
Thursday 28th December
No Coffee Morning
8.30 am Holy Communion in Church
9.30 am Worship on Zoom
10.45 am Holy Communion in Church
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As we approach the end of year it’s natural to look back on 2023 recalling the joys and sadness’s of which there have been many, not just for us as individuals but for our nation and world too. Over the past 12 months, Russia’s war in Ukraine has continued, fighting has persisted in Myanmar and countless African nations, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has dramatically escalated. Concerns about China have grown, natural disasters have occurred, and global temperatures have broken all records. Here in the UK, the consequences of Brexit continue to reverberate, and we’ve witnessed soaring energy prices, a cost-of-living crisis, strikes, and public services at breaking point.
The 1st-Century world into which Jesus was born was unbelievably tense, too. He grew up in an atmosphere of political conflict, upheaval, and social discontent. It was into this world that the angels told a group of shepherds, ‘Do not be afraid’ (Luke 2:10). In Bethlehem, a Saviour had been born, and he was Christ the Lord. He would save his people from their sins. In the birth of Jesus, God cut through the tension and established a true and everlasting kingdom built on justice and righteousness.
It’s difficult to predict how 2024 will unfold. It’s unlikely that tensions will disappear anytime soon. But the message of the angels to the shepherds in the 1st Century remains their message to us in the 21st Century: ‘Do not be afraid.’ In the birth of Jesus, a down-to-earth God comes to save us from ourselves. Jesus brings true peace and true freedom which, if we let him, will not only transform us but the world around us. This is good news of great joy for all people.
Have a very Happy Christmas and a truly peaceful New Year!
Christmas Wishes: Gerald and Elsie Mathias and family send their love and best wishes to all at St Nic’s this Christmas and wish you and yours a happy and healthy new year.
Regular Giving: Stewardship envelopes for 2024 are now available at the back of Church. Regular weekly or monthly giving to St Nic’s really helps us to budget and plan for the future. If you would like to formalise your giving in 2024 either by setting up a standing order (which is preferable) or by a weekly envelope, please see Ruth who will be happy to assist you.
Please remember in your prayers: Christine and John McLellan, Louise Clark, Rev Martin Keighley, Mark Price, Rebekah, Jan Risely, Craig Abson, Jeanette Norman and Maurice Roberts. Please also remember the families of Beryl Lister, Geoffrey Stevens, and Anne Hood whose funerals are due to take place.