St Nicholas Parish Church Fleetwood. Week beginning 22nd December 2024 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 22nd December – 4th of Advent 8.30 am Holy Communion in Church9.30 am Worship on Zoom10.45 am Holy Communion in Church4.00 pm Family & Co6.30 pm Nine Lessons and Carols in Church with a Brass BandTuesday 24th December – Christmas Eve2.00 pm Holy Communion in Church5.00 pm Crib Service for all the family11.30 pm The First Communion of ChristmasWednesday 25th December Christmas Day10.45 am Parish Communion in Church followed by drinks and mince pies at the VicarageSunday 29th December8.30 am Holy Communion in Church9.30 am Worship on Zoom10.45 am Holy Communion in Church4.00 pm Family & Co Daily prayer:Public daily prayers will resumeon Monday 6th January*******************************************As we approach the end of the year it’s natural to look back on 2024 recalling the joys and sadness' of which there have been many, not just for us as individuals but for our nation and world too. Global tensions reached new heights as major conflicts and political upheavals dominated headlines. The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict escalated, with thousands of casualties, while tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon further fueled regional instability. Meanwhile the Russia-Ukraine war continued to ravage Eastern Europe with limited progress. In the U.S. former President Donald Trump was re-elected, while a failed assassination attempt on his life added to the political turmoil. Closer to home the Labour Party had a landslide general election victory under Keir Starmer, but don’t mention the winter fuel allowance and the WASPI’s. 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 2025 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. Regular giving: We are so very grateful to all who donate financially to St Nic’s on a weekly or monthly basis. With your commitment to regular giving, we are able to budget and plan ahead. Weekly envelopes for 2025 will be available from next week. Whilst we appreciate that this method is best for some, with the closure of all the local banks we are finding it increasingly difficult to deal with cash. Might you consider using a standing order? If so, please see Ruth who will help you to sort it out.Please remember in your prayers: Archdeacon Mark Ireland, Jeff Chambers, Katie, Brian Brown, Mark Price, Debbie, Michael Carthy, Paul Sumner, Sandra Pratt, Michael, Chris Kelsall, Brian Morris, Elaine Clarke, Tracey Ashworth and Beth and Family. We also remember the families of Jane Everitt, Norma Toland, Doreen Merrison, Margaret Tilling and Maureen Barker whose funerals are due to take place.
St Nicholas Parish Church Fleetwood. Week beginning 15th December 2024 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 15th December – 3rd of Advent 8.30 am Holy Communion in Church9.30 am Worship on Zoom10.45 am Holy Communion in Church3.00 pm Nine Lessons and Carols and St Peter’s4.00 pm Family & CoTuesday 17th December 11.00 am Carol Singing at Fleetwood Nursing Home 2.00 pm Holy Communion in ChurchThursday 19th December9.00 am Shakespeare School Carol service in Church10.00 am Christmas Community Coffee including the 100 Club Christmas Draw! Friday 20th December 9.00 am Little Gang in the Broadway RoomsSunday 21st December – 4th of Advent 8.30 am Holy Communion in Church9.30 am Worship on Zoom10.45 am Holy Communion in Church4.00 pm Family & Co6.30 pm Nine Lessons and Carols in Church with Thornton Cleveleys Brass BandDaily prayer:Monday 8 AM St Peter’s | 5.30 PM Mount Rd VicarageTuesday 8 AM St Peter's | 5:30 PM St Nicholas'Wednesday 8 AM St David's | 5:30 PM St Peter'sThurs 8 AM St Nicholas' | 5:30 PM Mount Rd VicarageFriday 8 AM St Nicholas’ *******************************************Carols in the Courtyard: Another outstanding event hosted this time by Ruth, Judith and team. We welcomed our friends from Yorkshire Brass. A great time of carol singing, with mulled wine, fun and a delicious lunch. Great to see so many friends and family joining us.Christmas Fair: Just in case you didn’t hear(!) the Fair was a roaring success. We welcomed so many new faces from the community, including the Health and Harmony Singers and Santa. Everyone had a wonderful time. Despite storm Darragh, we raised £4200 for the Tower Fund.Fleetwood Nursing Home Grange Road: This Tuesday we’ve been invited to go along and sing some Christmas carols for our friends at Fleetwood Nursing Home. We need as many volunteers as possible to sing. So, if you fancy joining us, please meet in the car park of the care home at 10.55 am. Alternatively, if you would like a lift, speak to Ruth and she’ll arrange a lift from St Nic’s car park. Christmas Wishes: There is still time to send a Christmas greeting to the whole church family on our specially prepared ‘Christmas greeting notice sheet’ instead of sending Christmas cards. The sheet will be printed on 22nd December. Please jot down your message and hand it or email it to the Vicar or pop it through the Vicarage letter box. Verbal requests may get overlooked!A Message from Phil: “Janet and I were overwhelmed with the cards, words and gifts we received on our last Sunday worshipping with you at St Nicholas a few weeks ago. The Tuesday after the service, all of our furniture was loaded into 3 vans and made its way up to Scotland where it is currently in storage. We are now – after several weeks of acclimatising – settled (albeit temporarily) in a small flat which our cat Arnold is very confused about! We have now “reserved” a new build house in Bishopton, to the south of the River Clyde near the Erskine Road bridge which should be completed in time for us to move into in late March. The generous cheque we received will be put towards soft furnishings in our new house. We remain humbled by all the messages of love and support we have received over the past few weeks and we will miss you all terribly. But we promise to visit when we are back on the Fylde seeing friends and family.” God bless you all. Phil and JanetPlease remember in your prayers: Archdeacon Mark Ireland, Jeff Chambers, Katie, Brian Brown, Mark Price, Debbie, Michael Carthy, Paul Sumner, Sandra Pratt, Michael, Chris Kelsall, Brian Morris, Ben and Ruth Green, and Elaine Clarke. Tracey Ashworth, Beth and Family. We also remember Jane Everitt and her family. Jane’s funeral will take place here in church at 1 pm on 2nd January.
St Nicholas Parish Church Fleetwood. Week beginning 8th December 2024 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 8th December – 2nd of Advent 8.30 am Holy Communion in Church9.30 am Worship on Zoom10.45 am Holy Communion in Church4.00 pm Family & CoTuesday 10th December 11.00 am Carol Singing at Lakeland Lodge 2.00 pm Holy Communion in ChurchWednesday 11th December7.00 pm Fleetwood RNLI Carol ServiceThursday 12th December10.00 am Little Treasures Nursery – Nativity in Church7.00 pm Capricorn Singers Concert in ChurchFriday 13th December 9.00 am Little Gang in the Broadway RoomsSaturday 14th December 11.30 am Carols in the Courtyard – Brass Band and lunchSunday 15th December – 3rd of Advent 8.30 am Holy Communion in Church9.30 am Worship on Zoom10.45 am Holy Communion in Church3.00 pm Nine Lessons and Carols and St Peter’s4.00 pm Family & CoDaily prayer:Monday 8 AM St Peter’s | 5.30 PM Mount Rd VicarageTuesday 8 AM St Peter's | 5:30 PM St Nicholas'Wednesday 8 AM St David's | 5:30 PM St Peter'sThurs 8 AM St Nicholas' | 5:30 PM Mount Rd VicarageFriday 8 AM St Nicholas’ *******************************************It is with much sadness that the death of Rev’d Jane Everett was announced on Friday morning. Jane, Tim and the family were regular members of St Nicholas Church for many years. Jane answered her calling to Priesthood, giving up her career in the Civil Service. Having completed her residential training, she was posted to St Chad’s Poulton where she served her title. Incumbencies followed in Cornwall and the Midlands and following an early retirement Tim and Jane returned to Fleetwood in 2019. Though we accept Jane is at peace and in God’s safe keeping we are still sad. At times like this we are reminded that the Lord is in our midst and comforts us with his word: Blessed are those who mourn, they shall be comforted. Please remember Tim, Joseph and Hannah in your prayers.Christmas Fair: ‘Generous beyond words’ is how someone described the gifts that were donated for this year’s fair. This newsletter is being produced before the outcomes are known so we’ll be sure to update you next week. Suffice to say an enormous thank you to everyone who was involved in planning and organising, buying and ordering, making phone calls, selling raffle tickets and collecting prizes for weeks and weeks leading up to the event. Team St Nic’s, lead by Joanne and David have done it again! Well done and thank you for your dedication to deliver at top class occasion for the church and for the community. Lakeland Lodge: This Tuesday we’ve been invited to go along and sing some Christmas carols for our friends at Lakeland Lodge. We need as many volunteers as possible to sing. So, if you fancy joining us, please meet in the car park of the care home at 10.55 am. Alternatively, if you would like a lift, speak to Ruth and she’ll arrange a lift from St Nic’s car park. Christmas Wishes: Why not consider sending a Christmas greeting to the whole church family on our specially prepared ‘Christmas greeting notice sheet’ instead of sending Christmas Cards? The sheet will be printed on 22nd December. Please jot down your message and hand it or email it to the Vicar or pop it through the Vicarage letter box. Verbal requests may get overlooked!100 Club Winners: Joanne Ashworth, Dorothy Greene, Nancy Burr, Karen Hay, Mavis Evans, Dorothy Warren, Sue Dell, Linda Cawley, Elizabeth Leeson, Alma Wright, Lawrence Dunn, Carole Pilling, David Meekins and Derek Warrington. Congratulations and thanks for supporting the church in this wayPlease remember in your prayers: Archdeacon Mark Ireland, Jeff Chambers, Katie, Brian Brown, Mark Price, Debbie, Michael Carthy, Paul Sumner, Sandra Pratt, Michael, Chris Kelsall, Brian Morris, Ben and Ruth Green, and Elaine Clarke.
St Nicholas Parish Church Fleetwood Week beginning 1st December 2024 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 1st December – Advent Sunday 8.30 am Holy Communion in Church9.30 am Worship on Zoom10.45 am Holy Communion in Church12.30 pm Baptism of Isabella Casson in Church4.00 pm Family & Co6.30 pm Service for Advent at St Peter’s Lord StreetMonday 2nd December9.00 am Assembly at Shakespeare School6.00 pm 16th Fleetwood Beavers in ChurchTuesday 3rd December 11.00 am Singing for pleasure in the Jubilee Room 2.00 pm Holy Communion in ChurchThursday 5th December 2.45 pm Funeral of Jane Bedford at Carleton7.00 pm Patronal Festival in ChurchFriday 6th December 9.00 am Little Gang in the Broadway Rooms1.30 pm Christingle at Shakespeare SchoolSaturday 7th December 10.00 ***** St Nicholas Christmas Fair ****Sunday 8th December – 2nd of Advent 8.30 am Holy Communion in Church9.30 am Worship on Zoom10.45 am Holy Communion in Church4.00 pm Family & CoDaily prayer:Monday 8 AM St Peter’s | 5.30 PM Mount Rd VicarageTuesday 8 AM St Peter's | 5:30 PM St Nicholas'Wednesday 8 AM St David's | 5:30 PM St Peter'sThursday 8 AM St Nicholas' | 5:30 PM Mount Rd VicarageFriday 8 AM St Nicholas’ *******************************************Patronal Festival: On the eve of the Feast of St Nicholas, Thursday 5th December at 7.00 pm we will hold our annual celebration of our special Saint’s Day. Archdeacon David has been invited to preach and preside and our friends from Poulton St Chad’s and St Hilda’s have also received an invitation to join us. Refreshments will be provided in church after the service. The heating will be on and lifts can be arranged by phoning the Vicarage 874402. Let’s pack the church!Advent Devotionals: These booklets come highly recommended and are available at the back of Church. They provide a daily reflection for each day of Advent. Join with us and the Diocese as we journey through Advent together. There are large print copies for anyone who needs them and also little cards with QR codes which will take you to the Diocesan app on your smart phone where you will also find the daily reflections. God of Salvation, wake us up Lord! The night is nearly over. Lead us through our Advent journey. Wake us up Lord! Let us live as people of the light. Amen.Christmas Wishes: Why not consider sending a Christmas greeting to the whole church family on our specially prepared ‘Christmas greeting notice sheet’ instead of sending Christmas Cards? The sheet will be printed on 22nd December. Please jot down your message and hand it to the Vicar or pop it through the Vicarage letter box. Verbal requests may get overlooked!Please remember in your prayers: Archdeacon Mark Ireland, Jeff Chambers, Katie, Brian Brown, Mark Price, Debbie, Michael Carthy, Rev Jane Everett, Paul Sumner, Sandra Pratt, Michael, Chris Kelsall, Brian Morris, Ben and Ruth Green, and Elaine Clarke. And we remember the family of Jane Bedford whose funeral will take place this coming week.
