We are in the middle of the busiest time of the year for St Mike’s, with the church having hosted countless school carol services and concerts, plus numerous other concerts and events over the last week – with more to come. What a team of volunteers we have, who have made all this activity possible! And, if you’re one of them, don’t forget to book the ‘thank-you party’ in your diary on 18th January. For us, as the worshipping community, it is our probably own services which draw us compellingly to reflect on the amazing truth of God’s incarnation as Jesus, our Saviour. The fun (and chaos) of our Nativity service on Sunday morning (do please come along with your own themed headgear) together with its foil – Carols by Candlelight – later in the day bring home the qualities of wonder, awe, friendship and laughter which characterise this time of year. On Christmas Eve, we have the lovely Crib Service (4.00pm) especially suitable for children, and Midnight Communion for any ‘night owls’ among you, then of course the celebration of Family Communion on Christmas Day. You’ll be all ‘churched-out’ if you make all these! Please note that on Sunday 28th December there will be a service as usual at 10.00am, led by Barbara (one of our Occasional Worship Leaders), with Revd Martin as the speaker. Every blessing for this Christmastide
Please find attached the St Mike’s Bulletin for the coming week. You’ll find that your diary is groaning beneath the weight of dates you need to note, with so many events, services and activities in the weeks ahead. In fact, I might well have repeated some events, so confused have I been with all the notices! Do take time in the pre-Christmas busyness to spend a few minutes in quiet contemplation using our own St Mike’s Advent Calendar (if you have one). Whether you focus on the words or the image/s, there is always a gem of something meaningful to ponder. My apologies that this has arrived a few hours later than usual – Paul and I are currently in charge of three young grandsons for a few days, so our brains are hurting as we try to get to grips with the rules of Catan (a game previously unknown to us) and to prepare for some serious Christmas craft sessions and a mince-pie production line. By the way, this year’s Nativity script is now almost finished – the plot remains the same but the cast changes each year so, if you want a part, now is your final opportunity to let me know! All good wishes for the coming week. Lynne
May I remind you of the Hope in NE Cheshire Autumn Meeting with refreshments: Wednesday 12th November 6.45 for 7.00pm at Holy Trinity Hurdsfield - all welcome (full information was given in last week’s Bulletin). Also, please note that there will be a service in church as usual at St Michael’s at 10.00am on Sunday for those who are not intending to gather at the Cenotaph. Our church service will be followed by a brief act of Remembrance in the Savage Chapel to include the two minutes’ silence at 11.00. All good wishes for the coming week. Lynne
Please find attached the St Mike’s Bulletin for the coming week.This week’s edition offers us plenty of opportunities for personal involvement in a wide range of initiatives: whether it be donating goods, actively participating in an event, or assisting with a new idea, there is something for everyone! Do consider the ways in which you might show Christ’s love and compassion in the community of Macclesfield, as suits your skills and resources.Meanwhile, we now have the word ‘Advent’ in our Sundays (4th before Advent is coming up) so we all know what that means! Make sure you order a copy of our St Michael’s Advent Calendar to provide you with a daily five minutes of quiet reflection once December begins.Also attached with this newsletter is the Silklife Foodbank's 'Reverse Advent Calendar. (explanation given in the Bulletin).All good wishes for the coming week. Lynne
