FROM THE MINISTRY TEAM What can give us all an identity and a sense of security? It must be different for each of us, and we do identify with others when we recognise something as being worthy of attention, we get that sense of security when we are with others of like minds; the times when we share our homes with families and friends when we have something to celebrate. Our homes become places of security because we identify with others in a common cause. The phrase, “It’s coming home” has an air of expectation when we hear that chant of supporters encouraging their team. They identify with each other expecting that their team will win that longed for trophy. It’s going to happen. The trophy is coming home. That trophy has been someone else’s, also giving them a common identity and a sense of security. That trophy does give a sense of identity and a sense of security to whoever holds it, but it is only held temporarily. There is an air of expectation as we prepare our homes for Christmas, those places of our identity and security with that sense of wonder with joy. But it can be tinged with sadness in those whose loved ones have died. Those loved ones helped us to experience that feeling of security, contributing to our identity as we shared special moments with them during their life on earth. There is another air of expectation within our churches as we prepare to celebrate our Christian identity in the birth of the Baby whom, I assure you, provides that permanent security we can all search for and then discover in the ups and downs of our lives. This is an open invitation to join with us, sing carols and ponder, an opportunity for all to recognise that that something whose birth and identity which we celebrate is worthy of our attention and yours. That birth does and will contribute to a major part of our identity and the source of our security. Not as in our transient troubled world but in a permanent place of peace. Come and identify yourself, get to know us and be part of our security. We will welcome you. On behalf of all The Team, I wish you A Christmas filled with Joy and Peace followed by a Year of Expectation and Discovery. Judy Hailes Reader
FROM THE MINISTRY TEAM At this time of the year as Advent approaches we cannot help but begin to think of the more material things in life. It is only natural for people to worry. How are we going to pay those bills? How can we afford all those Christmas presents for the family? This year may seem harder, but it has always been the same. We wouldn’t be human if we didn’t worry. At the same time Jesus tells us not to worry, the direct opposite of our human instincts, for Jesus said that God knows we have need of the things that make life possible for us. Help can come in many ways, a new opportunity or perhaps help and advice from a friend, even a chance happening may relieve the pressure. These things happen to people, often people, with a strong faith, as faith can make you carry on when things seem hopeless. This is part of the way coupled with our belief in Jesus’s great sacrifice for us all that that enables us to survive in what is a far from easy world. As Christians we must let our faith guide us as Christmas fast approaches with the joy of worship and family celebrations. Bill Rootes Deacon
