Today is the First Sunday of Advent Sunday and our focus this week is on the Patriarchs who journeyed in hope of the coming of the Messiah.

Our readings and liturgy direct us towards Christ's birth and we endeavour to do so with a sense of alert watchfulness, and our fundamental Advent prayer remains 'Maranatha' - 'Our Lord, come' (1 Cor. 16:22).

Our readings this week come from Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 12:11-14, and Matthew 24:36-44.

Our hymns are, 'Come, thou long-expected Jesus', and 'Lo! he comes with clouds descending'.

You may wish to have an advent wreath or candle to hand as we light this during our service.

A service booklet to accompany this service can be downloaded from the benefice website www.stourvalley.org.uk.

All are welcome to join us for a wonderful Carol Service where we can sing the familiar carols and listen to the timeless story of the birth of Jesus.

All are welcome to join us for a wonderful Carol Service where we can sing the familiar carols and listen to the timeless story of the birth of Jesus.

A special service for the younger members of our community.

Come along and sing some of your favourite Christmas Carols and hear the story of the very first Christmas.

Why not dress up as one of characters from the story! (a Wise Man or King, a shepherd, a sheep or a cow, an Angel, or Mary or Joseph)

All are welcome to join us to celebrate the Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ with Carols and Readings and culminating with the first Eucharist of Christmas.

Come as you are and why not bring one of your Christmas gifts to show everyone!

Our family friendly service for Christmas morning is just the thing to continue your Christmas Day celebrations - there will be carols and singing and a few surprises!

Come as you are and why not bring one of your Christmas gifts to show everyone!

Our family friendly service for Christmas morning is just the thing to continue your Christmas Day celebrations - there will be carols and singing and a few surprises!