2nd Sunday before Advent 2025 (Online Holy Communion)

for 5 days, 14 hours, 59 mins
The period between All saints and Advent is often referred to as Remembrance-tide and it is a time when we explore the theme of memory, both corporate and individual, and confront issues of war and peace, loss and forgetting.

It is a time when we are reminded that redemption is a work of God's grace; it is God who redeems us in Christ and there is nothing to be done beyond what Christ has done. But we still wait for the final consummation of God's new creation in Christ; those who are Christ's, whether or not they have passed through death, are joined in prayer that God's kingdom will be revealed finally and in all its fullness. We also sense that it is a fearful thing to come before the unutterable goodness and holiness of God, even for those who are redeemed in Christ that it is searing as well as life-giving to experience God's mercy.

Our readings this week are taken from Malachi 4:1-2a; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13; and Luke 21:5-19.

Our hymns are, 'We have a gospel to proclaim' and 'Rise and hear! The Lord is speaking'.

A service booklet to accompany today's service can be found below, or on the benefice website www.stourvalley.org.uk or email [email protected]

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Wixoe, St Leonard

St Leonard is the patron Saint of prisoners, and only a couple of Suffolk churches are dedicated to him. Despite the entirely 19th century windows, the church is clearly of Norman origins and the walls slope significantly towards each other as they approach the east. Perhaps there was once an apse. The bell-turret is a tribute to the proximity of Essex, and inside the south porch the doorway confirms your theory about the Normans.

The Victorians undertook a major restoration and the overwhelming feeling inside is of 1880s gloom. This isn't as dull as it sounds, for the church is neat and well-kept, and provides a document of, and testimony to, parish life over the last couple of centuries. The only medieval survival is the font, but there are a couple of nice 18th century memorials, including one with a splendid skull.

(With thanks to Simon Knott - http://www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/wixoe.htm)

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Get in touch

The Revd Mark Woodrow

The Vicarage
14 High Street
Clare

CO10 8NY
Rector
01787 277515
David Starr - PCC secretary
01440 785206

Our website

What's on

2nd Sunday before Advent 2025 (Online Holy Communion)

for 5 days, 14 hours, 59 mins

The period between All saints and Advent is often referred to as Remembrance-tide and it is a time when we explore the theme of memory, both corporate and individual, and confront issues of war and peace, loss and forgetting.

It is a time when we are reminded that redemption is a work of God's grace; it is God who redeems us in Christ and there is nothing to be done beyond what Christ has done. But we still wait for the final consummation of God's new creation in Christ; those who are Christ's, whether or not they have passed through death, are joined in prayer that God's kingdom will be revealed finally and in all its fullness. We also sense that it is a fearful thing to come before the unutterable goodness and holiness of God, even for those who are redeemed in Christ that it is searing as well as life-giving to experience God's mercy.

Our readings this week are taken from Malachi 4:1-2a; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13; and Luke 21:5-19.

Our hymns are, 'We have a gospel to proclaim' and 'Rise and hear! The Lord is speaking'.

A service booklet to accompany today's service can be found below, or on the benefice website www.stourvalley.org.uk or email [email protected]

View attachment

More info Join online

Everyday faith

Discover how we can support you to find and follow God in your everyday life.

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Our Benefice

Safeguarding

Our Benefice is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults from harm.

We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Benefice Safeguarding Officer (BSO).

Our Diocese’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor who advises our BSO.

If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the BSO:
Mr Simon Cant Tel: 01284 789211 Email: [email protected]

or the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor:
Mrs Karen Galloway Tel: 07785 621319 Email: [email protected]

or you may speak with the Rector:
The Revd Mark Woodrow Tel: 01787 277515 Email: [email protected]

If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority’s children or adult social care services (Suffolk County Council – 0808 800 4005).

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