<div>Welcome to this week’s Prayer Hub. This week we begin our Advent journey as we look to the coming of Emmanuel ~ God with us. The theme of light is one which runs throughout scripture. The first words God speaks are ‘Let there be light.’ Isaiah records God’s promise that in the darkness there is a great light. The Psalmist reminds that there is no such thing as darkness (there is nowhere we can be where God’s love isn’t). Jesus’ wonderful hope filled words are recorded in John’s account of the gospel when Jesus says, ‘I am the Light of the world.’ Throughout scripture we are reminded that Light and Hope are present, and are present in Christ. This week we will focus on holding people and situations, ‘In the Light,’ as the Quakers so beautifully say. In those times when we don’t how to pray or what to say it is enough to bring those people and situations into the Light of Christ, in the assurance that God knows and is full of compassion. So, we come in faith and trust.Advent Sunday: We give thanks for the Light of Christ, for the presence of Christ in all creation.Monday: We hold in the Light the world Jesus came to show God’s love to, in all its stumbling and confusion in the darkness.Tuesday: Whilst we look forward to celebrating the birth of Christ we mustn’t forget that he is already here, risen and present with us. Spend some time resting in God’s love for you.Wednesday: John’s account of the gospel reminds us that in Christ is the light of life. Hold in that light those things in your life that need the healing warmth of Christ’s love.Thursday: Hold in the Light those who feel lost in darkness and feel desperate for light.Friday: The Light of Christ - spend some time today reflecting on those words and what they mean for you. Saturday: Pray for our worship tomorrow, that together, wherever we are, the Light of Christ may shine in our hearts and glorify God.Almighty God, as your kingdom dawns,turn us from the darkness of sin to the light of holiness,that we may be ready to meet you in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.Please join us each day at 12pm in saying the prayer Jesus taught us. Our Father, who art in heaven,hallowed be thy name.Thy Kingdom come.Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.Give us today our daily bread.Forgive us our trespassesas we forgive those who trespass against us.Lead us not into temptation.Deliver us from evil.For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory,for ever and ever. Amen.Attached is a sheet of the above in case you prefer to print a copy for reference
Advent starts here!The livestreams are continuing with the following services being made available via the St Ed's Facebook page:Sunday 29th November 9:30 am Spiritual CommunionSunday 29 November 11:15am with Rev Paul (service sheet attached)Sunday 29 November evening 6.30pm with Rachel and Sophie (for Sunday Club and the young at heart)Tuesday 1st December 10am Tiny Tunes (music for all young people)Wednesday 2nd December 10.30am Rev PaulWednesday 2nd December 9pm Rachel’s Rectory RamblingsSaturday 5th December 9pm Prayers together Watch live if you are able --- or join later on 'catch up'.Everyone welcome.AdditionallyServices in church We are currently still awaiting confirmation of the new guidelines for services in church and over Christmas. The church will however still be open each day for private prayer. We also have other opportunities to pray together - see service list above.Care Homes Thank you so much for all the donations! We are shortly delivering the first batch of bags to Sunnycroft. We would still be grateful for donations if you are able to for the other Care Homes. Thank you!Nativity scenes display We are holding a Nativity scenes display at St Peter’s Ringland from Monday 21rd December to Wednesday 23rdThe church will be open 10.00am to 3.00pm each day.
Sunday Club on 29th November 2020 at 6:30pm via the St Ed's Facebook page will be hearing about a girl and lost coin.Please see and print the file (1 page) attached to this item to help you to join in with the activity.All welcome.
2020 St Ed’s Christmas cake raffleAs you may know, the St Ed's Christmas event was due to take place at the end of November 2020. This has had to be cancelled because of the current Covid restrictions and related lockdown.At the annual fayre we often have a ‘guess the weight of the Christmas cake’ competition – but obviously that is not possible this year. One of our talented bakers has already made the Christmas cake. So to give people an opportunity to win the cake, we are having to do things differently this year. As this all has to happen remotely, Sue Elmes has kindly agreed to coordinate the activity.If you wish to have a chance to win the cake please contact Sue to agree which number(s) (from 1 to 40) can be allocated to you and arrange payment. Each number allocated will cost £1. Sue can be contacted by phoning on 01603 260656 or sending an email to susie.elmes@gmail.comThe lucky winner should receive the cake in time for Christmas.
