Here we are approaching the second Sunday in Advent. Perhaps some of you, like me, are wondering how this could be - where has the year gone?

Looking back at the past year I think we should be encouraged by the way in which all of us have tried our best to pull together to ensure that we, as the body of Christ, still shine as a light in our communities. I think it's been tough at times - but we've also had some real glimpses of God's glory during the year. I'd be really interested to hear what your glimpses of glory have been - maybe you could let me know so we can put a thanksgiving together for our joint service on the last day of the year?
One of our readings for tomorrow is from Isaiah 40: 5 "Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and the people shall see it together......"

Over the next few weeks there will be lots of opportunities to worship, celebrate and have fun together.

Wednesday 13th December - Hanover Close residents will be coming into St Mary's for their Carol service at 11am. Everyone is welcome to come along.
Matthew will also be leading Carols at Aaron Court at the same time - he'd love to have some support for that too.

Sunday 17th December - Christchurch will be visiting The White House for their monthly community lunch at 12noon. Barbara would love to hear from anyone who would like to join in.
Later on in the afternoon, at 4pm, Kath will be leading the Christingle Service at Christchurch. There will be refreshments in the church afterwards provided by the Co Op Funeralcare on Thurncourt Road.

Monday 18th December - St Mary's will be hosting the Humberstone Junior school for their Nativity performances in the morning and afternoon.

Tuesday 19th December - St Mary's will be hosting the Falcons Sikh Primary School in church in the afternoon

Wednesday 20th December - Christmas service and carols in Thurn Court at 2.30pm - all welcome to come and help with the singing

Thursday 21st December - Humberstone Infants F2 will come into St Mary's church in the morning to hear the Christmas Story and sing their songs.

Saturday 23rd December - Calling all Christingle Elves! Everyone is invited to help make the Christingles in St Mary's at 10.30am.

Sunday 24th December - Christchurch carols service is at 9.30am and St Mary's Carol service is at 11am.
St Mary's Christingle is at 4.30pm on Christmas Eve and the Midnight Eucharist is at 11.30pm (Led this year by Revd Liz Rawlings)

CHRISTMAS DAY - Eucharist service at Christchurch at 9.30am led by Revd Liz Wilson and there will be an informal Christmas worship at St Mary's at 11am.

Wednesday 27th December - Christmas Coffee and Chat with lunch and games (Bingo, Quiz, Board games etc) is at Christchurch Hall from 10am. Karen Sly will also lead a sing-a-long. Everyone is welcome and the hall will be open for as long as people want to stay.

Our end of year JOINT Communion service is on Sunday 31st December at Christchurch at 11am. (There won't be a service at St Mary's on that day). Revd Matthew Creber will be leading the worship and presiding.

So that's a lot to look forward to.

However, looking back over the past week we have been able to share the meaning Christmas with lots of other children too. A massive 'Thank You' to Kath and her team for hosting Experience Christmas at Christchurch and to the helpers who helped me host the Early Years children from St Barnabas for their first visit into St Mary's. Kath and I have also been into various schools to give Advent/Christmas assemblies. I'm particularly looking forward to my first visit into Avanti Fields school on Friday.

Our main purpose as the Church of Christ is to share the good news about the Kingdom of God and tell out the message of hope and salvation given to us through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christmas is a time when conversations will often include opportunities to share this good news. I pray that we will be given the confidence, opportunities and inspiration to share 'good news of great joy for all the people'.

Praying that your Advent preparations enable you to experience a joy-filled Christmas.
With love
Viv