Tree of Hope Christmas Gift AppealThis year our Christmas Gift Appeal will again be in support of the Rotary Club of Chichester Harbour who distribute Christmas presents to people who would otherwise have nothing.We are asking the whole Donnington community to take one of the tags from our fence at the Hall or pick an item from the list, for instance ‘girl aged between 10 and 12’Then at 5pm on Sunday 23rd November we are asking you to bring these gifts to a special community event at the Hall which will include singing, mulled wine, readings and the lighting of our Tree of Hope. Plus there will be a special appearance by Santa who will collect everyone’s presents to go in the Christmas sacks. Let’s spread the love in Donnington - everyone is welcome.Christmas Services at St George’s DonningtonThese are our special services during Advent. All welcome. Come and share the joy.Sunday 7th December. Our family Christingle service at the hall at 10am. A chance for people to share fellowship and for children to make Christingle Candles to bring light to the world. Collection in aid of the Children’s Society.Sunday 14th December. Carol Service by candlelight at church at 6pm. Always popular.Wednesday 24th December and Thursday 25th. Christmas Eve service at at 10pm and Christmas Day at 10am - both at church .Check our website for details of other services and how to find our churchAdvent Bible Study An Advent bible study in the Hall library starting on Monday 24th November at 10am for 5 Mondays and being led by Rev'd Graham Steel.
James's funeral will be held at 2.30 on Friday 24 October at St Richard’s Church, Aldwick. James had thought about his funeral and no doubt the service will reflect his wide range of interests and friends. Mary Hagell has been asked to read a piece by Malcolm Guite - a Christian poet that often featured in his services at St George's and from whom she and James drew inspiration. There will be tears and laughter and our collective love will put a huge hug around Liz. Full text of our newsletter
We heard this morning that our friend Rev'd James Cooper died last night. He had been through a mammoth heart operation last week, but it wasn't to be.James had been a fighter all his life and few people have faced as many health issues as James and each he met with courage, good humour and faith. He was an amazing minister bringing ordinariness to the divine with wisdom, knowledge, intelligence and humility. And there was always something from his sermons that stayed with you. A particular favourite of mine was of his school friend who said he did not believe in God; "don't worry" said the teacher, "God believes in you"James's God was a loving one and full of humour. Why else did he plant a seed in the young James that his career may be in ballet? Although he did eventually don a tutu it was for a life affirming Donnington pantomime not Sadlers Wells.No, God had other plans for James and the priesthood was his vocation and chaplaincy in particular. Through the years there will have been thousands in hospitals, hospices or care homes in the UK and Australia who have had their hands held by James, heard the Word and felt James's kindness lift some of their fear. His own health issues and how he faced them elevated his words beyond piety to profound empathy. That was what God had in mind for James, and James did not let him down.Today's priest (Father Peter Bustin) who knew of James by reputation spoke movingly on this morning's Gospel reading (Luke 17:5-10) on the mustard seed and faith. James was that God given seed will today he will bloom in heaven. Rejoice in his life.Our thoughts and prayer are with Liz. We will let you know of funeral plans in due course. Many readers of this newsletter will want to pass on their condolences directly to Liz but if you would like us to pass on a message or memory please email donningtonparish@gmail.com and we will make sure these get to her.
