After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2 : 1 - 2Readings this week Isaiah 60 : 1 - 6; Ephesians 3 : 1 - 12; Matthew 2 : 1 - 12Thought for this weekMatthew the Gospel writer’s account of the visit of the Wise Men is full of amazing and wonderful things. Of cosmic signs of Jesus’ birth, truly lavish and rare gifts, holy dreams of warning, of a despot being incited to wrath by this new – born King, and perhaps most wonderful of all, the whole world waking to the significance of Jesus’ Coming, and the beginning of hope and salvation for the whole world.In just twelve verses Old Testament prophecies (Psalm 72, Isaiah 60) of visitors bearing gifts are fulfilled. Yet the visit of the Magi also opens the way to the future. Of Jesus’ birth heralding the Kingdom, where true treasure is found, and where the new things (Isaiah 43: 19) are beginning.The Wise Men leave, but they are not gone from the story, because we are now part of their story, the rich unfolding of the Lord’s mercy and grace through faith in Jesus across the world today. Through the visit of the Wise Men the Lord opens the way to the future of the Kingdom of Jesus. Of worship to Him, and of us men, women and children of all backgrounds and races offering the Lord all that we have, so that His Kingdom can grow in us and through us. This is Jesus’ Kingdom growing today. Rev PaulPrayer for this weekO God, who by the leading of a star manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: mercifully grant that we, who know you now by faith, may at last behold your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, Amen.Creator of the heavens, who led the Magi by a star to worship the Christ-child: guide and sustain us, that we may find our journey’s end in Jesus Christ our Lord. AmenPeople to pray forFor the worldwide churchFor all those in places of learningFor all Christians in our neighbourhoods, workplaces and communities
The following services will be available via the St Ed's Facebook page or by attendance (as stated below). Sunday 5th January 9:30am Mustard Tree Nativity– informal service for families and children. (at St Ed’s)Sunday 5th January 11:15 am Holy Communion (at St Ed’s)Sunday 5th January 11:15 am Online Sunday service (livestream) Sunday 5th January 4:00 pm The Gathering@Ringland (Informal Garden Church) (at St Peter’s)Monday 6th January from 9am Organ being dismantled (at St Ed’s)Monday 6th January 5.00 pm Evening prayers (at St Ed’s)Tuesday 7th January Community Café with activities for tots cancelled due to organ works(at St Ed’s),Tuesday 7th January 6:00 pm Rspace (at St Ed’s)Wednesday 8th January 10:30 am Holy Communion (at Ringland Village Hall)Thursday 9th January 8.30am Church caretaking team (at St Ed’s )Thursday 9th January 7.00pm Compline with meditation (at St Ed’s and livestream) Friday 10th January 11:00 am Funeral (at St Ed’s)Also Sunday 12th January 2025, At St Ed’s, 8.00 am Holy Communion, 9:30 am Mustard Tree, 11:15 am Service of the word - live-streaming from St Ed’s Also at Ringland Village Hall 10:30 Holy Communion. For on-line services, watch live if you are able --- or join later on 'catch up'.Everyone welcome.AdditionallyRingland: future services/events for Ringland St Peter’s: January 5th 4pm informal service at St Peter’sJanuary 12th 10:30 am Communion Service (at Ringland village Hall)February 2nd 4pm informal service at St Peter’sFebruary 9th 10:30 am Communion Service (at Ringland village Hall)Thank you to everyone who has helped with our services, Care home visits and schools work over Christmas. It has been a great time, and would not have been possible without everyone’s contributions. Thank you!Rev Paul and the whole ministry team would like to thank everyone for all their good wishes, prayers, support, kind words and gifts over the Christmas period. All your thoughtfulness has been very much appreciated.Jan Ransom has sadly died. She was a faithful member of St Ed’s for possibly 60 years (since Father Knapp’s time). She had a strong faith in the Lord and is with Jesus now. We pray for her family.The organ at St Ed's will be dismantled from 6th January for its repairs. We will not unfortunately be able to operate the café on Tuesday morning.St Ed’s Arts group begins again on 17th January at Trinity ChurchChristmas collections we raised a wonderful £221.44 for Christian Aid at the Carol Service on 22nd December. We are still collecting towards the Children’s Society. Collecting candles were given out at the Christingle Services on Christmas Eve. These can be returned up until 26th January. Postage stamps Robert Cooper collects used stamps for the MS Society. If you have any from your Christmas cards, there is an envelope in the vestry of St Ed’s.
Join us for The Gathering@Ringland Sunday 5th January 2025 4 til 6 pm at St Peter's "New Year New Beginnings"Chill & Chat with food and friendsAn Informal All Age Gathering with firepits, lights, nibbles, drinks, live music and worship with the Garden Folk Band.Com and see or Stay - for a warm welcome. Wrap up warm. all welcome
The 2024 St Ed's Christmas Eve service at 3:30 will also be livestreamed from the church.The service sheet is attached to this news item so you can join in fully with that service.The celebration is named after the Christingles that are lit during the service. Christingles are made from an orange decorated with red tape, sweets and a candle - join us to hear what each part symbolises. if you can make a christingle that is great but you do not need one to join in this celebration.All proceeds from these services will go to The Children’s Society and support its work helping vulnerable young people. All the family will enjoy this feast of candles and oranges as part of their preparation for Christmas.
