Reflection from Jon EllisReflection Matthew 11.16-19 Isaiah 48.17-19 Dec 12Matthew 1116 "To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the market-places and calling out to others:17 " We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn. 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He has a demon. 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners"’. But wisdom is proved right by her actions." (NIV)Isaiah 4817 This is what the LORD says your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.18 If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea.19 Your descendants would have been like the sand, your children like its numberless grains; their name would never be cut off nor destroyed from before me." (NIV)REFLECTIONHow do you remember your past? Is it the failures or the successes? I tend to remember decisions that did not go well. And yet, if I look back at my life as a whole, I have been very blessed. God-incidences, (God directed coincidences), have turned problems into wonderful changes for the better. Jesus has taught me to be much more hopeful, not in the worldly meaning of what might happen, but in Jesus’ certain hope. Isaiah exasperatedly berates God’s people for not obeying God’s commands. He says that everything would have been so much better if they had done that. How often do we see it in the world’s problems today? Peace would be like a river and righteousness like the waves of the sea. Wonderful images. Jesus says, “Wisdom is proved right by her actions.” All we have to do is pay attention to God’s commands. Pray first, then act!COLLECT 2nd AdventAlmighty God,purify our hearts and minds,that when your Son Jesus Christ comes again as judge and saviourwe may be ready to receive him,who is our Lord and our God. Amen Common Worship: Collects and Post Communions, material from which is included here, is copyright © The Archbishops' Council 2000
Wednesday December 10th to Saturday January 3rdDuring Services and when coffee@maggies is open
What’s on in TCMC Dates for your Christmas Diary5th December 5pm-7pm Candles on the Lake Kenwith Castle6th December 10am St Mary’s Coffee Morning-The Royal, Bude Street, Appledore3pm Community Carol Service St Margaret’s10th December to 3rd January Christmas Tree Festival St Margaret’savailable to view when the church is open12th December3pm Ignatian Contemplation Holy Trinity13th December10am Christingle Making St Mary’s2.30pm Christmas Quiz St Margaret’s14th December3pm Christingle Service St Mary’s3pm Christmas Carols with Appledore Band Holy Trinity3.30pm Messy Church Abbotsham Village Hall16th December2.30pm Vintage Christmas St Mary’s Church Hall17th December7pm Recital by Heart and Voice Ensemble St Margaret’s19th December3pm Ignatian Contemplation Holy Trinity21st December9.15am Family Church St Mary’s10am Holy Communion-9 Lessons and Carols St Margaret’s10.30am Morning Worship Holy Trinity10.30pm Morning Worship-9 Lessons and Carols St Helen’s10.30am Holy Communion-9 Lessons and Carols St Mary’s5.30pm Carols@Thirsty St Helen’s22nd December7pm Torchlight Service Appledore St Mary’sDecember 24th – Christmas Eve3pm Carol Service Holy Trinity3pm Crib Service St Mary’s4.30pm Crib Service St Margaret’s9.30pm Bethlehem Communion St Helen’s9.30pm Bethlehem Communion St Margaret’sDecember 25th – Christmas Day10am Christmas Day Service St Margaret’s10.30am Christmas Day Service Holy Trinity10.30am Christmas Day Service St Mary’sDecember 28th10.30am Team Service Holy Trinity
Starting on Monday 13th October from 5:00-6:30pmWhy not come along to chat about the BIG questions in life and learn the basics of the Christian faith. We’ll have fun, ask questions, share our thoughts and enjoy a meal together too!Monday 13th October St Mary’s Church, Bideford Monday, 20th October: Holy Trinity, Westward Ho! Monday 27th October St Mary’s Church, Bideford Monday 3rd November Holy Trinity, Westward Ho! Monday 10th November St Mary's Church, Bideford Saturday 15th November Holy Trinity, Westward Ho! Monday 17th November St Mary’s Church, Bideford Monday 1st December Holy Trinity Westward Ho!For more information or to book contact Bradley and Emily Mob: 07843956241 E-mail: brad.tcmc@gmail.com or emily@stmaryschurchbideford.org
