Source letter for December from Barbara
Everyone likes a good story. And the one overwhelmingly important thing we have, as Christians, is a good story! But for all sorts of reasons, a lot of the time we often lack the confidence to share that story. Well, at Christmas, we can forget all that reticence because it’s given to us, with bells on – literally. So here are some of the ways we’ll be telling that story at St. Peter’s:
Sunday 11 December
It’s always good to set aside at least some quiet time during Advent in the middle of all the necessary activity….. but when and how? This year, I thought I would offer something new – or rather, a variation on a theme:
‘Soul Food’
reflections and refreshment
for the journey towards Christmas
6.00-8.00 pm in the Hall
A bring-and-share with a difference. This will be supper interspersed with poems and stories – informal & inspiring! Please bring:
• Some finger food to share (wine and soft drinks will be provided)
• A poem, story, or piece of prose on any theme to do with Advent or Christmas. This can be a lifelong favourite, or one you have found for the occasion …. or even one you have written ourself.
• …And perhaps bring a friend, who may not normally come to church
We’ll finish with some simple candle-lit worship.
Sunday 18 December
The Nativity
10.00am in Church
Another variation on a theme – our Hands-On Church children, and any others who want to join in, (including a few noisy animals) will remind us what the season is all about.
And in the evening:
A Service of Lessons & Carols
6.00pm in Church
Thursday 22 December
An annual favourite – and a good way to focus all that excitement in the days before Christmas:
Christingle Afternoon - storytelling & activities
4.00 – 6.00pm in the Hall
followed by the
Christingle Service
6.00pm in Church
Saturday 24 December – Christmas Eve
Blessing of the Crib
4.00pm in Church
Every year, we wonder if we can fit any more people in! This is where Christmas begins, as we place all the ‘characters’ in the story in our crib, under the altar – and placing ourselves there too, in a way, recognising that the child who is born in a humble stable is the one who gives us life now in the sacrament of bread and wine.
Christmas Day
Family Christmas Communion
10.00am in Church
This service is often surprising, always celebratory – and a very special gift on this day of giving.
At our last Hands-On church we made stained glass window pictures. Stained glass windows are at their most beautiful when light shines through them. They have to be lit from behind or within. When our lives are lit up by the love of God, we shine with our true colours; we become the people God meant us to be. Even more than that, we see ourselves and the world with new eyes. We become God’s light for others in their times and places of darkness.
At Christmas we celebrate that Christ, our light has come into the world – a light no darkness can ever overcome.
The best stories are always the true ones.
