Dearest friends,
In the second week of Advent we light our second candle… the Bethlehem Candle. In lighting it we pray that we may join Mary and Joseph on their journey to Bethlehem.
Our journey this week is about preparation.
Mary and Joseph were preparing for the birth of their son. I imagine they were like any parents… planning and dreaming about their future as a family. Worrying if they’ve got everything ready.
I can picture them sat with family – smiling at the pictures in their minds as they dreamt of the future. I can see them as they wonder if they’ve got everything, talking with each other and figuring out if everything is ready for the birth.
It’s easy to picture because I’ve been there – as a father to Edmund – sat in the living room with Catheirne planning and worrying about nappies, about cots, about car seats and about hundreds of other things.
It’s a picture of Christmas in so many ways. We run from A to B worried that we’ve missed something or someone. Worried about having enough food. Worried about money.
The journey is fraught with worry… but we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that the journey is also rich with dreams of the future.
Mary and Joseph were bringing Jesus into the world. Our Saviour.
It was not the birth they planned, but it was awesome nonetheless.
Perhaps in their journey, we can see a path to peace in our own journey.
In love,
Fr. Matthew
Notices
Christmas Explorers
It would be wonderful if you could find time to come to Explorers on the afternoon of the 7th. We’re expecting a lot of people as there’ll be a special visit from a certain St. Nicholas! Any help would be very much appreciated. 3-5pm
Second Advent Lecture
This Thursday (4th) – a talk on the Christian theology and perspective on the Assisted Death. (7pm, Wickham Hall).
Bay Brass Band Concert
Sadly, Bay Brass Band have been in touch this week to let me know they’ve not been able to secure enough players for their concert at St. Luke’s and have very sadly had to cancel it.
Dates for next year
I’m starting to populate dates for January, one of the important ones is the 15th January at St. Luke’s, where we’ll have (our now) customary planning meeting for the coming term, in this case Spring & Easter. It’s also a chance to review the Autumn and Christmas term and see if there are any lessons to learn or new ideas for next year.
Sunday 7th December
2nd Sunday of Advent 🟣
9am – Sung Parish Mass [SJ]
11:15am – Sung Parish Mass [SL]
3pm – Explorers [SC]
Psalter Week 2, A(II), Advent 2
Upcoming Dates
December
4th – Advent Course, 2nd lecutre, 7pm [WH]
7th – Explorers & Christingle, 3-5pm [SC]
11th – Advent Course, 3rd lecture, 7pm [WH]
18th – Advent Course, 4th lecture, 7pm [WH]
20th – 9 Lessons & Carols, 6pm, both churches
21st – Christingle & Crib Service, 3-5pm [SL]
Solemn Evensong with Benediction, 7pm [SJ]
24th – Live Nativity, 4pm [SJ]
Midnight Mass, 8pm [SJ]
Midnight Mass, 11:30pm [SL]
25th – Christmas Day Mass, 10am [SL & SJ]
January
7th – St. Luke’s PCC
15th – Joint Planning Meeting for Spring & Easter, 7pm [SL]
24th – Rosary Group, 10am [SL]
26th – History of the Anglo Catholics Talk, 6pm [SL]
31st – Burns Night Supper [SL]
Table Top Sale at Wickham Hall every 3rd Saturday at 10am.
St. Luke’s Women’s Group meets first Wednesday of every month.
[SJ] St. John’s | [SL] St. Luke’s | [WH] Wickham Hall
[SC] St. Catherine’s School