This month
Advent Carols
On 1st December we shall use the grand venue of All Saints to sing Advent Carols and listen to scripture passages pointing to the Second Coming of Jesus. As we process around the church by the light of candles and torches, we shall hear the story of Jesus’ promise to return to earth in glory. Let your spine tingle!
Memorial Service
On Sunday 8th December, both churches are holding a Memorial Service for families who have been bereaved. We will read out names of the departed and offer prayer cards to put on the tree, and place a lighted candle on the altar. Services are at the usual time, but without Holy Communion. Let us know of any names to include.
What’s the Story?
This is the title of a presentation we make to groups of schoolchildren going around the church, meeting a story-teller at various points. ‘What’s the story’ involves readers, craft assistants and leaders. Let Stephen, Derek or June know if you are available for 11th December (Marshfield School) 1.15 p.m. at St Oswald’s, or 10th December (All Saints) at 1 p.m.
West End Carols
All are welcome to Carols with candle-light in St Oswald’s on Wednesday 18th at 11.15 a.m. before the Christmas dinner.
Carol-singing
At Morrisons in Girlington we raised £1156 for our link dioceses of Northern Sudan last year. This year we sing again, 12 noon on 14th December; let’s put a smile on shoppers’ faces.
We also sing carols at St Luke’s Hospital at 6 p.m. on Tuesday 17th followed – for the enthusiastic – by further singing, 7.15 p.m. at Horton Hall Close. Children are especially invited.
Nativity Play
Children will perform a Nativity Play on Sunday 22nd December at St Oswald’s 9.30 service. The rehearsal is at 4.30 p.m. on the 21st.
All Saints Carol service
The Carol Service at 4.30 p.m. on 22nd December includes well-known carols, familiar readings and candles everywhere! Delicious food too.
Christingle Crib Service
At St Oswald’s on Tuesday December 24th children will be invited to put crib figures in the stable and receive a lighted Christingle – an orange with a red ribbon, sweets skewered on and a candle on top. All will be explained! If you’ve never been before, this is a magical moment.
Midnight Mass
This service at St Oswald’s on Christmas Eve starts at 11.30 p.m. My mother used to take my brothers and myself from being quite young, and I still remember the excitement when one year it snowed on our way to Church. All are invited to start the celebration at the vicarage for Open House from 10.30 p.m for mulled wine and mince pies.
New Year Service
On Sunday 29th December you are invited to renew your Baptism vows as you look forward to 2020. Also, bring a Christmas present with you to show people; share the fun of what was given you, however embarrassing….
Allen Vogel
I have known Allen since I came to St Oswald’s in 1998. Allen had in previous years taken on almost every job there was to do in Church. He had been Church warden, treasurer, crucifer; he was School Governor, on PCC and administered the chalice at Communion in my time. He had even been Santa Claus.
In his younger years he did various practical jobs, including building partitions in the school basement where the youth club met. The Church was at the heart of his and Marian’s family life; Anthony sang in the choir, Carol and Michelle were in the youth club and Carol was Gala Queen and Baloo in a production. Michelle helped for a while with Sunday School.
It will be a long time before we forget Allen. Well done good and faithful servant.
Baptism
Georgia McDonagh is to be baptised on Sunday 15th December at All Saints. It has been a pleasure to get to know her and her parents Darren and Adele and sisters Isabelle and Verity.
Funeral
Mary Shaw-Taylor attended All Saints on occasions, a good friend to Carol Solorz. Her funeral is at Scholemoor 9 December 11.30am.
At All Saints, we believe that God loves us and that he sent Jesus to die for us and to rise again from the dead. Through faith in Jesus we find our wrongdoings forgiven and we know peace with God and with one another. And one day we look forward to being with God in heaven.
Sunday worship is at 11.15 a.m. when we meet God in the teaching of the Bible and in Holy Communion. There is Sunday School for children during the service every Sunday except the first of the month. After the service time we serve drinks and cake and a chance to meet one another.
At St Oswald’s, we believe that God loves us and that he sent Jesus to die for us and to rise again from the dead. Through faith in Jesus we find our wrongdoings forgiven and we know peace with God and with one another. And one day we look forward to being with God in heaven.
worship is at 9.30 a.m. when we meet God in the teaching of the Bible and in Holy Communion. There is Sunday School for children during the service every Sunday except the first of the month. After the service time we serve drinks and biscuits and a chance to meet one another.