'What's in a name?' - worship Sun 14 Dec: Advent 3

WELCOME to this third Sunday in the season of Advent. Last week, we heard Mary's great song of praise, known as the 'Magnificat.' This week, we continue our journey in the Gospel of Luke, hearing another song; this time from Zechariah upon confirming the name of his son: 'John'. 
We'll be thinking about names, and, with John, preparing the way for the coming King.

Our WORSHIP LINK IS HERE

CHURCH NOTICES:
'Memory Tree': Yesterday, we held our annual ‘Tidings of comfort and joy’ service – a service in which we took time to remember loss of various kinds, including remembering those who, for whatever reason, won’t be with us for Christmas this year. As part of that, we put up our wee memory tree, and this will stay in the church now until after the service on the 3rd of January. And thanks to Dee, Rowan, and Ursula, who in their various ways, helped to organise the larger memory tree by the lytch gate – where there are ribbons that can be used to tie to the tree - again, as a way of remembering someone.

Clydesdale Food Bank: a reminder that the food bank box is in the vestibule and available for donations of food and other helpful items for the food bank. Our contact, Ben, noted some of the items they’re low on at the moment are:
sugar, tea bags, tinned veg and fruit, soups.
And if it was possible, it would be lovely if folk could spare some mince pies, or maybe even mini Christmas puddings, if possible, perhaps chocolate for wee ones.
For those of you unable to come to the church, you can donate online via THIS LINK.
Thanks everyone.

Worship Sun 21 Dec.: Given our tradition here in the parish is not to have a service on Christmas Day unless it’s a Sunday, next Sunday will be pretty Christmas oriented, so, If you’re willing, and able to come along, why not take the opportunity to give your favourite Christmas jumper an outing, or wear a little something with a nod to Christmas? There’ll be some carols as well…

Crawford and Wiston 'Christmas elves': on the theme of Christmas, we had a team of wee Christmas elves in the church on Thursday morning, who were delighted to decorate the tree for us, with a little help from Dee. So big thanks to the students of Wiston and Crawford Primary schools for doing that – and we also had some good chat and exploration around the building. Outwith the tree, I think the favourite activity was having a go of ringing our bell – although we did have to hang on to a couple of the wee-er ones to prevent them from taking off!!

Christmas newsletter: our Christmas newsletter is [finally!] at the printers, so hopefully hard copy should be available just before Christmas or around about then. In the meantime, you can access a copy online at the tab above this page... or, simply click on the wee diagonal arrow in the top right hand corner of the picture below and it will pop out for you to view. 

As you journey further into this Advent season, may you know God's joy.

God bless,
Nikki

'Mixing it up' - worship for Sun 7 Dec: Advent 2

WELCOME to worship on this 2nd Sunday of Advent.
Last week we were thinking about angelic conversations: the angel, Gabriel visiting Zechariah, and later, Mary, with unexpected news. This week, another conversation, between two soon to be mothers: Elizabeth and Mary. And we hear Mary’s song of praise to God, as she ponders the nature of the child she will bear. 
Our WORSHIP LINK IS HERE

Notices follow below...

CHURCH NOTICES:
Sat 13 Dec. 2pm: 'Tidings of Comfort and Joy' - a short, reflective service in which we make space in the busyness of the season to  remember those not with us this Christmas season.

Sat 13 Dec - Sun 4 Jan: 'Memory Tree': in conjunction with the above service, over the following weeks, we’ll have both our wee memory tree in the church, and the larger tree down at the foot of the pathway – and you’re invited to use these as visual prayers and ways of remembering…

Christmas coffee morning - an update: what an excellent wee event. All went well and huge creditand thanks to Sara and Tabitha for their wonderful baking - a real treat! We had a great turnout of folk and I'm delighted to say that we were able to raise a total of £260 to give to Clydesdale Food Bank. Thanks to everyone who spread the word, who came along, who donated so generously.

Food Bank box: just a reminder that over these next Sundays, the food bank box will be in the vestibule for food and other items, if you’re able to drop something in. Ben our food bank contact was in touch yesterday saying that they’re particularly short of:
tea bags, sugar, tinned fruit and veg, tinned soups, and as we’re coming up to Christmas, if it was possible, perhaps some Christmas related items, or wee treats, like: mini xmas puds, mince pies, chocolate. Any items would be hugely appreciated.