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The blog of David Alexander, Vicar of Stopsley Parish Church (St Thomas's).
Further details on www.stopsleyparish.org.uk

Thursday, 12 December 2013

Christmas is Coming, the Vicar's Getting Fat...

STOPSLEY PARISH CHURCH - ST THOMAS‘
Hi from Vicar Dave!
Christmas is Coming, the Vicar's Getting Fat... Well, I don't think that is how the song goes, but it may well be true. The feasting and celebrating picks up a gear this coming week. Join us at one or more of these services (or at others mentioned further below)....
Carols on:
 Wednesday 18th, 7:30pm (Trad),
 Thursday 19th, 8pm (Not Trad! Rock versions!), 
 Saturday 21st, 6:30pm (Community Singing at Jansel House for Keech Hospice)
 Sunday 22nd, 6:30pm (Candlelit) 

Get your lozengers ready. All together now... 'While Shepherds wa.....
(Which version did you sing?!)

Come and join us at our services. The themes this week are: 
Sunday Morning’s Theme is: Exodus 5:22-6:13. The King’s Christmas Message.
Readings: Exodus 5:22-6:13 (p62), Matt 11:2-11 (p976)
Sunday Evening’s Theme is: 1 Peter 4:1-11. Christ-mas brings the Best News.
Readings: Isa 35:1-10 (p719), 1 Peter 4:1-11 (p1219)
Midweek Theme is: John 5:31-47. Christmas: God is with us.
Readings: Isa 35:1-10 (p719), John 5:31-47 (p1069)
Plus the traditional readings at the Carol Services!

News Headlines:
    • Christmas Services Invite your friends and family
        • Wed 18, 7.30pm Traditional Carol Service
        • Thur 19, 8pm Rock Carols
        • Sat 21, 6:30pm Community Carols at Jansel House for Keech Hospice.
        • Sun 22, 10am Nativity Play Service
        • Sun 22, 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight
        • Tue 24, 4pm Crib Service for Children
        • Tue 24,11.45pm Midnight Communion
        • Wed 25, 9am Christmas Day Communion
        • Wed 25,10:30am Christmas Day Celebration
        • Wed 25,11:30am Short Christmas Day Communion
    • Help Hand out leaflets to people in Stopsley, advertising the Community Carol Service and other Christmas events. 14th and 21st December. Meet 10am at Coffee Express. An opportunity to share our faith. Join us.
    • Community Carols at Jansel House. Do support this event and invite others. We shall be raising money for Keech Hospice.
    • Baby/Toddler First Mini Carol Service Mon 16th Dec 10:45am - short 15 minute Christmas service.
    • Prayers for Christmas Join with other local Christians from several churches in praying for Christmas events and for our local community. Tuesday 17th Dec at 12-12:30pm at Stopsley Baptist Church or if you are at work find a moment over lunchtime to pray.
    • Crib Service Can you help? Young ones and older ones needed to get ready for our annual Crib Service Presentation. Gather at Noon on Christmas Eve for pizza lunch and then preparing for the event. One of the highlights of the year.
    • Philippines Crisis Many thanks for all your gifts for the Philippines Crisis - we have now given from the Church and donations over £750.
    • Carol Singing at Mixes Hill Court with the Choir on Monday 16th at 8pm
    • Advent Challenge, a short journey through the Bible to encounter God. Receive daily emails or texts at www.livethechallenge.co.uk.
    • Presents  Many thanks for all those who gave toys and other gifts on Advent Sunday. They have been passed on to Luton Foodbank and will be much appreciated by people who would otherwise not receive much.
    • Poinsettia Sunday Thanks to everyone who brought a plant to be given to show Christmas love to the housebound and others.
    • Christmas Tree Festival Many thanks for all who helped in this great event. We raised £509.76 for Keech Hospice.
    • Noah Update. Noah has requested no more clothing for the homeless for the time being. But hats, scarfs, gloves, socks are still needed. They thank St Thomas for their continued support.
    • Community Evening Christmas Dinner 17 Dec 6:30pm. Fully booked.
    • Non-Alcoholic & Gluten Free Communion Options Pick up a special card at the back of Church and present at the communion rail. 
      • Coffee Morning on Sat 4th Jan, 10am - Noon. All welcome.
      • Church Office Christmas Break from 20th Dec to 6th Jan.


        • Newsheets Online - via website or  http://stopsleyvicar.blogspot.co.uk

            PLEASE PRAY FOR
            Unwell:  
            Rita Joyce, Joe, Bob Norman, Ivor Reading, Hayley Barker, Matty Salihi, Sophie Snook
            Some of Those with Long-term Needs: 
            Sadie Oliver, Brian Gorham, Stella Rutty, Thelma Hill, Julie Windsor, Evelyn, Joyce Burgess
            Those grieving for: 
            Andrew Bell, Derrick Titley, Louise Cook, Dennis Perry.

             WEEKLY EVENTS
            Sunday Morning Services Rolling Worship
            8:30am Communion 
            9:30am Breakfast Club
            10am Parish Communion
            11am Coffee Time
            11:30am INformALL Church
            Sunday Evening Worship 6:30pm 
            Midweek Communion Wed, 9:45am
            Community Eve:Tue 6:30pm
            Cafe Church Tue 8pm
            Morning Prayers, Mon, Tue, Thurs 9:15am
            Parish Office Mon -Thurs, 10am-Noon
            Homeless Soup Kitchen  Mon 6:30pm
            Vicar Appointment Surgery Mon 7:30pm
            Sewing Group Tue 1pm
            Christian Meditation Wed 6:45pm
            Scrabble Thurs 10am
            Tent Project for the Elderly Etc, Thur 2pm

            Contact us: 01582 729194, office@stopsleyparish.org.uk



            Have a great weekend.

            GB!
            Dave
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