#348: the old bus to Birmingham New Street
A photo of the gorgeous glass screen at Vaxjo Cathedral, immediately behind the altar, seems an appropriately pre-Christmas picture, with Mary and Jesus at the top, next to the Magi and the star. We are in the 1st week of Advent. Hopefully you are enjoying the gentle input of the daily Advent email, which is our way of doing Posada this year: the lovely tradition of welcoming small figures of Mary and Joseph into our homes in Advent, from the Spanish/ Mexican word for Inn, a reminder of their long journey to Bethlehem. Here is the news:
Advent News
Please send Louise a photo of your crib set with a short explanation of where it comes from and what it makes you think of to help us all keep Advent together.
Don’t forget the Advent Bible Study– on a Tuesday evening on Zoom and repeated on a Wednesday morning after the House Mass. You will be very welcome at both.
If you missed the Advent Carol Service on Sunday night then you can still catch it on YouTube at this link- (2552) Advent Service (27/11/2022) – YouTube It is well worth your time and attention, and a really beautiful way of stepping into this season of reflection and stillness.
Here is the Rector’s Sermon for Advent Sunday if anyone would like to read through it again, with the key question repeated: Where have you seen God at work?
Other Events and Dates for the diary
This Friday, Coffee and Chat are having a speaker from West Berkshire Council to talk about how to stay safe from scams. It will be in the Parish Rooms at 2.45- and everyone is welcome. We are also continuing to offer Warm Rooms at that time so do tell any of your friends if they are struggling to heat their homes that there will be a warm welcome in the Parish Rooms- and do come along with them too.
Christmas Sing-a-long – come and add a little ‘jingle’ to your weekend at the annual Christmas-sing-along in the Town Hall :
Saturday 3 December, 11am to approx. 12.30pm: Wokingham Town Hall (inside): Free entry including mulled wine and mince pies, but donations gratefully received for the Mayor’s Charity Kaleidoscopic UK: Tel: 0118 974 0882 for any queries.
A Book Sale of good quality and popular books will be happening after the Service on this Sunday and also on the 11th- do bring your pocket money and a carrier bag to take home your special treats. Proceeds to Church.
If you haven’t brought your Smartie tube full of money back to Church then it’s not too late!
The local Speedwatch group are always looking for volunteers to check the speed of motorists- the website is here if anyone would like to help. https://communityspeedwatch.org/FRONT-v2-Home.php?mr=0
Lucky Numbers
The November draw took place on Sunday 27th November after the 11:00 Communion service at St Nicholas. The lucky winners were:
£50 No. 56 Michael Dyer
£25 No. 55 Margaret Eves
£15 No. 52 Roy & Beth Holmes
£10 No. 83 Diane Tuck
The draw takes place monthly at either St Paul’s or St Nicholas’s. One share (number) costs £24 per year. Funds remaining after the prizes have been distributed go to the Restoration Fund, for repairs and renewals to the church building. For more information please contact Tony Roberts (979 5351), Liz Gallagher (989 1176) or Mary Cassidy (979 5096) – or in person at church (Mary at St Paul’s, Tony or Liz at St Nicholas’).
Resources and Reading
This Sermon by Archbishop Stephen Cottrell is an excellent and engaging commentary on Opening the Scriptures: Archbishop Blanch Memorial Lecture | The Archbishop of York
The Sonning Deanery Prayer Cycle for December is here:
Do please keep inviting people to Church over the Christmas period– why not offer them a lift and sit next to them so they feel secure and welcome?
