#406: As foggy as a Dickensian dockside in Wapping
Bertie here- good morning to you. I have to say that it is a little cold in my mousehole and all I have to keep myself warm is the cheesecloth I am wrapped in. I have burnt all of the cheeserind overnight- well, I say burnt, it tends to melt rather than burn and it doesn’t give off any heat. I have begged and begged for my own Hive heating control system but Lyn has said that he does not entirely trust my restraint levels and does not want to come into church and feel that he has stepped into the Tropics. I told him that it would be more like the centre of the sun because the tropics are a little humid. I don’t think that my answer helped me to win my argument. I had better keep going before my four poor paws freeze fully…. the neeeewwwwwwsssss is nexxtttttttttttttttttttttt
News Headlines
How is your keeping of Advent going? Did you find any of the ideas helpful in the Advent letter? Do tell Louise or Richard if so.
This coming Sunday is the 2nd Sunday of Advent so the focus is on the Prophets. Services at 8, 9.30, 10 and 11. Before then, on Saturday, the Choir are singing in the Marketplace at 10.30 and then singing down Denmark Street sometime around 11.15. Do stop and join in if you see them! Or just stand and applaud enthusiastically. Either option is perfectly valid. And please don’t come to the Games Evening on Sunday evening- it has been postponed into the New Year because this Advent is getting very busy for everyone.
Other News and Things like that
Louise is organising Christmas leaflet deliveries– either pick up a pack from the back of Church or talk to her about where you would like to deliver. Thanks.
From Teri: gifts for the residents of Yeldall Manor.  The centre are asking for SMALL items such as stationery, books, pocket games, men’s clothing (i.e. scarves, gloves – no socks), quality men’s toiletries, confectionery, and other stocking fillers. Please wrap the items individually, with a post-it note indicating the contents.  I am willing to take them to the centre if people get them to me by Sunday 17th December.  Yeldall Manor is a Christian community centre in Hare Hatch which accommodates and supports men undergoing rehabilitation for drug and alcohol addiction.
Here is the link page for the excellent Diocesan study group starting in January- on Opening up the Bible. There are lots of excellent Diocesan group and conversations to join in with and be part of- do have a good look round! (this link is for an in-depth and involved course- several of the others are much lighter in touch and work better as introductions)
Church of England Study Group – Opening up the Bible Tickets | Eventbrite
This link has all of the other courses to look at…
Hannah Higginson from All Sts writes: I hope everyone is well. I have booked for our next deanery green gathering to be at St Pauls Parish rooms in Wokingham on Sunday 21st January 2024 at 2pm. I will send out more information nearer the time but I am hoping that we might have a speaker so that we can all get some ideas and inspiration in our green initiatives. Please come as a team or individuals, it is a time to be inspired, to share and to encourage.
Cop28 began today, please do be praying for this important event, if you are interested you can join an online prayer at 8am each morning – Season of Creation and Prayer for COP28 – Green Christian
This is Richard’s sermon from the Sunday before Advent- Christ the King- which a few people have asked to see again. Can you make an Advent New Year’s Resolution as a result of the sermon and what God might be saying to you as you pause and reflect?
And here is the link for the Livestream of the outstanding Advent Carols and Readings Service which happened on Advent Sunday- it is well worth a listen and a watch as an exceptional doorway into the holy season of Advent.
(1180) Advent Service of Readings and Music (03/12/2023) – YouTube
Another of our Tithings Groups has sent in an update, this time from The Vyne where they found hints of Christmas and one of Bertie’s wealthier and warmer cousins.. and some excellent provisions in a nearby hostelry…
Saturday, 3rd February 2024 – Choir singing Evensong at Bristol Cathedral – Mid-afternoon.
As always, it would be lovely to have members of the congregation join us for the day.
A coach will leave Wokingham at 9 30 am and leave Bristol at 6.30 pm arriving back at 8.00 pm approx.
Cost: £27.50 per adult, £7.50 per child.
There will be a sign-up sheet at the back of church or you can email Rhoda at prt.treasurer@spauls.org.uk .
As this event is only two months away, numbers are needed as soon as possible, and payment in advance would be appreciated, please, as a deposit has to be paid when booking the coach.
If you would like to make a direct payment, please would you make it to the Parish Room bank account:
St Paul’s Parish Room Trust – Sort Code: 20 11 74 – A/c No: 50764582 – Reference: Choir Bristol
If you would prefer to pay by Cash or Cheque, you can either give it to Rhoda on a Sunday or put the money in an envelope, marked BRISTOL and drop it in to the Parish Office. Cheques should be made payable to:  St Paul’s Parish Room Trust.
