#408: It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas
It is getting very exciting indeed as we get closer and closer to the Christmas weekend. It will be super to see lots of people at Church- don’t forget that most services are available on the Livestream- and if you are away why not look out for what is happening nearby in the church nearest to you?
There is a huge amount going on and a huge amount to look forward to…
Crib Service for Children at Infant School and younger (plus their friends and siblings) at St Paul’s at 10am tomorrow (Wednesday)- come dressed as your favourite character in the Nativity
Then the Choir will sing Carols at Alexandra Grange and West Oak on Wednesday night.
The last day that the Office is open before Christmas is Thursday- the Office will then be closed until Jan the 2nd. There also won’t be Morning Prayer between Christmas and New Year. There also won’t be a Bertie email next week (aaahhhhh, said sadly!) so do hold on to this one.
Christingle Making is happening in the Parish Rooms on Saturday from about 10 to 12- do come along! It is always fun. Christmas Flowers are also being organised at the same time in Church.
Please remember that there is no 8am on Sunday at St Paul’s and no 11am at St Nick’s.
Please do pick up a 12 Days of Christmas Thought for the Day book from the back of St Paul’s- they are £1 each so why not buy one for yourself and one for someone else and then discuss it with them?
If anybody would like Christmas Communion brought to them at home, please could you let Louise in the Office know as soon as possible? 0118 979 2122.
And don’t forget that the Churchyard oak tree is being reduced on the 27th and 28th of December so the Reading Road will be closed for those two days.
Other News and Notifications
The Lucky Numbers draw for December took place over coffee after Communion at St Nicholas on Sunday 17th November 2023
Congratulations to the lucky winners:
£50 No. 48 Peter Baker
£25 No. 98 Keith Mintern
£15 No. 61 Liz Gallagher
£10 No. 15 Jenny & Brian Perris
The Lucky Numbers Draw raises funds for repairs and renewals to the church building. Funds remaining after the distribution of the prizes go to the Restoration Fund for this purpose.
One share (number) costs £24 per calendar year; you can have as many shares as you wish, paying annually or monthly by Standing Order. For more information, please contact Tony Roberts (979 5351), Liz Gallagher (989 1176) or Mary Cassidy (979 5096) – or talk to Mary at St Paul’s, or Tony or Liz at St Nicholas’.
Rosemary Carpenter passed away peacefully at home on November 26th, 2023. Before moving from Wokingham to Devon with her husband David Carpenter, Rosemary had been deeply involved in the life of St Paul’s for many years. During that time she spent many years teaching at The Holt School, was a member of the Mothers Union, the PCC, and was also part of St Nicholas’ Church too. Her memory of those activities, along with all the people that she knew were very precious to her and she always regarded them fondly.  She will be missed. Her funeral has taken place today at St John’s Church, Bovey Tracey, Devon on Tuesday 19th December 2023.
This is the latest update on the blessing of same-sex relationships from the Church of England… It is something the huge majority of people in the congregations will welcome while also wishing it was more.
Prayers of Love and Faith to be made available for use from Sunday | The Church of England
A Christmas Card has been received from one of our three Charities, Home Start…
” Dear Paul & everyone at St Paul’s and St Nick’s Churches……..Massive thanks for all your support this year. We are enormously grateful. Leanne, Amy & Elaine.”
