#453: Do you wanna build a snowman?
Good morning my dear friends, and what a sunny cold morning it is. I have been a very disappointed mouse this week after seeing my mouse friends in other churches building snowmen and igloos and frolicking in the soft puffy goodness of snow. I had my hat and gloves and matchbox sledge all ready to go, only to find clear blue skies and crisp sunshine here. It is a destament to how seriously I take my job as a reporter for this parish that I didn’t leave there and then for snowier climes. You’re welcome.
This Sunday
We are celebrating Christ the King, which is also the last Sunday in this Church year, before getting ready for Advent to start next week. We have the Archdeacon, Stephen Pullin presiding and preaching at 9.30 in St Paul’s and 11am in St Nick’s. There is also the Woosehill service at 10am.
The organ music at St Paul’s for this coming Sunday is:
Before:
Purcell – Chaconne from King Arthur (Z 628)
Handel – Eternal source of light divine (HWV 74)
Anthem:
Purcell – O God, thou art my God (Z 35)
Voluntary:
Meyerbeer – Coronation March from Le Prophète
Janet Wickham’s Funeral
We will remembering and saying goodbye to Janet today, Friday 22nd November, 2.30pm. Janet was a longstanding member of St Paul’s up until recent years, and everyone is warmly invited to attend the funeral.
There will also be a wake afterwards in the parish rooms from 3.30pm, again, all are welcome.
Please do pray for Janet’s family, for each other as her friends at St Paul’s, and for all at West Oak Care Home.
Service for the 16 Days of Activism
There will be a service for the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence at St Paul’s Church on Thursday 5th December. The service will be led by Rev Jane Kraft and will commence at 10am, followed by light refreshments in church. Please join us to pray for this campaign supported by the Mothers’ Union. More details may be found on their national or diocesan website, or speak to Teri Austen or Jean Vaughan if you have any questions.
Woosehill Church Magazine
The latest issue of Woosehill Magazine is out now and well worth a read. Pop the kettle on, get your favourite bickie and curl up on the sofa with this.
The Person behind the Politics: an interview with Clive Jones, MP
All Saints Church, Thursday, December 12, 7.30pm
This will be an opportunity to find out more about our new MP, Clive Jones: his values, his background, what he did before he got into politics – and how he is coping with his latest job! It will focus on the person, rather than the politics. Entry is free, but donations are appreciated.
Advent Sunday – 1 December
There will be a Service of Music and Readings for Advent at 6.15pm on Advent Sunday. This is always a special time when we celebrate the start of the new church year and look forward to Christmas. There will be refreshments after the service in the Parish Rooms and an opportunity to join in some Carol Singing. If you haven’t been before, then the service itself is a lovely way to worship by hearing and singing some of the music we have especially for Advent, a chance to deliberately slow the rushing and help us prepare for the season.
Donations of wine, mulled wine, soft drinks and nibbles would be much appreciated. Lesley Ruddock and Teri Austen
Christmas Postcards
We have lots of Christmas postcards to deliver again this year, to tell everyone about our Christmas services. If you are able to deliver to a few roads, please get in touch with Louise in the office to arrange collection either from the office or the back of church and to make sure we don’t duplicate roads! And don’t forget to keep one for yourself to pin up and keep track of all the extra services this year.
Christingles!
Can’t you just smell those oranges even as you hear the word?! We will be having 2 Christingle Services at St Paul’s this year, on Monday 23rd December at 3pm and 5pm (please note the change from being Christmas Eve). And so we will be making the Christingles on the morning of Saturday 21st, in the parish rooms, 9.30 to 11.30am. Refreshments whilst we work will be provided, so please do come along to help if you can. And if you’ve never made a Christingle before, instructions will also be provided.
Christmas Day Lunch – Link Visiting Scheme
Join Us for a Joyful Christmas Day Lunch
The Link Visiting Scheme is delighted to invite older people to our annual Christmas Day Lunch, a heartwarming event designed to bring hope and happiness to those who might otherwise spend the day alone. We understand that loneliness can be especially challenging during the festive season, and we want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to celebrate in good company.
Our Christmas Day Lunch is open to older people who would like to join us for a delicious meal, festive cheer, and wonderful companionship. If you or someone you know would benefit from this event, signing up is easy. Simply visit our website at www.linkvisiting.org/christmas or call our office at 0118 9798019.
We also warmly welcome volunteers who can help make this day special. Whether you can assist with preparations, serve meals, offer transport or simply be a friendly face to chat with our guests, your support will make a significant difference. Volunteering with The Link Visiting Scheme is a rewarding experience, and we are always looking for compassionate individuals to join our team long-term. No experience necessary and is based on your availability.
Let’s come together to create a memorable Christmas filled with joy and connection. We look forward to celebrating with you!
For more information or to sign up, please visit www.linkvisiting.org/christmas or call 0118 9798019.
Vacancies at St Paul’s Junior School
St Paul’s CofE Junior School is looking for support staff – a Learning Mentor, a Learning Mentor with added Lunchtime Controller duties and a Lunchtime Controller. If you are interested in any of these posts please see the details on the school website St Paul’s C of E Junior School – Home under the vacancies tab.
And then finally, if you’ve managed to get to the end of this bumper edition, a little reward.
I’ve got a couple of sock puppets for sale.
Anyone interested in taking them off my hands?
