#502 A mouse in a manger
Well, we are finally here. After a busy and exciting Advent, we stand on the eve of Christmas itself, with Christingles and more on their way. A stable has appeared at the back of the church, and I can assure you that the manger is a surprisingly comfortable bed.
I’m told I don’t get to keep it, though. Apparently someone even more important than the Church Mouse is on his way…
Fr Sam writes
Wishing you all a very, very happy Christmas!
This Sunday: the Holy Family
Christmas isn’t just one day: it stretches for 40 days all the way to Candlemas on 2 February. The Sunday after Christmas focuses on the continuation of the Christmas story. Our first reading, from the Letter to the Hebrews, tells us that we are Jesus’ brothers and sisters, and our Gospel shows the Holy Family travelling to Egypt seeking safe refuge from Herod’s persecution.
Image: ‘The Flight into Egypt’ by Adam Elsheimer
Services this Sunday
| 9.30am | St Paul’s | Parish Mass | Fr Sam Tanna-Korn |
| Organ prelude: Noël IX – D’Aquin Anthem: O Jesulein süß (Christmas Suite) – Halls Voluntary: Noël VI – D’Aquin | |||
| 10am | Woosehill Church | Methodist Circuit Service | Revd Wes Hampton & Revd Sharon Gardner |
Parish Lunch
Our parish lunch will take place on Sunday 11 January at 12.30 for 1pm start. Adult £14, child £6, family £35. Please book your place by signing up at the back of church.
BACS: Account Name: PCC St. Pauls, Ref: Lunch, Sort Code: 20-11-74, Account no: 80683752. We also need volunteers to set up the tables after morning coffee: please let Trish or Alan know if you are able to help.
Image: ‘Sunlight and Snow’ by Oswald Garside
This week’s calendar: the martyr Archbishop
The days after Christmas focus on particular saints: St Stephen the first martyr on the 26th, St John the Divine on the 27th, and the Holy Innocents on the 28th. In England, this is followed on the 29th by a particular English saint: Thomas à Becket. He was an advisor to King Henry II; after he was made Archbishop of Canterbury he made life awkward for the king and stood up for the rights of the Church. ‘Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?’ Henry was supposed to have asked. Thomas was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral, and ever since has been one of the most prominent English saints.
He is a reminder of the cost of the Christian faith, and a reminder of our call to put God before all earthly things.
