A very warm welcome to all
Luke 1: 68: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has looked favourably on his people and redeemed them.”
Second Sunday of Advent
Readings: Malachi 3: 1-4; Philippians 1: 3-11
Gospel: Luke 3: 1-6
In our Gospel today
This week’s gospel message reaffirms the hopeful message of Advent. John the Baptist announces that Jesus Christ is coming to destroy every barrier that exists between us and God. For all those who thought hope was lost, Jesus is coming to give all people the second, third or five hundredth chance that they thought was impossible.
For as the Gospel of Luke announces, “All flesh will see the salvation of our God.” God sends His only Son into the world so that no one might be lost. No matter what we have done or how far away from God we believe that we are, God has sent His only Son to bring us out of our despair alive and well.
Celebration Eucharist
A Celebration Eucharist to mark the 30-year anniversary of the Ordination of Women to be Priests in our Diocese will be held on Tuesday 17th December 11 am at St James AB10 6BS. We are invited to support Revd Kate Gibson who was one of those priested 30 years ago and give thanks to God for the ministry we have received from her and other women priests. Bishop Anne to preside.
Advent to Candlemas Course
If you are looking for spiritual focus during Advent, Christmas and Epiphany you might like to try the Diocesan ‘Advent to Candlemas’ course that has been prepared by our friend Revd Canon Dr Jenny Holden the Diocesan Advisor for Christian Life. There is a little something to stimulate thought and prayer each day. The link to this from the Diocesan website is below. I warmly commend this to you. Revd Roger Dyer (Assistant Priest).
https://aoepiscopal.scot/diocesan-advent-to-candlemas-course-2025/
Thursdays@7
Our Thursday evening meetings for Bible study, Prayer and Fellowship is taking a short break through the busy weeks of Advent and Christmas. We will restart on 30th January with five weeks in the gospel of Luke.
Christmas Services
Please note the following dates for your diaries:
Carol Service: 6pm Sunday 22nd December, St Mary’s
Nativity Crib Service: 6pm Tuesday 24th December, St Johns
Christmas Eve Midnight Service: 11:30pm Tuesday 24th December, St Clements
Christmas Day Holy Communion: 10am Wednesday 25th December, St Mary’s
Crossover Service: 11:15pm Tuesday 31st December, St James
Donmouth Beach Clean
Fancy some fresh air and some good exercise? If so, please think about joining the Donmouth Beach Clean on Sunday 8th December starting at 1pm. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts with festive snacks! Please speak to Julia House for more details.
Christmas Selection Box Collection
Just to let everyone know that we’ll be collecting Christmas Selection Boxes again this year to donate to local charities. Many thanks to all that have donated boxes so far!
Tin Christmas Tree
This year we are hoping to build a Tin Christmas Tree from donated tins of soup and other food stuffs. Our building efforts will go on throughout December (1st to 31st). Please note we’re looking for standard tins, like a Heinz tomato soup tin – not little ones or oddly shaped ones, for the integrity of construction! Please think about donating any form of tinned food and have fun building a Tin Christmas Tree. The tins will be distributed to local charities or foodbanks. Thank you in advance for your donations!
Church Calendar and Christmas Cards
Our 2025 Calendars have now arrived and a new batch of Christmas Cards with three new views of St Mary’s in the snow. Calendars are £10 each and a pack of six Christmas Cards is £5. All donations go to church funds.
Christmas Magazine deadline
Please note the deadline for copy to our Christmas Magazine is Monday 16th December. Thank you!
Services and events commencing this Sunday and for the coming week
Sunday 8th December No 8am Service
Sunday 8th December 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Kate Gibson
Wednesday 11th December 10am Holy Communion: Revd Kate Gibson
Friday 13th December No Compline
Sunday 15th December No 8am Service
Sunday 15th December 10am Service of the Word: Ms Louisa Donaldson (presiding) and Dr Nicola Mills (preaching)
Next Sunday’s readings: Zephaniah 3: 14-20; Isaiah 12: 2-6; Philippians 4: 4-7
Gospel: Luke 3: 7-18
“Mark the season of Advent by loving and serving others with God’s own love and concern.”
(St. Mother Teresa)
For any pastoral matters please contact our Assistant Priest Revd Roger Dyer on 07719 458571 or revrogdyer@btinternet.com