Good morning all,
I’m a bit late with my email to you this week- it’s been busy!
On Monday I was invited to celebrate the Eucharist with Mothers’ Union Ladies at St Gregory’s, Quinns-Butler, where we sang carols and enjoyed a lovely lunch. On Tuesday I went to Opal Parkside Carine Nursing Home to take my final service there; yesterday the Advent Study groups met for the final time; and shortly I’m off to Lady McCusker Amana Living nursing home for the last time. So many goodbyes…. But a lot of joy, too.
Today is the last Toddler Jam for the year, and I thank everyone who has been involved. It takes a team- a small team, but nevertheless- to run Toddler Jam, and I know those who take part enjoy it very much. It is pure delight to see the little ones dancing and playing- maybe you might consider taking part next year?
On Sunday we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent and light the four candles in the Advent Wreath. Those of (ahem) a certain vintage who remember Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett might understand why this can be called Two Ronnies Sunday…. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUNVFrRy-cE
While you’re looking at You Tube, check this out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFoFOZmSIfY It is ‘O come, O come, Emmanuel’ performed in Jerusalem, sung in English and Hebrew, and it’s wonderful.
On Monday at 7pm we have our ‘Blue Christmas’ service, which is for everyone- particularly if you find this time of year difficult, are sick of the hype surrounding Christmas, are mourning someone who has died, or for any reason would just like a quiet, reflective time. You can bring a photo of a loved one if you like.
Our annual Nativity Play will be at 3pm on Christmas Eve and is followed by an (optional) short communion service; then Midnight Mass begins at 11pm. Christmas morning there is one service at 9:30am. There are still a few gaps in the roster so please check on Sunday to see if there is a place you can fill. It seems that unfortunately nobody is available to live-stream the Christmas morning service, so we will do the Midnight Mass; and you can watch it when you choose.
My final service will be on New Year’s Day at 9:30am (no 7:30 that day): 2023 brings new beginnings as well as endings. I hope you might be able to come and celebrate with Allan and me.
Here is the Collect Prayer for this week:
Almighty God,
you have made us and all things to serve you:
come quickly to save us,
so that wars and violence shall end
and your children may live in peace,
honouring one another with justice and love;
through Jesus Christ, your Son our Lord,
who lives with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
God bless,
Lorna
The Reverend Lorna A M Green
St Nicolas Anglican Church 