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Scripture readings for Sunday
I have tried to avoid mentioning “The Millennium” until now, but can avoid it no longer! Things are now beginning to happen and so we must begin to plan and to participate in what should be the beginning of a year or so of celebrating two thousand years of our Lord, AD2000.
Many will be aware of the campaign which has been going on to have the debts of the poor countries remitted by the rich ones (such as our own) as part of the Millennium celebrations, and in many ways this would be one of the most significant things we could do to celebrate this last year of the second millnnium since our Lord’s birth. Do keep praying for this and participating in any way you think appropriate. MPs of many parties support the campaign, including our own MP John Hayes.
In terms of local mission, the churches together are organising a distribution of a special candle to each household in Deeping St James and Market Deeping which it is hoped people will light at or around New Year and remember the eternal significance of Christ’s life, death and resurrection. Obviously, volunteers to deliver these will need to be recruited from each church, and the more we have the easier and quicker the task will be! A service will be held at the Methodist Church on 7th November at 6pm to launch the project. A celebration service will then be held on New Year’s day 2000, details of which will be published in the December Priory News, but which will include a procession from St Guthlac’s, Market Deeping to the Priory Church for a civic service.
As a church fellowship we enter AD2000 in quite good shape. There are still empty seats in church, but new people are joining all the time; there is still much to be done to the building and the fixtures and fittings, but work is proceeding; there is still more we can do to serve our neighbours in Christ’s name, but our service is growing all the time. Much of this expansion is at least partly as a result of the funding project which is now nearing the end of its first year and thanks are due to all who contribute through that project. A thanksgiving lunch with entertainment will be held in the Church Hall on 21st November at noon, tickets being available from members of the social committee at £2 each.
7th November, 3rd Sunday before Advent:
10am: 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18; Matthew 25: 1-13
14th November, 2nd Sunday before Advent:
10am: 1 Thessalonians 5: 1-11; Matthew 25: 14-30
21st November, Christ the King:
10am: Ephesians 1: 15-23; Matthew 25: 31-46
28th November, 1st Sunday of Advent:
(Lectionary year B begins)
10am: Isaiah 64: 1-9; Mark 13: 24-37
6pm: Special readings for Advent
5th December, 2nd Sunday of Advent:
10am: Isaiah 40: 1-11; Mark 1: 1-8
The buckets were out again on 24th October catching water dripping through the roof, which brought to mind the state of our building. A few notes to explain the current situation might be of interest.
We have asked our architect to instruct contractors to begin work on the chancel roof at their convenience, and this should begin as soon as everything is ready and the weather suitable. Meanwhile we shall have slight leaks in the lead covering of the south aisle dealt with locally.
Some vandal damage to three windows will have to be repaired soon. It is particularly annoying that money pledged for the mission of our church has to be used for repairing damage deliberately inflicted, and if anyone has information which could lead to successful civil action to recover the cost, please let the Vicar or churchwardens know as soon as possible.
Work to the tower louvres has been completed, but our architect has yet to see the result and approve it. Meanwhile, we have discovered some rot to the wooden pew platform on the north side of the main aisle and will take advice on how to proceed.
So far the heating system seems to be working satisfactorily, but the lighting, which is dim at the best of times, is producing a regular crop of failed bulbs and broken fittings which leave parts of the nave in gloom. We are gradually tackling these problems and hope to have all lights working for the winter.
On Tuesday, 2nd November, we recall how Christian Love transcends the veil of Death. We remember before God all the Faithful Departed, ordinary men and women, not having an official place in the Church's Calendar, but still loved by God, among them our own departed relatives and friends. A list will be placed on the noticeboard for you to add the names of those you would like to be mentioned at the 9.30 a.m. Eucharist.
The Parish's annual Service of Remembrance will take place on Sunday, 14th November at 3 p.m. All are welcome at this service to remember loved ones who have given their lives in conflict and to pray for peace and freedom.
HOST is a national charity, founded by the British Council and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. We offer adult international students at universities and colleges in the UK the opportunity to stay, for just a weekend, with friendly individuals or families. This gives the students a unique insight into the way of life of this country, helps them to feel welcome here, and can compensate for the homesickness which some students experience.
The hosts, who are volunteers offering one or two invitations a year, benefit by making friends from different parts of the world and learning about other countries in a very personal way. The exchange of ideas and mutual understanding will, we hope, play a small part in fostering better international relations. Invitations are particularly welcome at Christmas.
If you think you might be interested in becoming a volunteer host, please call HOST's Voluntary Regional Organiser for an information pack Ruth Diffey 01480 458846.
HOST enables international students in the UK to feel welcome in this country.
3 New Burlington Mews London WIR SLU
Tel: 0171 494 2468 Fax: 0171 439 0694
Email: host@btinternet.com
Members of the Priory Prayer Group along with about 150 others enjoyed a very warm fellowship and instructive day together on Saturday 16th October.
The day began with the opening worship and prayers followed by the keynote speaker, Revd. Michael Mitton, Deputy Director of the Acorn Christian Healing Trust. His subject was the 'Listening Ministry', this being part of the healing process.
Various examples were put forward as to the result of not being listened to, such as feeling frustrated - rejected - hurt - alone - or angry but in contrast when someone listens one feels valued - overwhelmed - excited -confident - supported - even grateful. If our churches are going to be effective we must be good listeners.
We owe it to others in our fellowship to listen to them just as we listen to God's word. A good listener will allow a person to tell their story in their own way. Good listeners do not judge or advise but just watch the body language of the person who is talking to them. Listening can be quite hard work but it is all part of the healing ministry.
The next item was a very moving Healing Service with an particularly enjoyable address given by Robert, Bishop of Lincoln.
After lunch a quiet period took place, followed by Michael Mitton's second session in which, after a demonstration of role play, he invited us all to pair off and listen to each other in turn for six minutes then answer a number of relative set questions. The session ended with open house and closing prayers.
Our Bishop left us with the following prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God
Let your healing love flow down upon me.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God
Let your healing love spring up within me.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God
Let your healing love enfold me.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God
Let your healing power flow through me.
Bernard Babb.
This cake is an ideal basis for your Christmas Cake
Also Michael John Fenton (46) and Mary Crawford (77) whose funerals were held at Peterborough Crematorium on 10th and 24th September respectively.
This is only an extract from some of our magazine. Residents of Deeping St James can subscribe to the printed version.