Speak Magazine for December 2023/January 2024

December 2023/January 2024

St Peter’s Church, Elworth https://stpeters-elworth.org.uk

Welcome Welcome to the December 2023/January 2024 edition of Speak magazine, the last edition of 2023, and the first edition of 2024!

Looking back over the last year, we have much to celebrate and give thanks for. Looking forward to next year, we can be assured of God’s abundant blessings as we seek to serve Him faithfully.

We take this opportunity to wish you a Happy and Joy filled Christmas.

We always welcome any articles and suggestions for things to include in this magazine, please do get in touch with any ideas you may have.

Lucy Kelly & Kate Page Editors

Vision statement We are committed in love to worshipping God: · · · ·

By proclaiming the Gospel in word and action B y e n c o u r a g i n g g r ow t h By serving others B y l e a d i n g p e o p l e i n t o a p e rs o n a l r e l a t i o n s h i p w i t h J e s u s .

Contact Vicar:

Revd David Page

01270 762415 vicar@stpeters-elworth.org.uk

Associate Minister:

Revd Anthony Rigby

anthony@stpeters-elworth.org.uk

Church Office:

01270 762213

office@stpeters-elworth.org.uk

Magazine deadline Articles for the February/March 2024 edition need to be submitted no later than Monday 15th January 2024.

Submissions by this date are requested via email to editor@stpeters-elworth.org.uk. Thank you.

David’s Page A new baby changes everything When a new baby is born, especially if it is the first child, it changes everything. Not just for the parents, whose lifestyles and finance are turned upside down, but also for new grandparents, aunts, uncles etc.

But there was one child’s birth that not only changed the life of his parents and family, but the whole of humanity and creation. This is the birth that we celebrate at Christmas, the birth of Jesus who was and is fully God and fully human.

In Luke’s Gospel we see the transformation of one group of people who show us what this baby can do to our lives. The shepherds.

Shepherds had a bad reputation in those days; they were regarded as dishonest and unreliable. But it was to them that the angels first proclaimed the good news.

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

Luke 2 : 10 - 11 Their experience of the angels and then the baby led to worship, witness, and change. They did not give everything up to stay at the manger, but they returned to the fields, the sheep, their homes, wives, and children and, although their context was the same, they were not. They were new people in their old familiar community. They had been transformed by seeing the baby Jesus. They now lived to a different beat and to a different King.

We too can experience the same thing this Christmas.

David’s Page continued...

The real message of Christmas is that this baby, Jesus, changes everything and it challenges us to recognise that in our lives, everything can now be different, and we can experience a new life. Will we let this baby, this Christmas, change us for ever?

Yes. Then we will have a truly blessed Christmas.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 9 : 6

Christmas Supper Night Join us for our Christmas meal on Wednesday 13th December at 6.30pm. A sign up sheet is in the Church Hall foyer, or call the Church Office (01270 762213) between 9.00am and 2.00pm, Monday to Friday.

Flowers for Christmas This year just candles and greenery will be used to decorate the windows in Church, due to most services being in the Church Hall. If anyone would still like to make a Christmas flower arrangement there may be the possibility for a few arrangements to be used to decorate the Church Hall from the 15th December, please speak to Tracy Rigby in this respect.

Thank you to all who serve the Lord by participating in the flower rota. There is a copy of the flower rota on the Church Hall noticeboard.

Tracy Rigby

Christingle Service We are doing things a bit differently this year and holding a Christingle Service before Christmas. It will be on Sunday 3rd December, 4.00pm, in the Church Hall following the style of the St Peter’s @ 4 service.

In order to plan for the resources needed, if you are able to let us know that you are coming, that would be helpful. Please email events@stpeterselworth.org.uk

A n t h o n y A r t i c u l at e s Reflecting on the True Meaning of the 12 Days of Christmas I thought I would write this article as it frustrates me as a Christian that people don’t seem to understand the Christmas celebration period.

Christmas isn’t over on boxing day as so many people seem to think and proclaim. It also seems that many people think the 12 days of Christmas are the last 11 shopping days leading up to Christmas day, with that being day 12, the last day of Christmas!

Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and reflection for Christians around the world. Amidst the hustle and bustle of shopping, decorating, and festive gatherings, it's essential to pause and consider the deeper significance of the traditions we hold dear.

The “12 days of Christmas,” is one such tradition that often takes centre stage during this season.

Originating from a popular English Christmas carol, the "12 Days of Christmas" has been sung and enjoyed for centuries. While many may view it as a simple and catchy tune, the lyrics of this song carry profound spiritual symbolism that aligns with Christian teachings. The song unfolds with a repetitive pattern of gifts given over the course of the twelve days, each representing a unique aspect of the Christian faith. Let's explore the deeper meaning behind these gifts.

1. A Partridge in a Pear Tree: The partridge is said to symbolize Jesus Christ, and the pear tree represents the cross. This gift sets the stage for the entire carol, emphasizing the central figure of Christianity.

2. Two Turtle Doves: These birds are often associated with the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, signifying the unity and harmony between the two.

3. Three French Hens: These hens represent the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love, echoing the teachings of 1 Corinthians 13 – “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love”.

4. Four Calling Birds: Traditionally believed to represent the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—the calling birds highlight the importance of spreading the message of Christ.

5. Five Golden Rings: These rings symbolize the first five books of the Bible, known as the Pentateuch, which contain the core principles of the Judeo-Christian faith.

1.Genesis ("creation"). 2.Exodus ("departure"). 3.Leviticus ("concerning the Levites"). 4.Numbers 5. Deuteronomy ("second law") 6. Six Geese A-Laying: These geese represent the six days of creation, underscoring the divine act of bringing the world into existence.

Genesis 1:1-31 7. Seven Swans A-Swimming: The seven swans symbolize the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, as mentioned in Isaiah 11:2—wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.

8. Eight Maids A-Milking: These maids signify the eight Beatitudes preached by Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount, promoting qualities such as humility, mercy, and peace-making. Matthew 3:5-12.

9. Nine Ladies Dancing: These ladies represent the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing virtues such as love, joy, peace, and patience.

Galatians 5:22-23

10. Ten Lords A-Leaping: These lords symbolize the Ten Commandments, which form the moral foundation of the JudeoChristian ethic. Exodus 20:2-17 or Deuteronomy 5:6-21 11. Eleven Pipers Piping: The eleven pipers represent the eleven faithful apostles, excluding Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.

12. Twelve Drummers Drumming: These drummers signify the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed, which encapsulates the essential beliefs of Christianity.

continued...

During the run up to Christmas Day, as we sing or listen to the "12 Days of Christmas" let us take a moment to appreciate the rich symbolism embedded in its verses. Beyond the surface-level enjoyment of a catchy tune, this carol serves as a reminder of the Christian narrative, encouraging believers to reflect on the profound teachings that underpin their faith.

May the twelve days of Christmas be a time of spiritual growth, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to the values that make this season truly special.

Wishing you a peaceful and joyous Christmas Reverend Anthony Rigby

Services for December and January 9.00am St Peter’s

10.30am St Peter’s

6.00pm St Peter’s

3rd December

Church is open for Prayer

Morning Worship

Holy Communion

10th December

Holy Communion

Messy Christmas

Carols at Elworth Park

17th December

Holy Communion

No Service at St Peter’s

Carol Service

24th December

No Service at St Peter’s

4.00pm Crib Service

11.00pm Christmas Communion

31st December

Church is open for Prayer

United Service

No Service at St Peter’s

7th January

Church is open for Prayer

All Age Epiphany Service

Holy Communion

14th January

Holy Communion

Morning Worship

Evening Prayer

21st January

Church is open for Prayer

Morning Worship

Holy Communion

28th January

Holy Communion

All Age Service

Evening Prayer

9.00am and 10.30am services are in the Church Hall All services are subject to change

Christmas Services Sunday 3rd December, 4.00pm, in the Church Hall St Peter’s @ 4 - Christingle Service Sunday 10th December, 10.00am, in the Church Hall Messy Christmas Sunday 10th December, 6.00pm, Elworth Park Carols at Elworth Park Wednesday 13th December, 3.30pm, in the Church Hall Christmas Lego Church

Sunday 17th December, 6.00pm, in the Church Hall Carol Service Saturday 23rd December, 3.00pm, in the Church Grounds Carols around the tree Christmas Eve, 4.00pm, in the Church Hall Crib Service Christmas Eve, 11.00pm, in Church Christmas Communion Christmas Day, 10.00am, in the Church Hall All-age Christmas Communion

Christingle

G a re t h ’s re f l e c t i o n A church community is often referred to as a ‘family’. Beyond the biblical reasoning behind this (the Gospel of Matthew records Jesus saying “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother”), there are also more practical reasons why this is a good description.

Firstly, we can often see members of the church more frequently than our biological families. For my wife Becky and I, this is especially true. We see our parents every couple of months, and other siblings less than that. That is very different to members of our church family, who we see most days.

Secondly, like our biological families, we share the highs and lows of life with each other. I know that when Becky’s grandad died earlier this year, we felt very supported by our church family, and it did help a lot.

Lastly, we have unity with each other, a closeness which resembles that of a close-knit family. It would be misleading to suggest we get on perfectly all the time, but there is a strong bond between us all.

One downside of being part of such a wonderful family, and especially when you work for a church, is when you have to say goodbye and move on. Becky and I have done this a few times, and putting it bluntly, it’s very hard. You build such wonderful relationships with people, and then you feel God’s calling elsewhere. Of course, it doesn’t mean you won’t see people again, but you do know it will be very different and less frequent.

We now find ourselves at such a time again. Becky and I are moving on to pastures new in December and will feel the loss of not seeing our church family on a frequent basis. People have told us on many occasions that we will be missed at St Peter’s, and the truth is that we’ll feel that loss as well. We love our church family and find it hard to comprehend that our context will soon change.

Matthew 5 reminds us that through all the trials and tribulations that we go through in life, God is with us and continues to bless us. Our prayer, as we leave, is that God will continue to bless the amazing work that God is doing at St Peter’s, and that he will also continue to bless us and use us in his amazing work.

Gareth.

Supporting world mission St.Peter’s Church commits to giving 10% of its voluntary income to support Mission, communities and good causes in Sandbach, the UK and around the world. How that income is distributed is decided by the Inter-Church Mission Support Group. The total available for distribution in 2023 was £11,080, and we decided to support the following charities : · · · · · · · · · · ·

·

Dalit Freedom Network : £1,000 SYCAM : £2,000 Slavic Gospel Association: £2,000 to support Pastor Zarev in Velingrad Bulgaria and SGA’s work in Ukraine Compassion Child Survival Project, Delmas Haiti £1,000 Tearfund: £635 Lifeline Debt Advice: £635 Christian Vision for Men: £635 WaterAid: £635 Scripture Union: £635 Bible Society: £635 Barnabas Fund: £635 Childrens Society: £635

Total: £11,080 For more information about this important aspect of church life, please contact David Page.

A C h r i s t m a s M e s s a ge As a Church family we have, over several years, had a church ‘Christmas Card’ which gives us all the opportunity to write a Christmas Message or New Year greeting to one another as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

The ‘Christmas Card’ will be in the Church Hall Foyer from Sunday 3rd December until Sunday 7th January for you to write your message, also the opportunity to give a donation towards The Dianne Oxberry Trust, a charity set up following the death from ovarian cancer of the North West Tonight presenter, Dianne Oxberry.

Small Groups Small Groups provide an opportunity for people to make friends,

grow in their faith and discuss life together in a smaller setting than the Sunday Service.

They are informal, friendly and supportive, providing an ideal setting in which to meet new people. Groups run throughout the week.

For further details contact the Church Office on 01270 762213.

From the registers We welcome through baptism: Harlow Sue (Daughter of Alexandrou and Kerry Gligor)

We join in sadness with the family of the late: Hilda Abberley;

Reg Bolderston

Josie Butler; Brenda Collister;

June Challinor Karen Darbyshire

Tom Forbes;

Joan Sanderson;

Peter Lomas

Mary Simms

Terry Smith

Editorial disclaimer Whilst every care has been taken in the compilation of this magazine, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. The Editors are responsible for content selection and reserve the right to amend articles and withhold items as deemed necessary. Articles submitted after the deadline date may not be included in that edition of the magazine and the Editors’ decision is final. Should you have any concerns regarding the content in the magazine or wish to submit an article for inclusion, please contact us by phoning the Church Office on 01270 762213 or email editor@stpeters-elworth.org.uk.

Lucy Kelly & Kate Page, Editors St Peter’s PCC, Elworth - Registered Charity Number 1130803

I n f o r m at i o n … .

Giving to St Peter’s Please use the gift aid envelopes if you would like to make a gift for the church and are a UK taxpayer. If you attend St Peter’s regularly please consider setting up a standing order.

Church Giving - QR Code If you’d like to donate to help fund our Church’s mission, this QR code will take you to a site to enable your giving :

Search for: ‘St Peter’s Church, Elworth’ on Facebook

Search for: ‘stpeterselworth’

and ‘stpeterselworthyouth’ on Instagram Church website address: https://stpeters-elworth.org.uk