Welcome
Welcome to the December 2024 / January 2025 edition of Speak magazine.
I can’t believe it’s the end of the year! Time flies.
As you know in October, the Church faced a massive change as David retired, but Church life doesn’t slow down. Please do support everything you can this coming festive season and beyond!
Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Bethany Jones Editor
Vision statement
We are committed in love to worshipping God:
· By proclaiming the Gospel in word and action
· By encouraging growth
· By serving others
· By leading people into a personal relationship with Jesus.
Contact
Associate Minister
Revd Anthony Rigby
anthony@stpeters-elworth.org.uk
Children and Families Outreach: Cathryn Houghton children-family@stpeters-elworth.org.uk
Church Office: 01270 766557 office@stpeters-elworth.org.uk
Magazine deadline
Articles for the February / March 2025 edition need to be submitted no later than Monday 10th February 2025.
Prompt submissions by this date are requested via email to editor@stpeterselworth.org.uk.
Thank you.
Anthony Articulates…
A Christmas Message
As we approach this Christmas season, I want to take a moment to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. We have much to be thankful for, especially the incredible gift of God’s only Son, Jesus. As we celebrate His birth, let us remember the profound gifts of Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy that He brings to our lives. My prayer is that these blessings fill your heart this Christmas and, in the year, to come.
This Christmas, just as we have in previous years, we celebrate the truth of “Immanuel” – God with us. Without the presence of Christ, we would be lost. But because of His presence in our lives, we experience healing, transformation, reconciliation, and wholeness. I pray you have a wonderful and peaceful Christmas.
On behalf of the team here at St Peter’s, I also want to express our heartfelt gratitude for all that everyone has done this year. Whether it’s through PCC membership, leading groups, children’s outreach, prayer ministry, home communion visits, playing music, serving coffee, setting up for worship, volunteering in the office, or any of the many behind-the-scenes tasks that keep our church and community thriving, we are truly thankful. Your service makes a tremendous difference thank you for all that you do!
Sadly, some people miss the true meaning of Christmas. The decorations go up, parties are thrown, and gifts are exchanged, but in the midst of all the hustle and bustle, the real reason for the season is forgotten. Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and all that he did and still does for us.
Matthew 1:21 tells us, “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
I ask you, “Are you missing what is the heart of Christmas by overlooking Jesus Christ?”
He is God’s greatest gift to us, the Savior who came to forgive and cleanse us from all our sins.
Anthony Articulates Cont’d...
St Peter’s Church invites you to join with our Christmas services and celebrations. On Sunday, 15th December, we will hold our ‘Messy Christmas Service’ at 10.00am in the Church Hall. Sunday 22nd December at 6:00pm, we’ll have a Carol Service in the Church, and on Christmas Eve, our Crib Service will take place at 4:00pm in the Church Hall, later in the evening, we will hold a Christmas Eve Communion service at 11:00pm in the Church. Finally, don’t miss our All-Age Christmas Communion service on Christmas Day at 10:00am in the Church Hall, the earlier start will allow you more time to enjoy your own Christmas festivities before the sprouts are served!
Thank you all again for your kindness, generosity, and service this year. I encourage you to invite your family, friends, and neighbours to join us as we celebrate the miracle and joy of Christmas together. Jesus is the reason for the season!
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!
Operation Christmas Child
Thank you to all who dropped off their Shoeboxes.
They have been taken to Congleton New Life Church and will be transferred then to the central warehouse in Coventry prior to heading overseas.
Reverend Anthony Rigby
Christmas Card
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 1st December until Sunday 5th January for you to write your message, also the opportunity to give a donation (maybe in lieu of individual card costs) to a very worthy cause.
“The Dianne Oxberry Trust”, A charity set up following the death from ovarian cancer of the North West Tonight presenter, Dianne Oxberry.
I myself (Susan) have been having ongoing treatment for ovarian cancer since 2021 and have been very grateful for all the support, prayers and medical help I have received. Praise God. Spreading awareness via charities such as the Dianne Oxberry Trust is going to help women and families. I hope you can support them.
There is no obligation to donate though, please sign the card and share your messages.
Wishing you all a peaceful and joy filled Christmas
Much love Susan Podhorodecka and Michelle Walker
The Warmth of the Season: The Tradition
“Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!”
2 Corinthians 9:15
Christmas jumpers, with their festive designs and bright colours, have become an iconic part of the holiday season. Whilst their origins may not seem directly connected to Christianity, they offer an opportunity to reflect on themes of joy, community, and celebration, which resonate deeply with Christian values, particularly during the Christmas season when Christians remember the birth of Jesus.
The history of the Christmas jumper dates back to the early 20th century, with its roots in Scandinavia. These early woollen jumpers, often decorated with simple patterns, were practical garments worn to keep warm during cold winters. The designs were frequently linked to specific communities, helping to foster a sense of identity and unity. However, it wasn’t until the 1980s and 1990s that Christmas jumpers began to gain widespread popularity, in part due to television personalities and celebrities embracing the trend. By the early 2000s, Christmas jumpers became a staple of the festive period, symbolizing warmth, joy, togetherness, and the spirit of Christmas.
Though Christmas jumpers do not have a direct theological connection to Christianity, many designs reflect Christian values. For example, jumpers featuring nativity scenes, angels, or the Star of Bethlehem can remind us of the true meaning of Christmas the birth of Jesus. Even secular designs, such as snowflakes or reindeer, can evoke a sense of awe about God's creation. In this way, Christmas jumpers can serve as a tool to share the message of hope and joy that comes with Christ's birth. They also encourage unity, as many families now wear matching Christmas jumpers for holiday photos or cards, fostering a sense of togetherness.
One key event that has helped elevate the significance of Christmas jumpers is Save the Children's Christmas Jumper Day. This charity event encourages people to wear their festive sweaters and donate to good causes, turning what was once a fashion statement into an act of kindness. By promoting charitable giving, Christmas Jumper Day aligns with the Christian call to care for others, as seen in Matthew 25:35-40, which emphasizes loving and serving others in need. Wearing a Christmas jumper, especially for a charitable cause, can shift our focus away from consumerism and towards the true spirit of giving.
and Spirit of Christmas Jumpers
As Christmas jumpers have become more popular, there has been growing awareness about their environmental impact. The rise of fast fashion has led many to consider the sustainability of their purchases. Psalm 24:1-2 reminds us that the earth belongs to God, and we are merely stewards of it. In response to environmental concerns, more consumers are choosing eco-friendly materials, supporting ethical brands, or opting for second-hand jumpers, thus promoting sustainability and reducing waste.
Ultimately, while Christmas jumpers may not have a direct religious significance, they offer an opportunity to reflect on the joy, hope, and community that are at the heart of the Christmas season. Whether adorned with nativity scenes or humorous motifs, they can serve as a reminder of God's love and the warmth He brings into our lives. Through charity events and sustainable practices, Christmas jumpers also encourage us to embrace both the spirit of giving and responsible stewardship of the planet.
So, I encourage you this Christmas time to break out your Christmas jumpers no matter how ugly or unfashionable you think they are. Use them as a talking point and spread the Good News of Jesus’ birth and what he means to us all.
Prayer
Thank you, God, for all the good things that we enjoy at Christmastime. Help us to reflect on that very first Christmas. Help us to remember that without Jesus, there wouldn’t be Christmas. Please help us to focus on the things that really matter this Christmas. Help us to remember about Jesus’ birth.
Amen.
Anthony
St Peter’s Church, Elworth
Wednesday 11th December, 3.30pm-4.30pm
Christmas Lego Church in the Church Hall
Sunday 15th December, 10.00am-1.00pm
Messy Christmas in the Church Hall
Christmas
Sunday 22nd December, 6.00pm
Carol Service in Church
Christmas Eve, 11.00pm
Christmas Communion in Church
Christmas Eve, 4.00pm Crib Service in the Church Hall
Sunday 26th January, 3.00pm
Messy Christingle in Church Hall
Christmas Day, 10.00am
All Age Christmas Communion
Services for December and January
During the winter months, the Church will not be open at 9am (for prayer) on a Sunday.
However, the prayer room in the Church Hall will be available, you would be most welcome. Sunday 1st, 15th December Sunday 5th, 19th January
What do Poinsettias represent?
As we draw closer to the Christmas season, one of my pleasures is to see the number of Poinsettias for sale in our local supermarkets and garden centres. They remind me of my paternal grandmother who cultivated and grew these plants with ease but try as I might, this is not a skill that I have been able to master.
The Poinsettia is considered to be a Christmas flower, and many people gift them to friends and family to symbolise love, good will and community spirit.
Poinsettias are synonymous with Christmas and are also known by the plant name, Christmas Star. This is because the leaves of the Poinsettia, which are known as bracts, form a blazing star shape that can remind us of the Star of Bethlehem which guided the Wise Men to Jesus. The bracts come in shades of red, white and pink. The red coloured leaves represent the blood of Christ shed for the world whereas white leaves represent Christ’s purity.
The plant was originally a native of Mexico and can be tricky to keep alive in our homes in the UK because they prefer to be kept in light areas that are away from draughts and where the temperature remains above 10°C.
The legend of the plants first association with Christmas is in the story of a young Mexican girl, too poor to celebrate the birth of Christ, picks weeds by the side of the road and places them on the altar of the church alongside the nativity where later the weeds miraculously bloom into the red flowers of the Poinsettia. In Mexico the Poinsettia is called La Flor de Nochebuena – Flower of the Holy Night
In Nautl which is the language of the Aztecs, Poinsettias were called Cuetlaxochitl. They represent purity. The name signified “mortal flower that perishes and withers like all that is pure.”
Tracy Rigby
Churchyard Volunteers
We are looking for willing volunteers to come along on Saturday mornings help out for a couple of hours from 9.00am.
This year, the gardening team have just managed to keep up with cutting the grass. A few of the other jobs that need doing have just had to be left.
If you have the time and can help us, we have the tools and the knowledge to get the work done. Full training will be given where required.
Under 18’s are welcome, but must be accompanied by a parent/carer.
Please come along to help us out. You will meet people you may not have met before, be in the fresh air and serve your Church. You will get a hot drink and biscuits, and occasionally maybe cake.
For more information, or to volunteer please contact the Church Office on 01270 766557
We look forward to seeing you!
We celebrate the wedding blessing of:
Matthias Claus Justus Hoffman and Rebecca Jane Barker
From the registers Editorial Disclaimer
We celebrate the marriage of:
Jospeh James Everett and Sarah Elizabeth Meale
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 766557 or email editor@stpeters-elworth.org.uk.
Bethany Jones and the Church Office, Editors
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