News from St Marys’ Church We tell the story of the Nativity every year, and we may risk becoming so familiar with it that it can feel like it loses its impact. As we reach December, we begin Advent. It is a special time of preparation, when we get ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s a time to pause and reflect, and to open ourselves to an encounter with the living God who has come to be with us. Even if we know the Christmas story inside out, we are invited to hear it afresh. To wonder and marvel at what it means that God became a helpless new-born baby; as vulnerable as any one of us.
I now have a new appreciation of waiting for a baby to be born, as my own daughter who was born this autumn kept us waiting for several long weeks past her due date! I know the pressures of this time of year can seem relentless, and for many it’s a time which can be painful. Yet we are all invited to make our journey to the stable, and to meet the Son of God, no matter how chaotic the rest of our lives are. Children and families especially enjoy our annual Christingle and Children’s Crib Services – two very special occasions. All the children are invited to dress up as sheep, shepherds, angels, stars or the even the donkey, to help bring Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. Lots of children are involved in telling the Christmas story, and every child is
invited to be part of the nativity scene. The service of Nine Lessons and Carols will be on Sunday the 22nd of December at 6.00 pm, with our Festival Choir conducted by Ian Higginson. We will hear the Christmas story as told in the Bible, and sing all our favourite carols. It’s followed by mulled wine and mince pies.
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Midnight Mass is the most wonderful start to Christmas and begins at 11.30 pm on Christmas Eve. All are welcome to this joyful service, when we bless the crib and celebrate Jesus Christ coming amongst us.
To celebrate tiple or single transact redeemed in Jan 2020 in mul at Midday. The Vouchers can be red. ente be will plus rs spending £5.00 £50.00 3 x £10.00 All custome
Pet Products: Order your needs early for Christmas to ensure your supply. Foods, treats, accessories, bedding, toys all available in store or for ordering forward. Gardening: 10% off 2020 Mr Fothergills Seeds in December - Min 3 Packets. All other services available as usual during the busy month. Remember we can repair your favourite Shoes and copy those special old films onto DVDs - these make ideal gifts. Christmas Items: We will have our usual range of Lights, Crackers, Wraps, Tinsel etc. but if you need anything else just shout and we will do what we can. 2020 Diaries - all types still available while stocks last. Remember your Winter Fuels for the Christmas Season.
Here are some Festive dates for your diary – all at St Marys’ Church unless otherwise stated: St Marys’ Christmas Fayre in the Market Hall, Saturday the 7th of December 10.00 am - 12.30 pm. Christmas Tree Carol Service, Saturday the 7th of December at 5.30 pm - St Saviours.
Malc, Lizzie, Steve and John wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy 2020
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Children’s Christingle Service, Sunday the 8th of December at 4.00 pm. Nine Lessons and Carols by candlelight, Sunday the 22nd of December at 6.00 pm.
30a London Road Tetbury GL8 8JL - 01666 500353 (Follow us on Google and Facebook)
1241219
Children’s Christmas Eve Crib Service, Tuesday the 24th of December at 4.00 pm. Midnight Mass, Tuesday the 24th of December at 11.30 pm. Christmas Morning Holy Communion, Wednesday the 25th of December at 10.00 am.
ALLSEASONS COTSWOLD DRY STONE WALLERS
First Sunday of Christmas Holy Communion, the 29th of December at 10.30 am.
A small, friendly, family-run business with over ten years experience, we’ve worked on dry stone walling projects across the Cotswolds, both large and small.
I pray that you and your family will have a wonderful Advent and a very Happy Christmas.
We offer competitive rates, free advice and free quotes
The Reverend Rob Church Assistant Curate of the Tetbury Benefice
For further information please contact Paul Nash on 07737 514755 or visit our website www.cotswoldstonewallers.co.uk 0060318
44 | December 2019
For reflections to accompany your Christmas journey visit: www.churchofengland.org/ followthestar
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