| † St Andrews Proclaiming Christ in Clewer 24 December – Christmas Eve  THE MIDNIGHT MASS SERVICE WILL BE HELD IN PERSON ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT ST ANDREWS CHURCH AT 11.00PM THE CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE WILL BE HELD IN PERSON AT ST ANDREWS CHURCH AT 10.30AM Welcome This Advent you may have seen me out and about with my Christmas jumper on, it says….BELIEVE, across the front. Well-done Marks and Spencer for producing a jumper that has rapidly become the uniform for most women priests, 400 of us managed to be part of collage that appeared in the Church Times! During Advent we have been considering BIG questions and the biggest question of all is..do you believe? So for my last ‘welcome’ for this year I leave you with something to think about, it’s been written by a fellow woman priest, prompted by #teambelieve. I believe . . in God who created the world and everything in it – including plants, animals, fish, birds, insects . . and US – and he saw that it was VERY GOOD. I believe in the promises he made to Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in heaven. I believe the prophecies that the Messiah would be born .. . and even WHERE he would be born I believe that the Angel Gabriel visited a young virgin called Mary and told her that she would be having a baby, God’s son, by the power of God’s Holy Spirit . . .and no, I don’t know how this happened . . . but I do believe that it did, and that Mary accepted the news with grace and serenity on the outside, because SHE believed and trusted in God. And I believe that this baby, whom she called Jesus, was born at a specific point in history, in Bethlehem, the place where it had been prophesied that he would be born, the event that we remember and celebrate at Christmas time every year, because it was such an important event, then, now and forever. I believe that this baby Jesus grew up, lived in a family, and then took up the reins that his Father God wanted him to, teaching people about God, his father and our father, showing us how to live, how to copy him in our own lives. I believe that at a certain point in time Jesus died for every single person who has ever lived or will ever live in this world, which His Father said was very good, because he thought we were worth dying for. And yes, it was more than sad that he died for us, but that death has enabled us, you, me and everybody, to be accepted by God as his child, to be friends with him, not because we have done, or might do something good, but because God Loves Us. I believe that Jesus died, was buried, and on the 3rd day was raised again from the dead . . . and showed himself to his friends and followers, so that the story could be told and retold down every generation, so that they could believe, in every country in this world which God saw was very good. Jesus has shown us that there is more than just our earthly days, and that if we believe and follow him, then we will have eternity with them. I believe, do you believe? Can you open up your heart to Jesus and try to believe? Believe in God who knows you and loves you. What do you believe? Perhaps when I return from sabbatical in March, you can tell me how you’ve got on with this BIG question? May the blessings of the Christ Child be with you this Christmas. Revd Rosie |
| COLLECT Eternal God, who made this most holy night to shine with the brightness of your one true light: bring us, who have known the revelation of that light on earth, to see the radiance of your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. All Amen READINGS (Set II) Isaiah 62.6-end Upon your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted sentinels; all day and all night they shall never be silent. You who remind the Lord, take no rest, and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it renowned throughout the earth. The Lord has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm: I will not again give your grain to be food for your enemies, and foreigners shall not drink the wine for which you have laboured; but those who garner it shall eat it and praise the Lord, and those who gather it shall drink it in my holy courts. Go through, go through the gates, prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway, clear it of stones, lift up an ensign over the peoples. The Lord has proclaimed to the end of the earth: Say to daughter Zion, ‘See, your salvation comes; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.’ They shall be called, ‘The Holy People, The Redeemed of the Lord’; and you shall be called, ‘Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken.’ This is the word of the Lord. All Thanks be to God. Psalm 97 1 The Lord is king: let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of the isles be glad. 2 Clouds and darkness are round about him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. 3 Fire goes before him and burns up his enemies on every side. 4 His lightnings lit up the world; the earth saw it and trembled. 5 The mountains melted like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. 6 The heavens declared his righteousness, and all the peoples have seen his glory. 7 Confounded be all who worship carved images and delight in mere idols. Bow down before him, all you gods. 8 Zion heard and was glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoiced, because of your judgements, O Lord. 9 For you, Lord, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods. 10 The Lord loves those who hate evil; he preserves the lives of his faithful and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. 11 Light has sprung up for the righteous and joy for the true of heart. 12 Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name. Titus 3.4-7 But when the goodness and loving-kindness of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is the word of the Lord. All Thanks be to God. GOSPEL READING Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. All Glory to you, O Lord. Luke 2. [1-7] 8-20 [In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.] In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. This is the Gospel of the Lord. All Praise to you, O Christ. PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION – FROM TIMES & SEASONS In peace let us pray to the Lord. Father, in this holy night your Son our Saviour was born in human flesh. Renew your Church as the Body of Christ. Holy God hear our prayer. In this holy night there was no room for your Son in the inn. Protect with your love those who have no home and all who live in poverty. Holy God hear our prayer. In this holy night Mary, in the pain of labour, brought your Son to birth. Hold in your hand …and all who are in pain or distress. Holy God hear our prayer. In this holy night your Christ came as a light shining in the darkness. Bring comfort to …and all who suffer in the sadness of our world. Holy God hear our prayer. In this holy night the angels sang, ‘Peace to God’s people on earth.’ Strengthen those who work for peace and justice in …and in all the world. Holy God hear our prayer. In this holy night shepherds in the field heard good tidings of joy. Give us grace to preach the gospel of Christ’s redemption. Holy God hear our prayer. In this holy night strangers found the Holy Family, and saw the baby lying in the manger. Bless our homes and all whom we love. Holy God hear our prayer. In this holy night heaven is come down to earth, and earth is raised to heaven. Hold in your hand …and all those who have passed through death in the hope of your coming kingdom. Holy God hear our prayer. In this holy night Christians the world over celebrate Christ’s birth. Open our hearts that he may be born in us today. Holy God hear our prayer. Father, in this holy night angels and shepherds worshipped at the manger throne. Receive the worship we offer in fellowship with Mary, Joseph and the saints through him who is your Word made flesh, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION God our Father, in this night you have made known to us again the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: confirm our faith and fix our eyes on him until the day dawns and Christ the Morning Star rises in our hearts. To him be glory both now and for ever.. All Amen Listen to Revd Rosie’s Sermon last Sunday NOTICES CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE READINGS Isaiah 52.7-10 Hebrews 1.1-4 [5-12] John 1.1-14 SUNDAY 26 DECEMBER Join the Church at Home community to celebrate the first Sunday of Christmas together. Join a parish Eucharist livestreamed from St Paul’s Wokingham from 9.30am, without a choir but featuring an organist and carols; Join a congregational Eucharist livestreamed from Christ Church Cathedral from 11am, without a choir but featuring an organist and carols. Other parishes are also offering online services for Boxing Day – see details at oxford.anglican.org/livestream. SERVICES FOR THE NEXT FEW WEEKS (TBC) Evening Prayer Zoom resumes Tuesday 04 Jan Prayers & Bears resumes at St Agnes on Friday 07 Jan Fri 24 Dec 3.00pm Nativity, outside the Church 11.00pm Midnight Mass in the Church Note: now no carol singing beforehand Sat 25 Dec 10.30am Christmas Day Parish Eucharist in Church Sun 26 Dec No Services Sun 02 Jan 10.30am Epiphany Family Eucharist in Church 5.00pm Eucharist in Church Sun 09 Jan 10.30am Baptism of Christ Parish Eucharist in ChurchChurchyard Lights and Tree Decoration CHRISTMAS COLLECTIONS Special collections over Advent and Christmas will be for Christian Aid. If you would like to donate online, you can do so here: https://www.christianaid.org.uk REVD ROSIE’S SABBATICAL Revd Rosie will be on Sabbatical from January for 3 months, Canon Brian Shenton will be holding the fort. Services will continue, keeping our distance and wearing a mask etc. Any queries, or if you need a priest during this time please email office@clewerparish.org or if urgent, phone 07490 094261 WINDSOR FOODSHARE They need basic food please, anything welcome, especially: Tinned meat · Tinned fish · Tinned vegetables· Soup · Rice · Herbs/Spices Cooking sauces · Instant mash · Tea bags/Instant coffee · Sugar Breakfast cereals · UHT milk · Tinned desserts · Cereal bars/biscuits · Jams · Fruit juice/Squash More information here: https://www.windsorfoodshare.org.uk/food-donations And also the poster below.  PLEASE PRAY FOR The Suffering: Blake, Sam, Reuben, Don, Karl, Hugh and Sarah, Joanna, Pam, Holly, Hugo, Frank and Barbara, Bill, Suzanne, Christopher, Jackie, Alan, Norman and Diane, and Patricia. Refugees, Prisoners, the Homeless and those who mourn. The Departed: those recently departed this life, including Richard Chandler, and those whose anniversaries fall at this time. Those being Baptised: Community Prayers: Clewer Green School, the head teacher Martin Tinsley and all the pupils, staff and governors. For all our Care Homes, for the safety of residents and staff. Parish Cycle of Prayer: Please pray for all who live in Byron Court, Mayfield Close, Kimber Close, Harrington Close, Sherbourne Drive, Woodland Avenue, and Illingworth. Anglican Cycle of Prayer: please pray for Iglesia Anglicana de la Region Central de America. Please pray also for the Churches in these Dioceses: Northern Indiana (USA), Indianapolis (USA), Iowa (USA), Iran, Irele – Eseodo (Nigeria), and Isi mbano (Nigeria). Please continue to pray for and support your neighbours and families in any way you can whilst keeping yourself safe. CHURCH FINANCES – MESSAGE FROM ANDREW Thank you to everyone for all you have been able to give in this difficult time. Please consider continuing your regular giving by paying directly to our bank account, the details of which are: HSBC Bank, High Street, Windsor Sort Code: 40-47-37 Account number: 11373366 Account name: PCC St Andrews Church or if your bank doesn’t like this Parochial Church Council St Andrews Clewer Parish You may wish to consider transferring to the Parish Giving Scheme, which we promoted in previous years. Details are on our page on their web site: https://bit.ly/2XCLuCr [https://www.parishgiving.org.uk/donors/find-your-parish/clewer-st-andrew-windsor/] We also have the printed application forms available, please contact the Parish Office by email. We also have boxes of numbered envelopes available, if you would like to use these please contact the Parish Office office@clewerparish.org CONTACTS The Parish Office is now closed. The Office Number is: 07490 094261 Email: office@clewerparish.org Revd Rosie Webb: rector@clewerparish.org Tel: 01753 852334 Parish Website: www.standrewsclewer.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/standrewsclewer Churchwarden: Stuart Cockman Safeguarding Policy: www.standrewsclewer.org/safeguarding-policy Safeguarding Officer: clewerparishsafeguarding@gmail.com |