Monthly Newsletter

Dear Church Friends

As we enter December our thoughts turn to Christmas and the forthcoming holiday season.

In our Christmas story the wise men arrive in January at the start of Epiphany but their journey begins in the months before. That journey begins with an observation, something seen that has not been perceived before, something extra-ordinary; a star. Perhaps something familiar that they have seen in a new way, or something unknown that draws them outwards and onwards

They are Magi, wise men, possibly priests or traditionally kings. They are from another place, another culture, who see, and in their curiosity decide to follow. Not fully understanding where this will lead, they make their journey in faith and in hope.

They are the first of the gentiles that are called to Jesus. and Jesus bids us come in the same way. We are in a different place, a different culture, a different time, and still we are invited to come and see the child.

With open hearts and open hands, we come, not bringing gifts but ready to receive a gift, God’s gift for us of love, tenderness and awe. We see the smile of a new baby and our hearts melt, we hear a baby cry and we need to pick it up, to hold it, and to say all is well. We approach babies with openness and gentle care.

The infant Jesus provides such a wonderful image of these qualities, fragile and trusting, full of hope for a new day. The perfect antidote to selfish greed and cynicism that can seem common in our world.

Our journey through this season begins with observation as we are invited to look again. To look at our world with new eyes, with

generous hearts, with kind actions. To follow Christ although we may be unsure of our path. To listen for God’s voice in the hustle and noise of the season, and to sit in silence with the shepherds and the sheep. In silent awe.

We all have favourite carols at this time of year, perhaps a poem, or a melody, that stirs us up and takes us on a journey to a different place, somewhere we can be lost and in a safe place at the same time.

I love this carol:

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,

It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,

‘til He appeared and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! O, hear the angels' voices!

O night divine, O night when Christ was born;

O night divine, O night, O night divine.

In this holiday season may our souls find their worth as we rejoice in him.

As we begin our journey through the season I pray:

May you find rest in stillness and peace this Advent, may your Christmas overflow with laughter and joy, and may your Epiphany lead you to refreshed faith, full of insight and hope.

With every blessing

Keith

Christmas Festivities in our churches

The preparation for Christmas at our churches begins on the weekend of Friday 5th to Sunday 7th December with the Christmas Tree Festival at Christ Church, Shaw. Last year over 100 visitors came to look at the huge variety of nearly 30 Christmas trees decorated by clubs, schools, societies and some very talented individuals. This year promises another eye-catching display so do drop in to Christ Church to get in the Christmas mood. Refreshments are available too.

The traditional Service of Nine Lessons and Carols will be presented by our parish choir at St Michael’s, Atworth on Sunday 14 December starting at 6 pm. Listen to the Christmas story as it unfolds through words and music in the lovely setting of St Michael’s church.

On the following Sunday there is a chance for you to raise the roof at Christ Church, Shaw singing carols old and new at our Community Carol Service. Bring the family as we will also be dressing the Christmas Crib in Shaw as we tell the story of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. Refreshments will be available after the service. That is on Sunday 21 December at 4 pm.

On Christmas Eve at 4 pm there will be a family Crib Service at St Michael’s, Atworth. This service is always popular and we expect lots of youngsters to join us and maybe get into costume (grown ups can dress up too!).

Finally, on Christmas morning we are delighted to welcome back Rev’d Katharine Rumens to lead our Christmas Communion service in Christ Church, Shaw at 10 am as we welcome the Christ child into the world.

This month we pray for:

•  The leaders of all the countries around the world to take serious measures to offset the impact of global warming

•  That the present negotiations about the future of Ukraine will lead to a just and lasting peace

•  The people of Sudan, especially in our link diocese of Kadugli who are starving and caught in the middle of a civil war

•  The staff and residents in the care homes in our Parish

•  All those who are sick or troubled or feel abandoned at this time of year

•  All those working in our hospitals, clinics, surgeries and other parts of the NHS

•  Guidance for our political leaders, that they might promote justice, compassion, mercy and forgiveness

•  For a deeper spirit of gratitude for God’s many gifts

•  All those who will be homeless this Christmas

LIVE AT SHAW CONCERTS

Our last concert for this year was given by the Bratton Brass Band who thrilled the audience playing music from the movies. Their

musical director Lydia Grace-Hills was brilliant and soon got the audience tapping their feet and clicking their fingers.

The reason we started the concerts was to raise money for our Parish Funds to enable us to get closer to meeting our Parish Share, a necessity to attract a new vicar. Thanks to all those who supported the various concerts and hope you will continue to enjoy the concerts next year. 

Thanks to Richard and Ron for arranging them, and for including residents of Wadswick retirement village.

So far ticket sales over the year were £4175.

In addition, we were able to send £1333.69 to our charities including Wiltshire MIND, Julian House, MND Association, Dorothy House and Kadugli appeal. This money was raised from donations for the refreshments.