Hello Advent
All around me I see the Christmas lights popping up and their colour cheers the dark nights. It also reminds me that Advent will soon begin. It is so easy for Advent to get buried under the demands of Christmas and I know that I say that each year, but it’s because it is true! We spend ages preparing for the presents, decorations, food and visiting guests, at least I know that is true of our household!
So, I love to try and make space in all this bustle for something that helps me prepare my soul and spirit for Christmas. That is the advantage of an Advent group or book, it’s the opportunity to look at Christ’s coming from a new perspective and refresh our understanding of this seismic event, God’s birth on earth.
If you would like to join me then here are some suggestions to help you prepare your soul and spirit for the marvel of Immanuel, Christ with us!
Buy an advent book-here are some I have enjoyed in the past:
Or if you like to discuss books in a group I am holding an Advent group for ANYONE in our parishes on Wednesday 3rd December, 10th December and 17th December at The Rectory. From 10am to 11.30am with an informal communion. ALL are welcome but spaces are limited and this year we are reading:
Also available is a daily reflection from the Church of England. You can sign up here- https://www.churchofengland.org/faith-life/what-we-believe/advent-and-christmas/sign-joy-christmas
There are also daily reflections on the Everyday Faith App-click here to download- https://www.churchofengland.org/faith-life/exploring-faith/everyday-faith
Or Women of the Nativity- Women of the Nativity is a collection of nine imagined stories told from the perspective of women, written by Paula Gooder, recreating the events of the Nativity. The stories take us on a journey through the themes of Advent into the events of Christmas and beyond. You can find out more here-
https://www.churchofengland.org/faith-life/what-we-believe/advent-and-christmas/women-nativity
So whatever way to choose to celebrate advent, I pray it draws you closer to the child in the manger.
Blessings
Sarah
PS if you would like more details of our Christmas services-please see the calendar
This month’s photos was taken at St Wulframs Christmas Tree festival. It’s a tree dedicated to Verity, St Sebastians member and Reader who sadly died earlier this year. It was created by the Nursery where she worked and is a lovely reminder of her love of cats!
Barrowby All Saints
Welcome to All Saints Church
If you are thinking of visiting or moving to our village or would like to join us for worship or community events at our church, here is some information about us that you might find helpful.
We aim to provide a warm welcome to everyone who comes to our church and look forward to meeting you.
Gt Gonerby St Sebastian
Welcome to St Sebastian’s Church
St Sebastian's Church has been at the centre of Great Gonerby village since Saxon times. Today we are a warm, friendly and informal Church with a heart to connect with all. We pray, we learn, we sing and enjoy cake! Come and join us!
Harlaxton St Mary & St Peter
Welcome to St Mary & St Peter's Church
Here at Harlaxton Church we offer a heartfelt, warm welcome in our loving and prayerful community with a variety of services that are centred on reading and understanding the Bible. Our beautiful Church building is open daily from 9.30am to 4pm for anyone who would like to visit, pray, or find sanctuary and purpose in a busy and confusing world.
Denton St Andrew
Welcome to St Andrew's Church
St Andrew's is a busy well-loved church and its events are well supported by the village. It is a grade 1 listed building with several special memorials to the Blythe and Welby families. The Church comes to life with well supported seasonal events like Harvest, Christmas Carols, Summer Lunches, Coffee mornings and of course the well renowned Denton Street Market each May!
Stroxton All Saints
Welcome to All Saints Church
All Saint's Stroxton is a much loved Church surrounded by amazing views! The local community all pull together to keep this building open for people to come and worship, pray quietly or just find a moment of peace amongst the beauty that surrounds this Church.
Woolsthorpe St James
Welcome to St James' Church
St James the Greater sits boldly within the village of Woolsthorpe-by-Belvoir as a comforting reminder of Our Lord's constant presence. Within weathered walls here is peace and beauty; alive in spirit (alongside God's creatures ... bats, birds, bees, butterflies, cats ...)
Come and see, you will be blessed!
Wyville St Catherine
Welcome to St Catherine's Church
St Catherine's 'on the Hill' may only have been built about 100 years ago but since ancient times there has been a place of worship here. It is a small, holy place where you can feel the stillness and the presence of the sacred.