^{Moments of Marvelling}

And all those who heard it marvelled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

Luke 2:18-20 New King James Version

As the shepherds left the manger they skipped up to the sheep covered hills with a new spring in their step. Bethlehem’s citizens marvelled at everything the shepherds told them about Jesus’ birth.

What special moments of marvelling have you experienced this Christmas season? The story, the carols, the reflections, the decorations and flowers were only complete when people decided to come along and join our worship at St.Mary’s and All Saints. We were overjoyed to meet you all – both new and old faces. Thank you for making the effort to gather with us. We shared joy, peace and hope as we listened together to story of Jesus birth and heard it receive fresh life and meaning for our times, in words sung and pondered. We hope you’ve had a chance to put your feet up, Revd Lizzie!

Thank you for all of you who made Advent and Christmas so special in so many ways.

May the light and hope of the Christ-child go with you into the New Year 2023.

Church is open all year round of course, so today we invite you back again to share your hopes for the New Year at this Sunday’s services:

Services this Sunday 1st January 2023

Naming of Jesus – Readings: Numbers 6:22-27; Galatians 4:4-7;Luke 2:15-21

10.00 – St Mary’s – Creative Church : Journeying

10.30 – All Saints – Holy Communion

Events in the coming week…

Monday 2nd January Tiny Tots closed – starts back 9th January at All Saints

Tuesday 3rd January No Music for Toddlers – starts back 10th January at St.Mary’s

Wednesday 4th January Celtic Morning Prayer – 9.00- 9.30am at All Saints

Thursday 5th January Holy Communion – 10.00am at St.Mary’s

Friday 6th January- Living after Loss – 11am to 12noon St. Marys

Saturday 7th January- Saturday Lunches – 12noon till 2pm St. Marys

To finish with, here is a beautiful and apt new year reflection by Carol Dixon, as we continue to remember our brothers and sisters in Ukraine and Russia, and other war weary places. We hope for their peace and relief from suffering.

 Step softly into your weeping world, incarnate God; embrace it in your love. Bring light into broken lives, warmth into frozen hearts, hope to those at war. May your peace pervade every place.   Help us to approach this new year filled with the joy of your companionship, ready to face the future, whatever it may hold.

Every blessing in 2023 , Revd Diane