GAUDETE SUNDAY
Readings
Zephaniah 3.14–end; Philippians 4.4–7; Luke 3.7–18
SERVICES DURING THE WEEK
- Said Communion Wednesday 10.30 (followed by coffee in the meeting room)
- Morning Prayer Daily livestream at 9.00 (weekdays)
- You can join Morning Prayer online at: http://www.stpetersleck.org and via Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pipandjims. You can attend in person at P&J on Mondays, at St Christopher’s on Tuesdays and at St Peter’s on Thursdays.
- Daily Hope a free phone line of hymns, reflections and prayers is still available on 0800 804 8044.
COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS: With the easing of restrictions the wearing of face coverings is no longer mandatory. However, please respect those who wish to continue mask wearing and social distancing. If you test positive for Covid up to three weeks after this service, please let us know by telephone or e-mail.
For Your Prayers
- For all who work in the NHS, and essential workers
- For all residents in care homes including Jean Haigh and Gary Hiscock
- For all who are unwell including, Shirley, Joy, Gordon, Daphne, Christine Langdon
- Those who have died.
PRAY FOR AFGHANISTAN
Please pray for peace and protection for the Afghan people who are facing great uncertainty and the threat of serious human rights abuses. Pray also for all who remain, for courage and protection. You can find more resources here: www.christianaid.org.uk/pray/prayer-afghanistan
PARISH DIARY – As we prepare for Advent and Christmas, please see separate posters for the full range of events we have coming up this December (or click Advent & Christmas at St Stephen’s
| Sun | 12 Dec | 10am | Gaudete Sunday High Mass followed by lunch at The Tivoli |
| Fri | 24 Dec | 4pm | Family Crib Service |
NOTICES
Christmas Fair Thanks to all who supported the fair at the end of November, we hope you has as much fun as we did! We have also raised around £650 for Church funds, which is a great result!
Approach Advent with a new viewpoint this year through Compline: Each Monday in Advent (29th November – 20th December) at 7:30pm in St Stephen’s we will celebrate Compline, and an Advent Reflection will be given by Fr Sebastian. These are inspired by ‘Toy Story’, ‘Little Shop of Horrors’, ‘Wall-E’, and ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’. No need to watch the films in advance, but it may help. The services will be streamed on Facebook too.
Coffee/Tea after the Sunday service If you are able to help with refreshments after the Sunday service, please let Jacqui know.
Instrumentalists, singers, and performers: If you (or friends and family you know) would like to perform carols, readings, or tableau for the Carol Service on Sunday 19th December at 3:00pm we rehearse from midday-2:30pm on the day (why not bring a picnic to enjoy after the morning Mass?). No expertise required, this is about having fun! It would be helpful to let Fiona or Fr Sebastian know if you’re able to perform please.
Electoral Roll In the recent difficult times we have not been able to invite people to have their names added. Do consider putting your name on the list, which shows a real commitment to us. Please see Ann Bacon if you wish to be included.
Memorial benches Thank you to those who have donated towards the memorial benches. We are hoping to have two benches. We’ll get together one Sunday after the service to discuss plaques and when we’ll buy the benches, which will probably be next Spring. Sue
Flowers Arrangers Wanted volunteers to join the flower arrangers. If interested please see Sue Rowe or one of the churchwardens. If you would like to make a donation towards the cost of Church flowers, please see Jacqui for more information. If anyone has a holly bush and they could let us have some for decorating the church please see Sue. We would need it for 22nd December. Thank you.
Cheltenham Elim Food Bank (seeded by The Trussell Trust)
Please donate an item or two from the list: washing up liquid, instant mash potato, toothpaste, long life fruit juice, shampoo, tomato ketchup, brown sauce, mayonnaise. Please place any donations in the Green box next to the font.
Saint Stephen’s Cheltenham 