Second Sunday of Advent
10th December 2023
We continue the Advent season and our preparations for Christmas. This week we welcome Fr Jerry Garton, who is preaching for us at the 8am and 10am services. Both Fr Jerry and Mtr Anne-Marie recently joined the Good Shepherd congregation after many years of ministry in Caterham, Surrey. All are welcome to join us.
Collect
Almighty God,
purify our hearts and minds,
that when your Son Jesus Christ comes again as judge and saviour
we may be ready to receive him,
who is our Lord and our God.
Readings
Isaiah 40.1-11, Psalm 85.1-2,8-13, 2 Peter 3.8-15a, Mark 1.1-8
Crib Service rehearsals There will be rehearsals for the Christmas Crib service during Sealights on Sunday 10th, 17th December. Save the dates and let Fiona Hendry know if your child would like to be involved. The Crib Service will be in church, Christmas Eve, 4pm.
Healing Prayer is offered most Sundays after the 10am in the side chapel.
Recycling This Sunday is our final recycling sort for 2023. Thank you to all the sorters for their eco-church support every second Sunday at 11. If anyone else can give up 15 mins occasionally to help, could you let Kate know on 07749193255.
Food Bank collection 15th, 16th, 17th December. We will be accepting donations of dried and tinned foods in church for the Shoreham and Adur Community Food Bank. We are doing this in partnership with the Shoreham Beach Resident’s Association. The food bank would be particularly grateful for festive treats including chocolates, biscuits, selection boxes, savoury items including crisps, Pringles, nuts etc and jams and marmalade. You can also drop off donations with Joss Loader at 25 Falcon Close. Thank you.
Labyrinth Walk Please note that there is no walk Sunday 10th December.
A few place left for the Fellowship Christmas Lunch 17th December This will be held at the Yacht Club, 12noon for 12.30pm. Michael has arranged for 30 to enable other church members to join for a 2-course lunch.The cost will only be £15 because our fund will allow a subsidy. Please let me know as soon as possible If you would like to come and make your menu choice. Payment in advance, as it is a group booking. Joy Daintree tel. 01273 462584
Bob’s Card Sale Last chance to buy your cards before Christmas! A variety of cards for sale on Sunday 10th December after 10am service in the church dall during coffee.
(If you have any old cards for recycling, especially male birthday cards, please pass onto Bob or leave in the church porch.)
All proceeds to the Church of The Good Shepherd. So far this year I have raised over £450, surpassing last year’s figures, so please help me get close to my target of £500. Your support would be much appreciated. Many thanks, Bob.
COP28 prayer tree Thank you Transition Town Shoreham for letting us borrow your beautiful hand painted tree decorations. They have been hung on our tree of prayers and hopes for COP28. There is also information alongside about Transition Town's initiative to have more trees planted locally. The decorations were used at St Mary de Haura's fantastic Christmas tree festival, and now have a new home at the Good Shepherd until the end of COP28, 12th December. Do add your messages of hope.
Celtic Evening Prayer Sorry, there is no service on 13th December.
Embrace the Middle East Advent vigils on Zoom 7pm, Monday 11th and 18th December. The vigil, hosted by the Christian ecumenical charity working in the Middle East, meets for 45 minutes to pray and reflect on the Word of God. The charity will be joined by its Middle Eastern Christian partners to find out how we can best pray for them. To take part, sign up to receive our Advent Reflection emails. The Zoom link for each vigil will be included in the emails: https://embraceme.org/advent-reflections
And finally…
Big thanks go to Fiona and choir (plus guest singers), for a festive evening of carol singing at the Longshore Pub. It was a joyful occasion, sharing Good Shepherd Christmas cheer with the local community.
I work half-time and the days I am usually available are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday morning. I wish you all a blessed week, Revd Jane
Services this Week Sunday 10th December
8am – Holy Communion with Revd Jane and Fr Jerry Garton
10am – Parish Communion with Revd Jane and Fr Jerry Garton. This service will be live streamed onto our Facebook and You Tube channel. You Tube page CLICK HERE Church Facebook page CLICK HERE
Tuesday 12th December
9.30am – Holy Communion with Revd Pat
Friday 15th December
8am - Meditation with Morning Prayer a benefice service at St Mary de Haura
Saturday 16th December
8am – Morning Meditation on Zoom and in church. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81286470381 Meeting ID: 812 8647 0381
Evening Prayer is said Tuesday to Saturday, 5.30pm at St Mary de Haura.
Morning Prayer is said Monday to Wednesday, 8.30am at St Mary de Haura.
3.30pm – Children’s Christingle at the Pollinator Café (in church if raining – check our Facebook page for updates if in doubt about weather. Or telephone Revd Jane on 079355 38085 to hear a message).
To donate to the Church of the Good Shepherd online CLICK HERE Thank you
Church website:
www.goodshepherdshorehambeach.org.uk
If you are reading this newsletter on a paper copy and would like to receive it each week through email please contact: cogsenews@gmail.com
The deadline for notices to Revd Jane for the weekly newsletter is 1pm on Tuesday.
Contacts
Revd Jane Bartlett Email: bartlett.jane@ntlworld.com Tel: 079355 38085.
Revd Andrew Bennison Email: revandrewbennison@gmail.com Tel: 01273 454914
Church warden Kay Haffenden email: office@cogschurchwardens.co.uk
Safeguarding Officer David Edey Tel: 07590764900 Email: davidedey17@gmail.com
Children’s Ministry Fiona Hendry fionahendry321@gmail.com
Parish centre and hall bookings Tel: 01273 440202
Prayer chain (for emergency prayer) Liz Beeston 01273 454685