Pewsheet for28th November 2010

St Dunstan’s Church, Monks Risborough
& St. Peter’s Chapel, Owlswick
Part of the Risborough Team Ministry
www.stdunstanschurch.com

Vicar – The Revd James Tomkins
01844 275944 (day off Tuesday)
jamestomkins@btinternet.com
The Rectory, Mill Lane, Monks Risborough, HP27 9JE

Sunday 28th November 2010
First Sunday of Advent

God calls us to walk in the light, ready and watching for the coming kingdom, where swords will be changed into ploughshares, spears into pruning hooks, darkness into light, and evil into good. Let’s bring ourselves, as we are, to be changed through our worship, and to change our world.
Welcome to St Dunstan’s Church

If you are new to Monks Risborough or just visiting please introduce yourself to the Welcomers at the door who will be happy to tell you more about the church and its events.
The Junior Church (10 o’clock Club) meet in the Church Hall before coming into Church for the Communion.
Coffee and tea are served in the Church immediately after the 10.00am service - all are welcome.

Today

10.00 am Parish Eucharist (Merbecke setting)
Hymns
Introit 128
Psalm 122
Offertory 186
Communion 83, 540, 949
Recessional 405

Readings
First Reading Isaiah 2:1-5
Come, let’s walk the Lord’s way!

Second Reading Romans 13:11-14
Wake up and get dressed!

Gospel Matthew 24:36-44
Watch and wait!

3.00 pm Choral Evensong (Owlswick)
with the Revd Serena Hutton
Hymns: 5, Psalm 9:1-8, 15, 407, 408
Readings: Isaiah 52:1-12, Matthew 24:15-28
Prayer for the week
God of majesty and power, amid the clamour of our violence your Word of truth resounds; upon a world made dark by sin the Sun of Justice casts his dawning rays.
Keep your household watchful and aware of the hour in which we live. Hasten the advent of that day when the sounds of war will be for ever stilled, the darkness of evil scattered, and all your children gathered into one.
We ask this through him whose coming is certain, your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.

Your prayers are asked this week for:
 the people of Ireland as they face economic hardship
 the First Ministers of the Scottish and Welsh assemblies as they seek to create an effective role for these democratic assemblies.
 those who face persecution and violence for their faith, especially Christians in Iraq, Egypt and Pakistan
 peace in the world, and especially that there may be a lessening of the tensions between North and South Korea
 Buckinghamshire County Council, its officers and councillors.
 all those affected by the winter weather
 Those living in Southfields Road (Princes Risborough) and Hillside (Speen).
 Those in need who are known in our parish
 and also further afield
 For the recently departed
 Those whose anniversary of death falls at this time
Please remember the charities that St Dunstan's supports, in particular this week:
Cruse Bereavement Care, supporting bereaved people and enabling anyone bereaved by death to understand their grief and cope with their loss. The organisation provides support and offers information, advice, education and training services.

Notices

‘Living in Hope’
The course uses a DVD and group discussion to explore the Christian understanding of hope through themes such as death, resurrection and creation. The next sessions will be held on Thursday January 13th at The Rectory, Mill Lane and Thursday January 20th at 8 Kings Oak Close starting at 8 pm and finishing at 9.30 pm. James

Hody's Charity
This was set up in 1706 by a former Rector of the parish in his will. Grants may be given for books, specialist materials, outfits, tools, fees etc for students in Further or Higher Education or Apprentices. Applicants must be residents of Monks Risborough and under 21 years old at the time of the first grant. To apply please complete a form from the porch notice board or contact Rosemary Woodward-Court Tel 344417

Ready, Steady...Slow
For every day of December until the 24th, this 'alternative' Advent Calendar includes a reading, a prayer, a reflection, and a challenge to take a small step towards living more simply, £4.80. In similar vein we also have some copies of 'Do Nothing Christmas is coming' for £5.00 both at the back of the church.

Risborough Town Centre – switching on of lights
On December 3rd Churches Together in Risborough are starting off the carol singing at 6 pm. All are very welcome to come along and sing. A market barrow is also being organised by the Revd. Denise Critchell. She would value help regarding gifts for children e.g. Christmas Biscuits, and help to cut out some shapes, i.e. stars, cribs etc. to put on the prayer tree on the night with ribbons. If you can help in this way or have other ideas for a Christian presence in the High Street in Advent please let Denise know (347741)

Princes Risborough Lighthouse Site Management
Help is required to share in the management of all site activities for Princes Risborough Lighthouse commencing July 2011. The duties include setting up and breaking down of the site including the marquees, power, staging and furniture etc. The activities which involve some driving and lifting of furniture require two weeks to complete and require a shared working day from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm. A working knowledge of site safety and security would be desirable. If you are interested, please contact David Slade on 01494 488262.

Job vacancy – Pewsheet Editor
Are you comfortable using Microsoft Word, Excel and email? If so, and if you will have one or two hours a week to spare from January, please talk to James.


In The Door this month:
Bishop John reflects on a year of Living Faith. Ultra modern solar panels have been installed in one of the UK's finest Anglo Saxon churches. Accessible to All - The Door looks at how the Diocese can support churches in helping them become accessible and on meeting the needs of the disabled.

Remembrance Service for Sandy Harvey
A short service will be held in the school hall at 4 pm on Thursday December 2nd for those who wish to pay their respects as a friend and colleague of Sandy who was a former headteacher of Monks Risborough School.

The next couple of weeks

Morning Prayer takes place on Monday (except Bank Holidays), Wednesday and Thursdays at St. Dunstan’s at 8.45 am

Today 1st Sunday of Advent
10.00 am Parish Eucharist
3.00 pm Choral Evensong (Owlswick) with the Revd Serena Hutton
6.00 pm Churches Together in Risborough Service at the Baptist Church
Wed Dec 3rd 3.15 pm Funeral of Vera Girling at Amersham Crematorium
Thurs Dec 2nd 9.30 am Healing & Holy Communion
2.00 pm Monks Monkeys
4.00 pm Remembrance service for Sandy Harvey at the school (see notices)
Fri Dec 3rd 11.30 am Funeral of John Baverstock
1.45 pm Funeral of Margaret Martin at Amersham Crematorium
6.00 pm Risborough Town Centre – switching on of lights (see notices)
Sun Dec 5th 2nd Sunday of Advent
8.00 am Holy Communion
10.00 am Christingle – All Age Family Service
6.00 pm Choral Evensong
Mon Dec 6th 8.00 pm Silent Prayer meeting
Thurs Dec 9th 9.30 am Holy Communion
2.00 pm Monks Monkeys
Sun Dec 12th 3rd Sunday of Advent
10.00 am Parish Eucharist
11.30 am Holy Communion (Owlswick)
6.00 pm Choral Evensong