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 12th December 2010
Third Sunday of Advent
Advent is a time of expectation. We bring our expectations with us to this Eucharist, expecting to meet our Lord in the sacrament, and rejoicing in his presence with us.
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 480
Psalm 146
Offertory 282
Communion 34, 87, 66
Recessional 428
Readings
First Reading Isaiah 35:1-10
The prophet looks forward to a time of peace and prosperity for the people of Israel, a time to enjoy their relationship with God as his own special people.
Second Reading James 5:7-10
James encourages Christian people to wait patiently and confidently for the “coming of the Lord”, following the example of the prophets.
Gospel Matthew 11:2-11
John enquires from prison whether Jesus’ ministry is that expected of the Messiah. Jesus assures John that this is so, and challenges the crowds to recognise their expectations of John.
11.30 am Holy Communion (Owlswick Chapel)
Readings: Isaiah 35 v 1-10, Matthew 11 v 2-11
6.00 pm Choral Evensong
Hymns: 527, Psalm 12, 263, 638
Readings: Isaiah 5 v 8-end, Acts 13 v 13-41
Prayer for the week
God of glory and compassion, at your touch the wilderness blossoms, broken lives are made whole, and fearful hearts grow strong in faith.
Open our eyes to your presence and awaken our hearts to sing your praise. To all who long for your Son's return grant perseverance and patience, that we may announce in word and deed the good news of the kingdom.
We ask this through him whose coming is certain, whose day draws near; 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:
Peace in the Holy Land that the peoples of Israel and Palestine may grow together in mutual trust and respect.
All students and those who work in education that they may receive the support they need to continue their studies and their work
All who volunteer to work overseas in support of disaster emergency relief
The ministry of choirs, organists and musicians.
Those living in Walnut Tree Lane (Longwick), Horsenden and Horsenden Lane.
Those in need who are known in our parish:
Joan Ballance, Trevor Calvert, Joan Pitcher, Enid Menzies, Molly Whyte, Marjorie Browne, Jean Taylor, Shelagh Bartlett, Frank Jackson, Chris Broadmeadow, David Dewick
and also further afield for:
◦ Gordon Haynes, Hilary Edridge, Christine, Deborah Ryley, Millie Adey, Emma and Olivia
For the recently departed
Those whose anniversary of death falls at this time particularly Roy Faithfull, Joan Howard, Jason Travers, Ronald Faulkner, Lilian Thomas, Audrey Astley-Cooper and Nancy Rutland
Please remember the charities that St Dunstan's supports, in particular this week:
Anglicans in World Mission (USPG), working in direct partnership with Anglican Churches in over 50 countries, helping to support vital church work, including healthcare, education, leadership training and action for social justice
Notices
Christingle
Wow! Thank you to everyone who helped to put on this service. In total over £600 has been raised for the Children’s Society.
‘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
Advent Craft Fair + Christingle-Making
Very many thanks to all of you who were involved in these events. What would we do without you? Your help is much appreciated.
Yuletide Concert -December 15th- 7.30pm
Annual entertainment with the Chinnor Silver Band, including mince pies and mulled wine /soft drink. Tickets are £7 from Rosemary 344417
Future Pewsheet editions
There will be double issues of the pewsheet covering December 19th and 26th, and also January 2nd and 9th. Space for notices will be limited, so please remember to submit notices in good time.
Advent Calendar
The Archbishop of York, Dr. John Sentamu is posting 24 messages online in preparation for the birthday of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour. His online calendar will reveal a new message every day and this will include prayer, reflection, music, food, presents and the joy of Christmas. To have a look at the calendar please log on to http://www.archbishopofyork.org.uk/3044
Carol Singing around the village
Everyone is welcome to come along and sing carols meeting in the Church on December 20th at 6.30 pm. Please bring a torch with you, wrap up warm and enjoy refreshments afterwards in the Church hall. James
Decoration of the church – Saturday December 19th
At 10 am help is required to decorate the church and Christmas trees. Children accompanied by an adult are especially welcome
BBC One ‘Nativity’ series
The BBC has now announced the schedule for its Nativity drama. It will be broadcast on BBC1 in four episodes of 30 minutes each. The first one will be on Monday 20th December at 7pm. Then it will be at the same time on the following three nights, ending on Thursday 23rd December at 7pm. Please tell your friends about it.
Sacred Music 2010, Friday 24 December, 8.00-9.30pm BBC FOUR
BBC Four's acclaimed series returns with two special Christmas programmes. Both programmes feature an astonishing range of seasonal music and explores how the sound of Christmas has evolved in response to changing ideas about the Nativity. The documentary is complemented by a special performance programme of some of the choral music featured in the documentary.
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
Sun Dec 12th 3rd Sunday of Advent
10.00 am Parish Eucharist
11.30 am Holy Communion (Owlswick)
6.00 pm Choral Evensong
Wed Dec 15th 2.30 pm Friendship Group service
(in the church hall)
7.30 pm Yuletide concert
(see notices)
Thurs Dec 16th 9.30 am Holy Communion
10.30 am Monks Risborough School Christmas service
2.00 pm Monks Monkeys
Fri Dec 17th 9.30 am Monks Risborough School Christmas service
Sat Dec 18th 10.00 am Decoration of the church (see notices)
Sun Dec 19th 4th Sunday of Advent
10.00 am Parish Eucharist and Baptism
3.00 pm Carol Service (Owlswick)
6.00 pm Nine Lessons and Carols
Thurs Dec 23rd 9.30 am Holy Communion
Friday Dec 24th Christmas Eve
3.00 pm Crib Service
6.00 pm Village Carol Service
11.30 pm Midnight Eucharist
Sat Dec 25th Christmas Day
8.00 am Holy Communion (BCP)
10.00 am All Age Family Eucharist
Sun Dec 26th St Stephen
10.00 am Parish Eucharist
3.00 pm Choral Evensong (Owlswick)
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Sunday 12 December 2010
Sunday 5 December 2010
Pewsheet for 5th December 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 5th December 2010
Second Sunday of Advent
May God give us grace to worship and to live in harmony with one another today. For we proclaim Christ Jesus as saviour, and prepare to receive him afresh.
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.
Coffee and tea are served in the Church immediately after the 10.00am service - all are welcome.
Today
8.00 am Holy Communion
Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10, Matthew 3:1-12
10.00 am Christingle – All Age Family Service
Hymns
201 Give me joy in my heart
Sheet Christ be our light
736 When I needed a neighbour
Sheet This little light of mine
419 Shine, Jesus, Shine
Readings
First Reading: Genesis 1-2.3
The story of how the world came into being
6.00 pm Choral Evensong
Hymns: 265, Psalm 11, 656, 537
Readings: 1 Kings 18:17-39, John 1:19-28
Prayer for the week
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.
Your prayers are asked this week for:
Children who are lonely or abused, and the work of the Children’s Society
all those who are poor, homeless or vulnerable in the current winter weather
for those who have to travel and for those who are working to keep transport routes and other services open in the adverse weather conditions
peace in the troubled areas of our world, especially in Afghanistan and Iraq
all who raise funds for the hospice movement, and for our local hospices.
those living away from home, and for weekly commuters.
Those living in The Butts (Princes Risborough), Perry Lane and Bledlow Ridge Road (Bledlow).
Those in need who are known in our parish:
Joan Ballance, Trevor Calvert, Joan Pitcher, Enid Menzies, Molly Whyte, Marjorie Browne, Jean Taylor, Shelagh Bartlett, Frank Jackson, Chris Broadmeadow, David Dewick
and also further afield for:
◦ Gordon Haynes, Hilary Edridge, Christine, Deborah Ryley, Millie Adey, Emma and Olivia
For the recently departed
◦ Grace Freed
Those whose anniversary of death falls at this time particularly Eva Plumbe, Ethel Foster, Francis Lambell, Alan Gibson and Joseph Cooper.
Please remember the charities that St Dunstan's supports, in particular this week:
Anglicans in World Mission (USPG), working in direct partnership with Anglican Churches in over 50 countries, helping to support vital church work, including healthcare, education, leadership training and action for social justice
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.
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.
Future Pewsheet editions
There will be double issues of the pewsheet covering December 19th and 26th, and also January 2nd and 9th. Space for notices will be limited, so please remember to submit notices in good time.
Advent Calendar
The Archbishop of York, Dr. John Sentamu is posting 24 messages online in preparation for the birthday of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour. His online calendar will reveal a new message every day and this will include prayer, reflection, music, food, presents and the joy of Christmas. To have a look at the calendar please log on to http://www.archbishopofyork.org.uk/3044
Yuletide Concert- December 15th 7.30pm
An evening to enjoy listening to music by the Chinnor Sliver Band and singing Christmas carols. Tickets priced £7.00 available from Rosemary, 344417, or David Shuttle in the High Street
Silent Prayer Meeting – Monday December 6th at 8 pm
This will take place in the church hall and will last for about 45 minutes. Those who gather meet to share in a time of silence becoming more aware of the presence of God. James ‘Be still, and know that I am God’ Psalm 46.10
Carol Singing around the village
Everyone is welcome to come along and sing carols meeting in the Church on December 20th at 6.30 pm. Please bring a torch with you, wrap up warm and enjoy refreshments afterwards in the Church hall. James
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 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
(see notices)
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
Mon Dec 13th 6.00 pm Monks Risborough School
village carol singing
(years 4, 5, 6 & parents)
Wed Dec 15th 7.30 pm Yuletide concert
(see notices)
Thurs Dec 16th 9.30 am Holy Communion
10.30 am Monks Risborough School Christmas service
2.00 pm Monks Monkeys
Fri Dec 17th 9.30 am Monks Risborough School Christmas service
Sun Dec 19th 4th Sunday of Advent
10.00 am Parish Eucharist
3.00 pm Carol Service (Owlswick)
6.00 pm Nine lessons and Carols
& 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 5th December 2010
Second Sunday of Advent
May God give us grace to worship and to live in harmony with one another today. For we proclaim Christ Jesus as saviour, and prepare to receive him afresh.
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.
Coffee and tea are served in the Church immediately after the 10.00am service - all are welcome.
Today
8.00 am Holy Communion
Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10, Matthew 3:1-12
10.00 am Christingle – All Age Family Service
Hymns
201 Give me joy in my heart
Sheet Christ be our light
736 When I needed a neighbour
Sheet This little light of mine
419 Shine, Jesus, Shine
Readings
First Reading: Genesis 1-2.3
The story of how the world came into being
6.00 pm Choral Evensong
Hymns: 265, Psalm 11, 656, 537
Readings: 1 Kings 18:17-39, John 1:19-28
Prayer for the week
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.
Your prayers are asked this week for:
Children who are lonely or abused, and the work of the Children’s Society
all those who are poor, homeless or vulnerable in the current winter weather
for those who have to travel and for those who are working to keep transport routes and other services open in the adverse weather conditions
peace in the troubled areas of our world, especially in Afghanistan and Iraq
all who raise funds for the hospice movement, and for our local hospices.
those living away from home, and for weekly commuters.
Those living in The Butts (Princes Risborough), Perry Lane and Bledlow Ridge Road (Bledlow).
Those in need who are known in our parish:
Joan Ballance, Trevor Calvert, Joan Pitcher, Enid Menzies, Molly Whyte, Marjorie Browne, Jean Taylor, Shelagh Bartlett, Frank Jackson, Chris Broadmeadow, David Dewick
and also further afield for:
◦ Gordon Haynes, Hilary Edridge, Christine, Deborah Ryley, Millie Adey, Emma and Olivia
For the recently departed
◦ Grace Freed
Those whose anniversary of death falls at this time particularly Eva Plumbe, Ethel Foster, Francis Lambell, Alan Gibson and Joseph Cooper.
Please remember the charities that St Dunstan's supports, in particular this week:
Anglicans in World Mission (USPG), working in direct partnership with Anglican Churches in over 50 countries, helping to support vital church work, including healthcare, education, leadership training and action for social justice
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.
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.
Future Pewsheet editions
There will be double issues of the pewsheet covering December 19th and 26th, and also January 2nd and 9th. Space for notices will be limited, so please remember to submit notices in good time.
Advent Calendar
The Archbishop of York, Dr. John Sentamu is posting 24 messages online in preparation for the birthday of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour. His online calendar will reveal a new message every day and this will include prayer, reflection, music, food, presents and the joy of Christmas. To have a look at the calendar please log on to http://www.archbishopofyork.org.uk/3044
Yuletide Concert- December 15th 7.30pm
An evening to enjoy listening to music by the Chinnor Sliver Band and singing Christmas carols. Tickets priced £7.00 available from Rosemary, 344417, or David Shuttle in the High Street
Silent Prayer Meeting – Monday December 6th at 8 pm
This will take place in the church hall and will last for about 45 minutes. Those who gather meet to share in a time of silence becoming more aware of the presence of God. James ‘Be still, and know that I am God’ Psalm 46.10
Carol Singing around the village
Everyone is welcome to come along and sing carols meeting in the Church on December 20th at 6.30 pm. Please bring a torch with you, wrap up warm and enjoy refreshments afterwards in the Church hall. James
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 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
(see notices)
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
Mon Dec 13th 6.00 pm Monks Risborough School
village carol singing
(years 4, 5, 6 & parents)
Wed Dec 15th 7.30 pm Yuletide concert
(see notices)
Thurs Dec 16th 9.30 am Holy Communion
10.30 am Monks Risborough School Christmas service
2.00 pm Monks Monkeys
Fri Dec 17th 9.30 am Monks Risborough School Christmas service
Sun Dec 19th 4th Sunday of Advent
10.00 am Parish Eucharist
3.00 pm Carol Service (Owlswick)
6.00 pm Nine lessons and Carols
Friday 3 December 2010
additional christmas services
Some additional information about Christmas Services at St. Dunstan’s
Christingle Service, December 5th at 10 am: A family friendly service for all ages without Holy Communion. The Christingle is an orange with a candle, red ribbon and sweets. The Christingle is also the symbol used by the Children’s Society in promoting its work to help young people who are disadvantaged or abused.
Carols and Readings, December 19th at 6 pm: A traditional service of readings and carols sung by the choir, congregation, and school followed by refreshments
Crib Service, December 24th at 3pm: The crib is slowly brought to life with the various figures that are connected with Jesus’ birth. It’s a chance for young children (and adults!) to get dressed up as their favourite character in the nativity story, to sing some carols and to listen to the Christmas story being retold
Carol service, December 24th at 6 pm: This service was held for the first time last year and combines the congregational singing of Christmas carols with readings, reflections and prayers.
Christingle Service, December 5th at 10 am: A family friendly service for all ages without Holy Communion. The Christingle is an orange with a candle, red ribbon and sweets. The Christingle is also the symbol used by the Children’s Society in promoting its work to help young people who are disadvantaged or abused.
Carols and Readings, December 19th at 6 pm: A traditional service of readings and carols sung by the choir, congregation, and school followed by refreshments
Crib Service, December 24th at 3pm: The crib is slowly brought to life with the various figures that are connected with Jesus’ birth. It’s a chance for young children (and adults!) to get dressed up as their favourite character in the nativity story, to sing some carols and to listen to the Christmas story being retold
Carol service, December 24th at 6 pm: This service was held for the first time last year and combines the congregational singing of Christmas carols with readings, reflections and prayers.
Christmas Message
Dear Friends,
There is a story that God would have been much better sending three women rather than three men to visit the baby Jesus. For a start they would have felt quite comfortable asking for directions, they would have arrived on time rather than several months late, they would have been much more help in delivering the baby, they would have made sure that the stable was clean and cosy, and brought practical gifts to help Mary and Joseph look after their new born son.
However, when you look back upon the story of the wise men you realise the wisdom within it. They sensed instinctively that this was a turning point in human history as God came down to earth to live as a human being. That was wise. They were inquisitive and wanted to find out about this baby born to be king of the Jews. That was wise. Despite facing a journey of several months over thousands of miles and across difficult terrain they refused to give up. That was wise. They brought the right kind of gifts for such a special child: gold fit for a king; incense for use in divine worship; and myrrh, a spice that came to represent suffering and sorrow. That was wise. But all of these actions have only been proved wise because we are able to look back at those events two thousand years ago and see that the wise men were right to take such action. They were able to witness firsthand the most significant event in human history as God put his plan in to action for the saving of humankind.
It’s often said that “it’s easy to be wise after the event” but as humans we can only live life forwards, so we never know what is in store for us just around the corner. We might think we know what is coming next, but God and other people usually have other ideas. So we’re asked to be open in our approach to life: to have enough time and space so that we can cope with those unexpected happenings that by their nature can often be an unwelcome rather than a welcome interruption.
As we approach Christmas with all its joy and busyness, it’s important that we’re wise enough to leave some openings in our lives that we’re able to welcome Jesus as a friend and as our Saviour in to our festive celebrations. This may involve taking some time out to come a church service, to sit down quietly and listen to some carols or to pick up and read one of the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ birth. This might not seem wise at the time with Christmas presents still to buy and some last minute shopping to do, but if we fill our lives with busyness, partying and presents, then we’ll miss out on the real meaning of Christmas.
When we look back upon Christmas 2010, I wonder what we’ll be thinking. Will it be ‘I wish I’d eaten a bit more food’ or ‘if only I’d bought a few more presents’? Or will it be ‘did I experience the love and joy of the baby Jesus’ or ‘what was it actually like in Bethlehem 2000 years ago’? Hopefully it will be the latter so that “we can wise before the event”.
Wishing you a peace filled Christmas and joyful New Year,
James
There is a story that God would have been much better sending three women rather than three men to visit the baby Jesus. For a start they would have felt quite comfortable asking for directions, they would have arrived on time rather than several months late, they would have been much more help in delivering the baby, they would have made sure that the stable was clean and cosy, and brought practical gifts to help Mary and Joseph look after their new born son.
However, when you look back upon the story of the wise men you realise the wisdom within it. They sensed instinctively that this was a turning point in human history as God came down to earth to live as a human being. That was wise. They were inquisitive and wanted to find out about this baby born to be king of the Jews. That was wise. Despite facing a journey of several months over thousands of miles and across difficult terrain they refused to give up. That was wise. They brought the right kind of gifts for such a special child: gold fit for a king; incense for use in divine worship; and myrrh, a spice that came to represent suffering and sorrow. That was wise. But all of these actions have only been proved wise because we are able to look back at those events two thousand years ago and see that the wise men were right to take such action. They were able to witness firsthand the most significant event in human history as God put his plan in to action for the saving of humankind.
It’s often said that “it’s easy to be wise after the event” but as humans we can only live life forwards, so we never know what is in store for us just around the corner. We might think we know what is coming next, but God and other people usually have other ideas. So we’re asked to be open in our approach to life: to have enough time and space so that we can cope with those unexpected happenings that by their nature can often be an unwelcome rather than a welcome interruption.
As we approach Christmas with all its joy and busyness, it’s important that we’re wise enough to leave some openings in our lives that we’re able to welcome Jesus as a friend and as our Saviour in to our festive celebrations. This may involve taking some time out to come a church service, to sit down quietly and listen to some carols or to pick up and read one of the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ birth. This might not seem wise at the time with Christmas presents still to buy and some last minute shopping to do, but if we fill our lives with busyness, partying and presents, then we’ll miss out on the real meaning of Christmas.
When we look back upon Christmas 2010, I wonder what we’ll be thinking. Will it be ‘I wish I’d eaten a bit more food’ or ‘if only I’d bought a few more presents’? Or will it be ‘did I experience the love and joy of the baby Jesus’ or ‘what was it actually like in Bethlehem 2000 years ago’? Hopefully it will be the latter so that “we can wise before the event”.
Wishing you a peace filled Christmas and joyful New Year,
James
Advent and Christmas Services
November 28th Sunday 1st Sunday of Advent
10 am Parish Eucharist
3 pm Choral Evensong, Owlswick
December 2nd Thursday 9.30 am Holy Communion with prayers for healing
December 5th Sunday 2nd Sunday of Advent
8.00 am Holy Communion, BCP
10.00 am Christingle Service (without Communion)
6.00 pm Choral Evensong
December 9th Thursday 9.30 am Holy Communion
December 12th Sunday 3rd Sunday of Advent
10.00 am Parish Eucharist
11.30 am BCP Holy Communion, Owlswick
6.00 pm Choral Evensong
December 16th Thursday 9.30 am Holy Communion
10.30 am Monks Risborough School Service
December 17th Friday 9.30 am Monks Risborough School Service
December 18th Saturday Decoration of Church for Christmas (am)
December 19th Sunday 4th Sunday of Advent
10.00 am Parish Eucharist and Baptism
3.00 pm Service of Carols and Readings, Owlswick
6.00 pm Service of Carols and Readings
December 23rd Thursday Holy Communion
December 24th Friday Christmas Eve
3.00 pm Crib Service
6.00 pm Carol service
11.30 pm Midnight Eucharist
December 25th Friday Christmas Day
8.00 am BCP Holy Communion
10.00 am All age Family Communion
December 26th Sunday St. Stephen the Martyr
10.00 am Parish Eucharist
3.00 pm Choral Evensong, Owlswick
December 30st Thursday 9.30 am Holy Communion
January 2rd Sunday 2nd Sunday of Christmas
8.00 am BCP Holy Communion
10.00 am Family All age Communion and Baptism
6.00 pm Choral Evensong
January 6th Thursday The Epiphany
9.30 Holy Communion with prayers for healing
January 9th Sunday 1st Sunday of Epiphany (The Baptism of Christ)
10.00 am Parish Eucharist
11.30 am BCP Holy Communion, Owlswick
6.00 pm Choral Evensong
January 13th Thursday 9.30 am Holy Communion
January 16th Sunday 2nd Sunday of Epiphany
10.00 am Parish Eucharist
6.00 pm Choral Evensong
January 20th Thursday 9.30 am Holy Communion
January 23rd Sunday 3rd Sunday of Epiphany
10.00 am Parish Eucharist
3.00 pm Choral Evensong, Owlswick
January 27th Thursday 9.30 am Holy Communion
January 30st Sunday The Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Candlemas)
10.00 am Parish Eucharist
6.00 pm Choral Evensong
February 3rd Thursday 9.30 am Holy Communion with prayers for healing
February 6th Sunday The 5th Sunday before Lent
8.00 BCP Holy Communion
10.00 am All age Family Communion
6.00 pm Choral Evensong
10 am Parish Eucharist
3 pm Choral Evensong, Owlswick
December 2nd Thursday 9.30 am Holy Communion with prayers for healing
December 5th Sunday 2nd Sunday of Advent
8.00 am Holy Communion, BCP
10.00 am Christingle Service (without Communion)
6.00 pm Choral Evensong
December 9th Thursday 9.30 am Holy Communion
December 12th Sunday 3rd Sunday of Advent
10.00 am Parish Eucharist
11.30 am BCP Holy Communion, Owlswick
6.00 pm Choral Evensong
December 16th Thursday 9.30 am Holy Communion
10.30 am Monks Risborough School Service
December 17th Friday 9.30 am Monks Risborough School Service
December 18th Saturday Decoration of Church for Christmas (am)
December 19th Sunday 4th Sunday of Advent
10.00 am Parish Eucharist and Baptism
3.00 pm Service of Carols and Readings, Owlswick
6.00 pm Service of Carols and Readings
December 23rd Thursday Holy Communion
December 24th Friday Christmas Eve
3.00 pm Crib Service
6.00 pm Carol service
11.30 pm Midnight Eucharist
December 25th Friday Christmas Day
8.00 am BCP Holy Communion
10.00 am All age Family Communion
December 26th Sunday St. Stephen the Martyr
10.00 am Parish Eucharist
3.00 pm Choral Evensong, Owlswick
December 30st Thursday 9.30 am Holy Communion
January 2rd Sunday 2nd Sunday of Christmas
8.00 am BCP Holy Communion
10.00 am Family All age Communion and Baptism
6.00 pm Choral Evensong
January 6th Thursday The Epiphany
9.30 Holy Communion with prayers for healing
January 9th Sunday 1st Sunday of Epiphany (The Baptism of Christ)
10.00 am Parish Eucharist
11.30 am BCP Holy Communion, Owlswick
6.00 pm Choral Evensong
January 13th Thursday 9.30 am Holy Communion
January 16th Sunday 2nd Sunday of Epiphany
10.00 am Parish Eucharist
6.00 pm Choral Evensong
January 20th Thursday 9.30 am Holy Communion
January 23rd Sunday 3rd Sunday of Epiphany
10.00 am Parish Eucharist
3.00 pm Choral Evensong, Owlswick
January 27th Thursday 9.30 am Holy Communion
January 30st Sunday The Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Candlemas)
10.00 am Parish Eucharist
6.00 pm Choral Evensong
February 3rd Thursday 9.30 am Holy Communion with prayers for healing
February 6th Sunday The 5th Sunday before Lent
8.00 BCP Holy Communion
10.00 am All age Family Communion
6.00 pm Choral Evensong
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