Pew Sheet 30th December 2012

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
Welcome!
We hope you will enjoy worshipping here with us.

Please join James and Ann for Coffee and Mince Pies
at the Rectory (at the top of Mill Lane)
 immediately after the 10.00am service.

 

Sunday 30th December 2012

First Sunday of Christmas
Worship is more than our weekly gathering, more than the songs we sing or the prayers we make. Today, let’s worship in this place together, be open to learn more about God, follow Christ’s lead, and be changed.

10.00 am   Parish Eucharist                (Addington Setting) 

Hymns: 242, 326, 229 (omitting verses 4 & 5)
Psalm: 148: 1-6 chant 239
During Communion:  729, 321, 922

First Reading                1 Samuel 2: 18 – 20, 26
Samuel’s mother played her part in nurturing the spirituality of her son, the son she had asked of, and then given to, the Lord.    

Second Reading           Colossians 3: 12 - 17
As God’s beloved people, dwelling in Christ’s work, living out worship of him, thankfulness will mark us as his.    

Gospel Reading            Luke 2: 41 - 52
Learning about his Father, the young Jesus grew in wisdom, stature and favour with God and men.    
 
6:00pm  Choral Evensong

Readings: Isaiah: 61, Galatians 3:27 - 4:7
Hymns: 508, Psalm 132:1-7, 182, 597

Prayer for the Week
As your sons and daughters, O loving God, we come before you in thanksgiving, called and united by your eternal Word.  Teach us to ponder the mystery of Nazareth, that we may always find in you the source of our strength and the unity of our families.  We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.  Amen.

 

Your prayers are asked this week for:

• All those affected by the recent flooding
• peace throughout the world: for all those, civilians or military, caught up in fighting or other unrest
• Rowan Williams as he steps down as Archbishop of Canterbury and Justin Welby as he prepares to take on this role
• All who are thinking about volunteering in the coming year and for those who will encourage them
• The mission , ministry and congregational life of Kimble Free Church
• A site team for Lighthouse to come and set up, manage and take the equipment down required for the week.
• Residents of: Merton House and Icknield Court Nursing Home (PR), The Old School House (L)
• Those in need who are known in our parish:
• and also further afield for:
  • Gordon Haynes, Joan and Bill Male, Richard Irvine, Alastair
• The recently departed:
• Those whose anniversary of death falls at this time:
  • Amy Wilkins, Geoffrey Copcutt, Elizabeth Spittles, Shelagh Bartlett, Doug Crabbe, Richard Farrelly

Please remember the charities that the parish supports, in particular this week:
Iain Rennie Hospice at Home
Offering specialist and supportive care and advice for patients with cancer and other life threatening illnesses in their homes.                  

 

Notices

December 30th, Coffee and mince pies at the Rectory
After the Parish Eucharist everyone is welcome to come along to the Rectory at the top of Mill Lane to have a drink and a mince pie or two. James and Ann

December 31st, Evening Prayer at 5.00 pm
To mark the end of the year I am again holding a service of ‘said’ evening prayer for anyone who wishes to come along. James

Double edition of the pew sheet, January 6th/13th
The next edition of the pew sheet will cover two weeks. Please therefore can notices be submitted slightly further in advance to ensure their inclusion.

Week of prayer for Christian Unity, 18th – 25th January
On Sunday 20th January 2013 there will be a Churches Together service at 3pm in the Oasis Centre, followed by refreshments to mark this occasion. The theme will be: "What does God require of us?"

Saturday 26th Jan 2013, Community Open Afternoon
This is open for all residents of Risborough and the surrounding area. The event is to be held in the Community Centre Main Hall (off Stratton Road, opposite Mount Car Park exit) commencing at 2pm, doors open from 1.30pm. Information regarding the tickets and the outline programme can be found on the church notice board.

Unsung Heroes Award
This goes to everyone who contributed to the success of the Candlelit Concert on Wednesday - furniture movers, refreshment helpers, ticket sellers and advertisers. It was a very enjoyable evening, thanks to you and raised in the region of £700, Rosemary

Lighthouse Prayer Requests
These are the on main notice board for people to pray for as well as being listed as a separate item above

 

 

The Next Few Weeks  

Morning Prayer takes place on Mondays (except Bank Holidays), Wednesday and Thursday at 8.45 at St. Dunstan’s. There will however be no morning prayer between January 7th and 16th inclusive.

Sun 30th Dec	10.00am  Parish Eucharist (followed by mince pies and coffee at The Rectory) 6.00pm  Choral Evensong
Mon 31st Dec	New Year’s Eve 5.00pm Evening Prayer
Thurs 3rd Jan	9.30 am Healing and Holy Communion
Sun 6th Jan Epiphany	8.00am  Holy Communion 10.00am  All Age Family Eucharist 6.00pm Choral Evensong
Thurs 10th Jan	9.30am  Holy Communion (Rev Serena Hutton) 10.30 am Fellowship Coffee Morning, 6 Dovecote Close, Monks Risborough (no evening meeting) 2.00pm Monks Monkeys
Sun 13th	10.00am  Parish Eucharist (Rev Kevan Royle) 11.30am  Owlswick Holy Communion (Rev Ivor Cornish) 6.00pm Choral Evensong (Margaret Pitman)
Thurs 17th Jan	9.30am Holy Communion
Sun 20th Jan	10.00am Parish Eucharist 3.00pm Service to celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Oasis Centre, Bell Street, Princes Risborough (see notices) 6.00pm Choral Evensong

Pew Sheet 23rd December 2012

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

Welcome!
We hope you will enjoy worshipping here with us.

Please join us for refreshments in the Church Hall immediately after the 10.00am service.

 

Sunday 23rd December 2012

Fourth Sunday of Advent
The waiting is almost over.  We come together before God in this time of tinsel and fairy lights and ponder the deeper meaning of the Good News that we are about to celebrate.  Today we hear Mary’s story-the great news that she heard and the song that she was inspired to sing, and we venture to sing our own songs of faith, love and compassion.  

10.00 am          Parish Eucharist          (Merbecke Setting)
Baptism of Louise and Niamh Powell 

Hymns: 480, 182, 631
Canticle: The Magnificat (page 19 of the green prayer book)
During Communion:  634, 536 & 508

First Reading                Micah 5: 2-5a
The ancient worlds of the prophet Micah echo down the centuries and speak of a strange birth, and a ruler of the humblest origins, who will bring security and peace in the name of the Great God. 

Second Reading           Hebrews 10: 5-10
The writer to the Hebrews explains the destiny of the baby whose birth we prepare to celebrate: to open the way to God for all of us, for all time. 

Gospel Reading            Luke 1: 39–45
Mary has received her angelic visit and the astounding news of her pregnancy.  She sets off to visit her cousin Elizabeth, also an important part of the story and mother-to-be of a miraculous child.   

3:00pm             Owlswick Carol Service

Hymns: 31, 32, 29, 11, 7, 46, 5, 15


Prayer for the Week
Who are we, Lord God, that you should come to us? Yet you have visited your people and redeemed us in your Son. As we prepare to celebrate his birth, make our hearts leap for joy at the sound of your Word, and move us by your Spirit to bless your wonderful works.  We ask this through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.  Amen

Monday 24th December 2012

Christmas Eve – Midnight Mass
 Unto us a child is born. Alleluia. Tonight the angels sing on earth. Glory to God in the highest! 

Hymns: 521, 523, 330, 479 (vs. 1, 2, 3, 6 & 7)
Communion:  In the Bleak midwinter (anthem) Communion hymns: 321, 860, 597, 729

First Reading                Isaiah: 52: 7-10
In poetry, Isaiah proclaims the coming of a messenger who will bring peace and salvation to all God’s people.       

Second Reading           Hebrews 1: 1-12
The writer to the Hebrews sings of God’s Son, whom he describes as “ an exact imprint of God’s very being,” worshipped by the angels.  

Gospel Reading            John 1: 1-14
John describes Jesus as God’s message to humanity; the Christ who has been with God from the beginning of time but lived on earth among human beings, bringing them truth and light.

Prayer for the Mass at Midnight
Good and gracious God, on this holy night you gave us your Son, the Lord of the universe, wrapped in swaddling clothes, the Saviour of all, lying in a manger.  On this holy night draw us into the mystery of your love.  Join our voices with the heavenly host, that we may sing your glory on high.  Give us a place among the shepherds, that we may find the one for whom we have waited, Jesus Christ, your Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.  Amen.

Tuesday 25th December 2012

Christmas Day
 On this Christmas morning let us thank God for love and for gifts, and especially for God’s loving gift of himself to all humanity, through the person of Jesus. 

8.00 am Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer)
10.00 am All Age Family Eucharist
Hymns: 508, 645, 745, 266
During Communion:  47, 350, 861, 776

First Reading                Isaiah: 9: 2-7
Isaiah’s prophecy is a greeting that the birth of a child will bring a new kingdom of righteousness that will last for ever        


Gospel Reading            Luke 2: 1-14
Luke, the master storyteller, gives us a picture we shall never forget, of the humble birth at Bethlehem of the Saviour of the world, and the shining glory which brought shepherds to worship the Lamb of God

Prayer for Christmas Day
Lord Jesus Christ, your birth at Bethlehem draws us to kneel in wonder at heaven touching earth: accept our heartfelt praise as we worship you, our Saviour and eternal God. Amen.

Your prayers are asked this week for:

• all those caught up in the Connecticut elementary school shootings, both those who died, and those who survived
• ‘peace on earth’ in places like Syria, Afghanistan and the Middle East
• those who are not looking forward to Christmas because they are cold, hungry, without a home, or are on their own
• Those who volunteer to care for the terminally ill and work in our local hospital and hospices.
• Police, Fire-fighters, Paramedics, Ambulance Crew and other emergency and support workers
• New adults helpers to support the Fiesta evenings at Lighthouse
• Residents of: Wycombe Rd (PR), Lee Road (Sa)
• Those in need who are known in our parish:
• and also further afield for:
  • Gordon Haynes, Joan and Bill Male, Richard Irvine, Alastair
• The recently departed:
• Those whose anniversary of death falls at this time:
  • Irene Edwards, Geoff Stevens, Philip Kelleway, Amy Wilkins, Geoffrey Copcutt, Elizabeth Spittles 

Please remember the charities that the parish supports, in particular this week: Iain Rennie Hospice at Home
Offering specialist and supportive care and advice for patients with cancer and other life threatening illnesses in their homes

Notices

 

December 30th, Coffee and mince pies at the Rectory
After the Parish Eucharist everyone is welcome to come along to the Rectory at the top of Mill Lane to have a drink and a mince pie or two. James and Ann

December 31st, Evening Prayer at 5.00 pm
To mark the end of the year I am again holding a service of ‘said’ evening prayer for anyone who wishes to come along. James

Unsung Heroes Award
This goes to everyone who contributed to the success of the Candlelit Concert on Wednesday - furniture movers, refreshment helpers, ticket sellers and advertisers. It was a very enjoyable evening, thanks to you and raised in the region of £700, Rosemary

Lighthouse Prayer Requests
These are the on main notice board for people to pray for as well as being listed as a separate item above

The Door – January edition
Please take a copy home with you. Articles include: ‘Women Bishops – why are we waiting?’ ‘the Good Shepherd’ - the story of some first century shepherds and a very special newborn baby; a Christmas message from Bishop John.

 

The Next Few Weeks  

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

Sun 23rd Dec	10.00am  Parish Eucharist and Baptisms of Louise and Niamh Powell 3.00pm  Owlswick Carol Service
Mon 24th Dec	Christmas Eve 3.00pm  Crib Service 6.00pm  Village Carol Service 11.30pm  Midnight Eucharist
Tue 25th Dec	Christmas Day 8.00am  Holy Communion 10.00am  All Age Family Eucharist
Thurs 27th Dec John the Apostle	9.30am  Holy Communion
Sun 30th Dec	10.00am  Parish Eucharist (followed by mince pies and coffee at The Rectory) 6.00pm  Choral Evensong
Mon 31st Dec	New Year’s Eve 5.00pm Evening Prayer
Thurs 3rd Jan	9.30 am Healing and Holy Communion
Sun 6th Jan Epiphany	8.00am  Holy Communion 10.00am  All Age Family Eucharist 6.00pm Choral Evensong
Thurs 10th Jan	9.30am  Holy Communion (Rev Serena Hutton)
Sun 13th Jan	10.00am  Parish Eucharist (Rev Kevan Royle) 11.30am  Owlswick Holy Communion (Rev Ivor Cornish) 6.00pm Choral Evensong (Margaret Pitman)

Pew Sheet 16th December 2012

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

Welcome!
We hope you will enjoy worshipping here with us.

Please join us for refreshments in the Church Hall immediately after the 10.00am service.

 

Sunday 16th December 2012

Third Sunday of Advent
As advent draws towards Christmas, let us set aside outer busyness and attend to the inner preparation of our hearts as we worship the coming King.  

10.00 am   Parish Eucharist                (Merbecke Setting)
Hymns: 263, 205, 428
Psalm: 146
During communion: 168, 527, 948

First Reading                Zephaniah 3:14-end
The prophet calls God’s people to rejoice: God himself will come down to save them from their troubles and oppressors.  His love and power will dispel all fear and shame as he brings his people home. 

Second Reading           Philippians 4: 4-7
In the light of the Lord’s imminent return, Paul exhorts Christians to live lives characterised by rejoicing, thanksgiving and prayer-filled dependence.  In so doing, they will be enfolded in God’s peace. 

Gospel Reading            Luke 3: 7-18
John the Baptist urges the crowds to repent. Christ is coming among them bringing judgement and salvation.  They can get ready to receive him by living honest, humble and generous lives now.   


6:00pm   Nine Lessons and Carols


Prayer for the Week

Almighty God, you sent your Son into a world where the wheat must be winnowed from the chaff and evil clings even to what is good.  Let the fire of you Spirit purge us of greed and deceit, so that, purified, we may find our peace in you and you may delight in us.  Grant 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.  Amen.

 

Your prayers are asked this week for:

• All those caught up in the unrest in the Middle East, particularly Syria.
• The ministry of organists, bell ringers, choirs and other musicians during the festive season
• The Red Cross and the Red Crescent and their presence throughout the world caring for people in need.
• Solicitors, Accountants and other professional people
• Residents of: Williams Way (L), Wainhill (B)
• Those in need who are known in our parish:
• and also further afield for:
  • Gordon Haynes, Joan and Bill Male, Richard Irvine, Alastair
• The recently departed:
• Those whose anniversary of death falls at this time:
  • Lillian Thomas, Audrey Astley Cooper, Peter Hoar

Please remember the charities that the parish supports, in particular this week:

The Church Housing Trust
Dedicated to the rehabilitation and resettlement of homeless people of all ages and backgrounds                 

 

Notices

Christmas Concert and Carols by Candlelight
This very enjoyable evening of listening to brass music from across the centuries and singing carols will take place on December 19th 8.00 pm at St. Dunstan’s Church with the Chinnor Silver Band. Tickets £7.00 from Rosemary Woodward Court (01844) 344417 or David Shuttle (01844 273388) to include a glass of wine/soft drink and a mince pie

Decorating the Church Christmas Tree
Children are especially welcome at 10.00 am on Saturday December 22nd to help in this fun activity. The church tree is a bit bigger than your one at home unless you’re the Queen or Prime Minister!

December 30th, Coffee and mince pies at the Rectory
After the Parish Eucharist everyone is welcome to come along to the Rectory at the top of Mill Lane to have a drink and a mince pie or two. James and Ann.

December 31st, Evening Prayer at 5.00 pm
To mark the end of the year I am again holding a service of ‘said’ evening prayer for anyone who wishes to come along. James

Bible reading notes – please take a sample
There are free copies of some Bible reading notes on the table towards the back of the church. These are produced by the Bible Reading Fellowship and contain four different series so that you can pick and choose which style suits you best. James

Stewardship Initiative
Thank you very much for all the responses received so far. Over £10,000 has been given in ‘one off’ donations and more than £5000 in regular standing orders. These amounts will increase significantly since much of what has been given is gift aided. This has and will make a big difference to the ongoing life and ministry of St. Dunstan’s and St. Peter’s.
This is the first phase in ensuring that our finances meet the additional expenditure expected over the next few years that includes repairs to the stonework of the church and opening up churchyard extension. The combined cost of these two projects is expected to cost in the region of £30,000.
It’s not too late to return your giving form whilst also recognising there are many other ways in which people serve and contribute to this church. James

Advent Fair – Clementine and Grapefruit marmalade
If anyone knows who made this at the Advent Fair please could they let me know as someone enjoyed it very much and would like to buy some more! James.

Family History Enquiry
I have had an enquiry researching details about Colonel & Mrs Robinson who lived in Whiteleaf at the time of World War Two. Mrs Robinson died in December 1943. If anyone has any information regarding this family please could they let me know. James

 

The Next Few Weeks  

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

Sun 16th Dec	10.00am  Parish Eucharist (Canon Rob Brown) & 10 o’clock club Christmas party 6.00pm  Nine Lessons and Carols
Wed 19th Dec	2.30 Friendship Group Service (church hall) 8.00pm Concert by candlelight(see notices)
Thurs 20th Dec	9.30am  Holy Communion 10.30am Monks Risborough School Service 2.00pm Monks Monkeys
Fri 21st Dec	9.30am Monks Risborough School Service
Sun 23rd Dec	10.00am  Parish Eucharist and Baptisms of Louise and Niamh Powell 3.00pm  Owlswick Carol Service
Mon 24th Dec	Christmas Eve 3.00pm  Crib Service 6.00pm  Village Carol Service 11.30pm  Midnight Eucharist
Tue 25th Dec	Christmas Day 8.00am  Holy Communion 10.00am  All Age Family Eucharist
Thurs 27th Dec John the Apostle	9.30am  Holy Communion
Sun 30th Dec	10.00am  Parish Eucharist (followed by mince pies and coffee at The Rectory) 6.00pm  Choral Evensong
Mon 31st Dec	5.00pm Evening Prayer

Pew Sheet 9th December 2012

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

Welcome!

We hope you will enjoy worshipping here with us.

Please join us for refreshments in the Church Hall immediately after the 10.00am service.

Sunday 9th December 2012

Second Sunday of Advent

Let us use this time of worship to prepare the way of the lord and to remove all the barriers in our hearts and lives that make us unready for the coming of Christ.  

10.00 am   Parish Eucharist (Merbecke setting)

Hymns: 57, 405, 282
Psalm: Benedictus (page 11 of the green prayer book)
During communion: 655, 356, 949

First Reading                Malachi 3:1-4
The Lord’s terrible judging messenger is coming.

Second Reading           Philippians 1:3-11
Paul gives thanks for the Philippians, and prays that their faith will bear fruit and enable them to come safely before Christ’s judgement. 

Gospel Reading            Luke 3:1-6
John the Baptist, God’s messenger, breaks into the ongoing history of the world.   

11.30 am Owlswick Holy Communion
Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 3:1-6

6:00pm   Choral Evensong
Readings: Isaiah 40:1-11, Luke 1:1-25
Hymns:  128, Psalm 75, 691, 633

Prayer for the Week

God of our salvation, you straighten the winding ways of our hearts and smooth the paths made rough by sin.  Make our conduct blameless, keep our hearts watchful in holiness, and bring to perfection the good you have begun in us.  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.  Amen.

Your prayers are asked this week for:

• The troubled lands of the Middle East: for Syria and Egypt, for Israel and Palestine; for the people of Northern Ireland amidst the current disturbances there
• the people of the Philippines, in the wake of the typhoon that struck there this week
• Those who are unemployed and others facing hardship and anxiety because of economic cutbacks
• All who befriend drug addicts, and run rehabilitation programmes and centres
• Residents of: Upper Icknield Way (PR) West Lane (B)
• Those in need who are known in our parish:
• and also further afield for:
  • Gordon Haynes, Joan and Bill Male, Richard Irvine, Alastair
• The recently departed: Betty Bragger
• Those whose anniversary of death falls at this time:
• Alan Gibson, Joseph Cooper, Roy Faithfull, Rowland Hill
•  

Please remember the charities that St Dunstan's supports, in particular this week: The Church Housing Trust
Dedicated to the rehabilitation and resettlement of homeless people of all ages and backgrounds.

 

Notices

Carol Singing around the village
On Monday December 10th meeting at 6.30 pm at St. Dunstan’s everyone is invited to come carol singing around the village to help raise money for charity. Afterwards refreshments will be served. If you enjoy singing please come along – singers of all standards are welcome!

Help Required for Christmas Events/services
If you can provide or assist with the setting up/serving of mince pies for the carol singing on December 10th or 17th, and/or mulled wine/mince pies for the carol service on December 16th please speak with Janet Griffin (274235). If you can provide mince pies for the concert on December 19th please speak to Rosemary Woodward-Court (344417)

Lighthouse Prayer meeting, December 15th
All are welcome from 10 am to 11.30 at Risborough Baptist Church Lounge. Refreshments provided.

Christmas Concert and Carols by Candlelight
This very enjoyable evening of listening to brass music from across the centuries and singing carols will take place on December 19th 8.00 pm at St. Dunstan’s Church with the Chinnor Silver Band. Tickets £7.00 from Rosemary Woodward Court (01844) 344417 or David Shuttle (01844 273388) to include a glass of wine/soft drink and a mince pie.

Decorating the Church Christmas Tree
Children are especially welcome at 10.00 am on Saturday December 22nd to help in this fun activity. The church tree is a bit bigger than your one at home unless you’re the Queen or Prime Minister!

Do Nothing.  Christmas is coming by Bishop Stephen Cottrell
This small book offers you an Advent calendar with a difference.  From 1st December  all the way through to Christmas Day, you are given short, practical and entertaining steps that you can take each day to slow down, take time out- and enjoy getting ready for Christmas.  £4.50 from Rosemary 344417

Bible reading notes – please take a sample
There are free copies of some Bible reading notes on the table towards the back of the church. These are produced by the Bible Reading Fellowship and contain four different series so that you can pick and choose which style suits you best. James

Stewardship Initiative
Thank you very much for all the responses received so far. Over £10,000 has been given in ‘one off’ donations and more than £5000 in regular standing orders. These amounts will increase significantly since much of what has been given is gift aided. This has and will make a big difference to the ongoing life and ministry of St. Dunstan’s and St. Peter’s.
This is the first phase in ensuring that our finances meet the additional expenditure expected over the next few years that includes repairs to the stonework of the church and opening up churchyard extension. The combined cost of these two projects is expected to cost in the region of £30,000.
It’s not too late to return your giving form whilst also recognising there are many other ways in which people serve and contribute to this church. James

Christingle Thanks
Well done to everybody who was involved in making the
Christingle Oranges. We had a happy production line going, fuelled by Pat's seasonal refreshments. About £500 was raised for the Children's Society at the service. You all played an important part in this. Thank you, Rosemary and James

Petition and statement regarding the General Synod Vote on not consecrating women as bishops and ‘The Door’ newspaper
Following the vote last week I have copied a statement from the Bishops in the Oxford Diocese on to yellow paper for those who wish to read the official reaction to the disappointing news of the ‘no’ vote. If you would like to sign the petition from Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire to the House of Bishops please sign your name on the clipboard on the table by the entrance door of the church. The petition reads "As members of the diocese of Oxford we are dismayed by the failure of General Synod to enable women to be bishops in the Church of England. This is in spite of 42 out of 44 dioceses having voted for women bishops. We urge the House of Bishops to bring forward the simplest possible form of legislation because we recognise and affirm the vital importance of women's ministry in the Church." The ‘Door’ newspaper is also available for collection towards the back of the church. James

Advent Fair – Clementine and Grapefruit marmalade
If anyone knows who made this at the Advent Fair please could they let me know as someone enjoyed it very much and would like to buy some more! James.

Westminster Abbey
For those who are interested a series is being shown on BBC2 on Friday evenings at 9.00 pm about the inner workings of Westminster Abbey. BBCi player will no doubt enable you to catch up on the first episode if you missed it.

Family History Enquiry
I have had an enquiry researching details about Colonel & Mrs Robinson who lived in Whiteleaf at the time of World War Two. Mrs Robinson died in December 1943. If anyone has any information regarding this family please could they let me know. James

 

The Next Few Weeks 

 

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

Sun 9th Dec	10.00am Parish Eucharist 11.30am  Owlswick Holy Communion 6.00pm  Choral Evensong
Mon 10th Dec	6.30pm Carol singing (see notices)
Thurs 13th Dec	9.30am  Holy Communion 2.00pm Monks Monkeys 8.00pm  Fellowship Christmas Party
Sat 15th Dec	1.00pm Wedding
Sun 16th Dec	10.00am  Parish Eucharist (Canon Rob Brown) & 10 o’clock club Christmas party 6.00pm  Nine Lessons and Carols
Wed 19th Dec	2.30 Friendship Group Service (church hall) 8.00pm Concert by candlelight (see notices)
Thurs 20th Dec	9.30am  Holy Communion 10.30am Monks Risborough School Service 2.00pm Monks Monkeys
Fri 21st Dec	9.30am Monks Risborough School Service
Sun 23rd Dec	10.00am  Parish Eucharist and Baptisms of Louise and Niamh Powell 3.00pm  Owlswick Carol Service
Mon 24th Dec	Christmas Eve 3.00pm  Crib Service 6.00pm  Village Carol Service 11.30pm  Midnight Eucharist
Tue 25th Dec	Christmas Day 8.00am  Holy Communion 10.00am  All Age Family Eucharist