Pew Sheet 17th November 2013

St Dunstan’s Church, Monks Risborough
& St. Peter’s Chapel, Owlswick
Registered Charity Number: 1153869.

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

Churchwardens:
Sue Ingram 01844 275287 suemingram@hotmail.com 
Susanne Dodds 01844 342746 susanne@sunfire-uk.com

Welcome!

We hope you will enjoy worshipping here with us.
Coffee is served in the church hall after the 10am service.

The Junior Church (10 o’clock Club) meet in the Church Hall before coming into Church for Communion

 

Sunday 17 November 2013

Second Sunday before Advent

Our risen Lord has promised he will return in glory. As we eagerly await his coming, we gather to revere his name in our worship. 

10.00 am    Parish Eucharist (Rev. Steve Williams)

Hymns: 684, 315, 689
Psalm: 98
Communion: 649, 77, 949

First Reading   Malachi 4 v 1-2a
The prophet proclaims that when God’s work culminates in the coming of the Messiah, the bright heat of his glory will bring healing for the faithful, but destruction for enemies of his righteous rule. 

Second Reading     2 Thessalonians 3 v 6-13
Through his life and teaching, Paul underlines that Christians are to take responsibility for maintaining their own livelihoods. He warns believers not to be distracted by idlers and meddlers in their midst. 

GospelLuke 21 v 5-19
Foretelling the Temple’s destruction, Jesus also prophesies that upheavals in nature and human affairs will signify the end times, preceded by a season of Christian persecution. He promises that God will equip his people in extremis. The faithful are assured of spiritual survival.

6.00pm     Choral Evensong

Hymns: 690, 691, 686
Psalm: 97
Readings: Daniel Ch 6, Matthew 13 v 1-9 & 18-22

Prayer for the Week

Lord God of all ages, the One who is, who was, and who is to come, stir up within us a longing for your kingdom, steady our hearts in time of trial, and grant us patient endurance until the sun of justice dawns, We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.

Your prayers are asked in the coming weeks for:

• The meeting of the General Synod this week and the continuing debate about enabling women to become Bishops
• Those to be confirmed from St. Dunstan’s:
  • Ellie Webb, Louise Powell, Emily Johnston, Johanna Powell, Karen Johnson & Mick White.
• The people of the Philippines that they May receive the help they need to rebuild their shattered lives and homes.
• At the start of Prisons Week, we pray for all prisoners, their families and those who care for them: may they find hope and encouragement in the midst of their difficulties.
• Those who are homeless or suffering from housing stress. Those unable to afford housing in this area.
• For medical staff and occupational health advisers for the decisions they have to make about the health of workers and the pressures they are placed under
• For those who live in Park Street (PR) Chapel Hill (Sp)
• Those in need who are known in our parish:
• And also further afield for:
  • Joan Male, Bill Male, Richard Irvine, Alastair, David Holding, Matt Elworthy, Uncle Frank
• The recently departed:
• Those whose anniversary of death falls at this time:
  • Hilda Sandell, John Baverstock

Please remember the charities that the parish supports:
Parents and Children Together (PACT), working to build and strengthen families in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and across the UK and internationally.

Notices

Theft at St. Dunstan’s
Regrettably all of the items of silver were taken from the safe. This is very upsetting especially as some of the items were given commemoratively and some date back to the early 18th century. The police and the insurance company have been notified and we are now taking steps to purchase new communion vessels which are being part funded by an anonymous donation. If you have been given any key(s) please do not make a copy without consulting either James, Sue and Susanne as otherwise our insurance policy may be invalidated.

Stock up on your Christmas & General Greeting Cards
Leaflets to order these are at the back of the church. The order form needs to be returned by Sunday November 17th to Sue Ingram, 32 Summerleys Road, Princes Risborough, HP27 9DT (275287) with a cheque (payable to PCC Monks Risborough) or cash in-person. 30% of any purchase will be donated to this church.

Town Farm Art Show in Cheddington
Eight artists showing paintings, ceramics, woodcarving, woodcraft, contemporary basketry, textiles and jewellery.  Plus mulled wine, mince pies and Christmas cake!  www.townfarmartshow.blogspot.com One weekend only: Friday 22 - Sunday 24 November: 10am – 5pm, 6 Town Farm, Cheddington, Near Tring, LU7 0TT. Please park on High Street – not in Town Farm. Free entry - donations for refreshments in aid of Rennie Grove Hospice Care.

Advent Fair, Saturday November 23rd 10-12 noon
We are putting together a Christmas Hamper as the main raffle prize for the Advent Fair. In the porch is a list of items we need.  Please sign up to items or let Cathy (343226) know what you are able to provide. Cathy is happy to receive items on a Sunday or can collect. Ros Haigh (344166) is also looking out for for any spare bulb bowls or baskets that anyone may be willing to give to plant up for the Fair. Flyers are now available for people to pop into houses along their road for this event. Please write your name against the street(s) you wish to deliver to. Many thanks in anticipation of your help.

Silent Prayer Meeting, Monday November 25th at 8pm:
We need silence to help us to get a proper perspective on our lives; to hear the still, small voice of God, and to refresh our inner being. All are welcome to these meetings of any faith or none. Each meeting lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. The meeting starts with some simple relaxation exercises, a short passage from the Bible to reflect upon in the half hour of silence, followed by a time of sharing of our experiences if people wish. For further information please contact James.

Fellowship Group
The next walk is on Tuesday 26th November – please meet in layby at 9.15am. "Knit-ins" will be in the Church Hall on the 4th Thursday of each month starting at 2.00pm. Our Christmas Party is on Thursday 12th December in the church hall at 8 pm. Everyone welcome!.

Volunteers Required - Churchyard leaf sweep and maintenance
On Saturday November 30th at 9.30am we are looking to clear all fallen leaves from the churchyard and to carry out some general tasks such as pruning trees and maintaining paths. We can provide some tools but if you can bring any yourself that would be extremely helpful. James.

Christingle Factory
We shall be meeting in the hall on November 30th at 9.30am to make the Christingles. Anyone is very welcome to come along to this important but relaxing activity which will be accompanied by coffee/tea and mince pies. A friendly welcome is assured and lifts can be provided. Rosemary (344417)

Review of the Parish Eucharist at St. Dunstan’s
The meeting of the small worship sub group is next due to meet on Saturday December 7th. There is therefore still plenty of time to let James or Rob know your views on such things for example as: singing the psalm, the use of traditional language in Advent and Lent, the length of the service. If you have any thoughts about the worship at the Parish Eucharist please let James or Rob know so that these can be taken in to consideration.

Christmas Candlelight Concert – December 18th at 8pm
Last year this was a sell-out and the Chinnor Silver Band have been invited back again to perform their wonderful festive music and to enable others to sing some carols. Tickets are £7.50 available from Pat Kimber (273942) or David Shuttle in the High Street in Princes Risborough. Complimentary glass of wine/soft drink and a mince pie.

The Next Few Weeks 

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

Wed 20th Nov	2.30pm Friendship Group
Thurs 21st Nov	9.30am Holy Communion 2.00pm Monks Monkeys (church hall)
Sat 23rd Nov	10.00am – 12 noon Advent Fair (see notices)
Sun 24th Nov	10.00am Parish Eucharist 3.00pm Owlswick Choral Evensong 6.00pm Risborough Team Confirmation Service, St. John’s Church Lacey Green
Mon 25th Nov	8.00pm Silent Prayer Meeting (church hall)
Tues 26th Nov	9.15am Fellowship walk (see notices)
Thurs 28th Nov	9.30am Holy Communion 2.00pm Monks Monkeys in the church
Fri 29th Nov	6.00pm Carol singing in the Market Square (Churches Together)
Sat 30th Nov	9.30am Leaf Sweep and Churchyard clearance (see notices)
Sun 1st Dec	8.00am Holy Communion (BCP) 10.00am Christingle Service 6.00pm Advent service at St. Teresa’s (Churches Together in Risborough)