Pew Sheet 29th December 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.

There are colouring sheets available for the children in ‘the children’s corner’.

 

Sunday 29 December 2013

First Sunday of Christmas

Today we hear how God keeps Jesus safe from the threat of Herod until Herod himself has died. Together let us proclaim the gracious deeds of the Lord who delivers his people from the slavery of sin.

10.00 am      Parish Eucharist
Hymns: 36, 700, 242
Psalm: 148 (chant 240)
Communion: 729, 321, 508

First Reading      Isaiah 63 v 7-9
The prophet speaks of God’s love and compassion towards his people, Israel, and how he has saved them in times of distress.

Second Reading      Hebrews 2 v 10-end
We hear that Jesus can identify with us, his brothers and sisters, because he has shared our humanity. He can help us because he understands us and came to bring reconciliation between us and God, our heavenly Father.

Gospel       Matthew 2 v 13-end
God warns Joseph of Herod’s intention to kill Jesus and tells him to seek refuge in Egypt. Only when Herod is dead can the family return to Israel and settle in Nazareth.

6.00pm      Choral Evensong
Hymns: 683, 597, 536
Psalm: 132 v1-7

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 strenth 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, in the splendour of eternal light, God for ever and ever. Amen

Your prayers are asked in the coming weeks for:

• Those areas of the world marred by tension and conflict, especially South Sudan, Egypt, Syria and other parts of the Middle East
  
• Those whose Christmas plans have been disrupted by the storms and flooding
• Those who are homeless, living as refugees or seeking political asylum
• Those who are persecuted for their faith or beliefs
• For The Red Lion PH at Whiteleaf and The Plough at Cadsden
• For those who live in Staddle Stones & Kop Hill (PR) Trout Hollow (Saunderton)
• 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:
  • Philip Kelleway, Amy Wilkins, Geoffrey Copcutt, Elizabeth Spittles, Shelagh Bartlett, Doug Crabbe, Richard Farrelly

Please remember the charities that the parish supports:
The Church Housing Trust, dedicated to the rehabilitation and resettlement of homeless people of all ages and backgrounds.

Notices

Thank you
Thank you to everyone who has decorated the church, provided refreshments or helped out with the various events and services as part of our Christmas celebrations. This has all been enormously appreciated and created a lovely community spirit. At the Chinnor Silver Band Concert on December 18th over £1150 was raised and in the week leading up to Christmas Day we welcomed around 1,200 people to the services held in the parish.

Coffee and Mince Pies at the Rectory - Today
After the Parish Eucharist on Sunday December 29th everyone is welcome back to the Rectory for some mince pies and coffee. James and Ann

New Chalice and Paten
Following the theft last month we have received an anonymous donation to enable us to buy a new paten (small plate) and two new chalices. If you wish to make a contribution to the replacement of one of the chalices please can you let James know.

St. Dunstan's Fellowship - Change of Date
Please note that the Coffee Morning will be on Wednesday 8th January 2014 (not Thursday) from 10.00am - 12.00 at the home of Janet Griffin, 6 Dovecote Close, Monks Risborough. (There will be no evening meeting during January). Thank you, Pam Scott.

Double Edition of the Pew Sheet (January 5th/12th)
We will include as many notices as we can but space may be limited.

Friendship Group
We meet in the church hall on the third Wednesday of the month at 2.30pm. The next meeting is Wednesday 15th January.

Newsletter
Copy date for contributions is 10th January.  Please send entries to morna.hinch@btinternet.com or john@jamckay.demon.co.uk
 
Help required for Refreshments
On Sunday January 19th at 3.00pm St. Dunstan’s is hosting the service to mark the week of prayer for Christian Unity. After the service refreshments will be served in the hall. If you can help serve tea, coffee etc. please can you let James know.

The Next Few Weeks 

Morning Prayer usually takes place on Mondays (except Bank Holidays), Wednesday and Thursday at 8.45 at St. Dunstan’s. Please note there will be no morning prayer between Monday January 6th and Monday January 13th (inclusive)

Tues 31st Dec	5.00pm Evening Prayer
Thurs 2nd Jan	9.30am Healing & Holy Communion
Sun 5th Jan	8.00am Holy Communion (BCP) 10.00am Family All Age Communion 6.00pm Choral Evensong
Mon 6th Jan	Taking down of Christmas decorations
Thurs 9th Jan	9.30am Holy Communion (Rev Serena Hutton) 2.00pm Monks Monkeys
Sun 12th Jan	10.00am Parish Eucharist (Canon Rev Rob Brown) 11.30am Owlswick Holy Communion (Rev Ivor Cornish) 6.00pm Choral Evensong (Canon Rev Rob Brown)
Thurs 16th Jan	9.30am Holy Communion 2.00pm Monks Monkeys
Sat 18th Jan	7.00pm Chiltern Branch Bell Ringing Evening
Sun 19th Jan	10.00am Parish Eucharist 3.00pm Service to mark the week of prayer for Christian Unity (see notices) 6.00pm Choral Evensong
Thurs 23rd Jan	9.30am Holy Communion 2.00pm Monks Monkeys (in church) 8.00pm ‘Open House’
Sun 26th Jan	10.00am Parish Eucharist (preacher Rev. Rose Williams) 3.00pm Owlswick Choral Evensong

Pew Sheet 22nd December 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.

There are colouring sheets available for the children in ‘the children’s corner’.
 

  Sunday 22 December 2013

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Advent is a time of many familiar symbols and signs of our faith in Emmanuel, God’s Son who was sent to us for our salvation. In all we do, let’s be reminded again of the greatest sign of God’s saving love and life with us, the birth of Jesus.

10.00 am      Parish Eucharist

Hymns: 128, 182, 370
Psalm: 80 v1-7 & 17-19
Communion: 536, 633, 949

First Reading      Isaiah 7 v 10-16
A young woman’s pregnancy was a sign of God’s presence in and to the world, working against known order and bringing forth the child to be called Emmanuel.

Second Reading      Romans 1 v 1-7
Paul: set apart to serve as an apostle of the Gospel, yet called with us by God’s grace and the Holy Spirit’s power to belong to Jesus Christ as God’s people.

Gospel       Matthew 1 v 18-24
The source of the child Emmanuel was in God the Holy Spirit. God provided an angel’s message so that Joseph could be sure that the familiar norms were being transformed by the presence and power of God. 

3.00pm      Owlswick Carol Service
Hymns: 31, 12, 21, 10, 19, 9, 5, 28


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 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

Further service details inside

Tuesday 24th December 2013 

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 (1st verse solo), 148, 330, 479
Communion: 597, 588, 634

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: 1-4
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 ‘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.

Wednesday 25th December 2013

Christmas Day

 The day we have waited for is here, with the joy of the baby, the Christ child, the Lord. We come together to the house of God to see what that means. Bring your gifts, your joys, your disappointments and even your sorrows. See the baby, the beginning of a different world, the face of God.

8.00 am Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer)

10.00 am All Age Family Eucharist
Hymns: 508, 776, 229
During Communion:  47, 350, 861, 93

First Reading Isaiah 9:2, 6 & 7
Isaiah’s prophecy foretells the birth of a child whose new kingdom of righteousness will last for ever.

Gospel Luke 2: 1-14
Luke the master storyteller, gives us pictures we will 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 in the coming weeks for:

• Those areas of the world marred by tension and conflict, especially South Sudan, Egypt, Syria and other parts of the Middle East
  
• Those who are not looking forward to Christmas because they are cold, hungry, without a home, or are on their own
• The mission, ministry and congregational lives of St Peter’s Chapel, Owlswick & St Michael’s Horsenden. 
• For those who live in Wycombe Road (PR) and Hillview
• For those who volunteer to care for the terminal ill and work in our local hospital and hospices
• 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:
  • Irene Edwards, Geoff Stevens

Please remember the charities that the parish supports:
Rope (Relief for Oppressed People Everywhere), combating oppressive poverty across the world and striving to change the lives of the poor.

Notices

Thank you
Thank you to everyone who has provided refreshments or helped out with the various events and services over the past couple of weeks. This has all been enormously appreciated, created a lovely community spirit and at the Chinnor Silver Band Concert last Wednesday over £1150 was raised.

New Chalice and Paten
Following the theft last month we have received an anonymous donation to enable us to buy a new paten (small plate) and two new chalices. If you wish to make a contribution to the replacement of one of the chalices please can you let James know.

Wedding
Mr and Mrs Wade welcome friends and people from the parish to attend the wedding service of Katie and Adam on Monday 23 December at 14.30pm.


St. Dunstan's Fellowship - Change of Date
Please note that the Coffee Morning will be on Wednesday 8th January 2014 (not Thursday) from 10.00am - 12.00 at the home of Janet Griffin, 6 Dovecote Close, Monks Risborough. (There will be no evening meeting during January). Thank you, Pam Scott.

Coffee and Mince Pies at the Rectory
After the Parish Eucharist on Sunday December 29th everyone is welcome back to the Rectory for some mince pies and coffee. James and Ann

Double Edition of the Pew Sheet (January 5th/12th)
We will include as many notices as we can but space may be limited.

The Next Few Weeks 

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

Mon 23rd Dec	2.30pm Wedding of Katie Wade and Adam Boyden – all invited!
Tues 24th Dec Christmas Eve	3.00pm Crib Service 6.00pm Village Carol Service 11.30pm Midnight Eucharist
Wed 25th Dec Christmas Day	8.00am Holy Communion 10.00am All Age Family Eucharist
Thurs 26th Dec St. Stephen	9.30am Holy Communion
Sun 29th Dec	10.00am Parish Eucharist (followed by mince pies and coffee at the Rectory) 6.00pm Choral Evensong
Tues 31st Dec	5.00pm Evening Prayer
Thurs 2nd Jan	9.30am Healing & Holy Communion
Sun 5th Jan	8.00am Holy Communion (BCP) 10.00am Family All Age Communion 6.00pm Choral Evensong

Pew Sheet 15th December 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) are meeting in the Church Hall for their Christmas party today.

 

Sunday 15 December 2013

Third Sunday of Advent

“Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near” (James 5:8). As we continue to journey through this time of Advent, let us worship before him with thankful and expectant hearts.

10.00 am    Parish Eucharist with the Christening of Sebastian and Thea Shah

Hymns: 480, 631, 406, 405
Communion: 978, 634, 932

First Reading   Isaiah 35 v 1-10
Isaiah offers words of encouragement and reassurance to the people in exile, prophesying their triumphant return to Zion.

Second Reading     James 5 v 7-10
The writer urges the people not to judge one another, and to wait for the Lord’s coming with the same patience that the farmer exercised when waiting for the ripening of his crop.
 
Gospel     Matthew 11 v 2-11
John the Baptist, in prison, seeks reassurance as to Jesus’ identity. Jesus challenges the crowds concerning John and the work God called him to do.

6.00pm     Nine Lessons & Carol Service

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 your 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 days draw 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 in the coming weeks for:

• The people of South Africa and the family of Nelson Mandela as the world mourns his death, that his legacy of forgiveness, reconciliation and equality may always be remembered and upheld.
• Refugees, especially for those who face the coming winter with insufficient food, clothing and shelter. For Medicins sans Frontiers and the often dangerous role of caring for the sick in war
• For those who live in Wheelwright Road and Perry Lane
• For the mission, ministry and congregational life of The Baptist Chapel in Speen
• 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:
  • Lilian Thomas, Audrey Astley-Cooper, Peter Hoar

Please remember the charities that the parish supports:
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

Safeguarding (children and vulnerable adults) officer required 
We are looking to find a person to be our Safeguarding Officer.  This involves making sure that any activities we carry out with children or vulnerable adults are done safely and in accordance with guidelines, for example, ensuring that everyone on the rota for Sunday School has been through the Disclosure and Barring procedure. It would also be helpful to find someone who could support the Safeguarding offer, taking on some of the basic administration and paperwork, keeping lists up to date and so on.  Susanne Dodds (342746) would be happy to discuss this with anyone who might be interested.

‘Serving’ at St. Dunstan’s
We need to recruit one or two more adults or children to help assist the priest at the altar, holding the red Gospel book and carrying the cross as part of the procession. Without obligation, if you think you might be interested please speak with James or Sheila

New Chalice and Paten
Following the theft last month we have received an anonymous donation to enable us to buy a new paten (small plate) and two new chalices. If you wish to make a contribution to the replacement of one of the chalices please can you let James know.

Wedding
Mr and Mrs Wade welcome friends and people from the parish to attend the wedding service of Katie and Adam on Monday 23 December at 14.30pm.

Help required for Christmas refreshments
In the weeks running up to Christmas we aim to provide drinks and refreshments for a variety of services and events. These all centre on mulled wine, mince pies and soft drinks. The details and approximate timing when the refreshments need to be served are below:
After the choir, church and community carol singing on December 16th (8.00 in the hall); During the interval of the Chinnor Silver Band concert on December 18th (8.45 in the church).
Please can you write your name on the sheet in the porch if you can help on any or all of these occasions. Many thanks, James.

St. Dunstan's Fellowship - Change of Date
Please note that the Coffee Morning will be on Wednesday 8th January 2014 (not Thursday) from 10.00am - 12.00 at the home of Janet Griffin, 6 Dovecote Close, Monks Risborough. (There will be no evening meeting during January). Thank you, Pam Scott.

Friendship Group
We meet in the church hall on the third Wednesday of the month at 2.30pm. The next meeting is Wednesday 18 December.

Carol Singing around the village
On Monday December 16th meeting at 6.30 pm at St. Dunstan’s everyone is invited to come carol singing around the village with the church choir to help raise money for charity. At about 8.00pm refreshments will be served. If you enjoy singing please come along – singers of all standards are welcome!

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

Coffee and Mince Pies at the Rectory
After the Parish Eucharist on Sunday December 29th everyone is welcome back to the Rectory for some mince pies and coffee. James and Ann

Alan and Michaela (Barnes)
Alan and Michaela are moving to 1 Kensington Road, Pakefield, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0HY Tel: 01502 512104 mobile: 07981505829. We wish them every blessing in their new home.

Fundraising for the Princes Centre:
M&S have kindly allowed The Princes Centre to do an
in-store fund raiser over four days in the run up to Christmas. The idea is to have volunteers at the end of each checkout offering to help pack customer's shopping; in return it is hoped that some loose change will be put in the strategically placed buckets! The Princes Centre is looking for volunteers to cover a two hour shift during the following days/periods: Saturday 21st Dec: 10.00 - 12.00, 12.00 - 14.00, 14.00 - 16.00; Sunday 22nd Dec: 10.00 - 2.00,
12.00 - 14,00, 14,00 - 16.00; Monday 23rd Dec: 08.00 - 10.00, 10.00 - 12.00, 12,00 - 14.00, 14.00 - 16.00; Tues 24th Dec: 08.00 - 10.00, 10.00 - 12.00, 12.00 - 14,00, 14.00 - 16.00. Anyone who is able to help should contact Kim at the Princes Centre 01844 345105, as she is co-ordinating the rota.

The Next Few Weeks 

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

Mon 16th Dec	6.30pm Carol singing (see notices)
Wed 18th Dec	2.30pm Friendship Group (church hall) 8.00pm Chinnor Silver Band concert (see notices)
Thurs 19th Dec	9.30am Holy Communion 10.30am Monks Risborough School Service 2.00pm Monks Monkeys
Fri 20th Dec	9.30am Monks Risborough School Service
Sat 21st Dec	9.30am Decorating the Christmas Tree
Sun 22nd Dec	10.00am Parish Eucharist 3.00pm Owlswick Carol Service
Mon 23rd Dec	2.30pm Wedding of Katie Wade and Adam Boyden – all invited!
Tues 24th Dec Christmas Eve	3.00pm Crib Service 6.00pm Village Carol Service 11.30pm Midnight Eucharist
Wed 25th Dec Christmas Day	8.00am Holy Communion 10.00am All Age Family Eucharist
Thurs 26th Dec St. Stephen	9.30am Holy Communion
Sun 29th Dec	10.00am Parish Eucharist 6.00pm Choral Evensong
Tues 31st Dec	5.00pm Evening Prayer

Pew Sheet 8th December 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 8 December 2013

Second Sunday of Advent

We are a people who believe that Christ will return again, that he will come in glory to judge the living and the dead. So as we worship, may we open our hearts to God in readiness for that day.

10.00 am    Parish Eucharist
Hymns: 263, 221, 282
Psalm: 72 v1-7
Communion: 447, 418, 938

First Reading   Isaiah 11 v 1-10
The Jews had suffered greatly at the hands of foreign powers and ungodly leadership, but now God declares that better things will come out of these most unpromising of circumstances.

Second Reading     Romans 15 v 4-13
Paul has been encouraging the Roman Christians to think not only about themselves, but the needs of other believers. He goes on to encourage this further by reminding them of the example of Christ who served others.

Gospel     Matthew 3 v 1-12
Jesus’ ministry is about to start and John the Baptist is determined to make sure that people are ready for it!

11.30am      Owlswick Holy Communion
Readings: Isaiah 11 v 1-10, Matthew 3 v 1-12

6.00pm     Choral Evensong
Readings: 1 Kings 18 v 17-39, John 1 v 19-28
Hymns: 265, 527, 656
Psalm: 11

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 in the coming weeks for:

• The people of South Africa and the family of Nelson Mandela as the world mourns his death, that his legacy of forgiveness, reconciliation and equality may always be remembered and upheld.
• Those who are suffering as a result of the severe weather, especially those who have had to leave their homes: that they may receive the help they need to rebuild and repair.
• The Bishop of Buckingham, the Archdeacon of Buckingham, and the Parish Development Adviser.
• For those who live in Town Farm Barns (PR) Shootacre Lane (B)
• 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: Nev Holding
• Those whose anniversary of death falls at this time:
  • Francis Lambell, Elizabeth Bragger, Alan Gibson, Rowland Hill

Please remember the charities that the parish supports:
Tearfund, working in partnership with Christian agencies and churches worldwide to tackle the causes and effects of poverty.

Notices

Safeguarding (children and vulnerable adults) officer required 
We are looking to find a person to be our Safeguarding Officer.  This involves making sure that any activities we carry out with children or vulnerable adults are done safely and in accordance with guidelines, for example, ensuring that everyone on the rota for Sunday School has been through the Disclosure and Barring procedure. It would also be helpful to find someone who could support the Safeguarding offer, taking on some of the basic administration and paperwork, keeping lists up to date and so on.  Susanne Dodds (342746) would be happy to discuss this with anyone who might be interested.

Christingle Service - Thank you
Thank you to everyone who helped to make this service such a tremendous success. The Children’s Society will benefit by over £575 as a result of the money given.

‘Serving’ at St. Dunstan’s
We need to recruit one or two more adults or children to help assist the priest at the altar, holding the red Gospel book and carrying the cross as part of the procession. Without obligation, if you think you might be interested please speak with James or Sheila.

New Chalice and Paten
Following the theft last month we have received an anonymous donation to enable us to buy a new paten (small plate) and two new chalices. If you wish to make a contribution to the replacement of one of the chalices please can you let James know.

Help required for Christmas refreshments
In the weeks running up to Christmas we aim to provide drinks and refreshments for a variety of services and events. These all centre on mulled wine, mince pies and soft drinks. The details and approximate timing when the refreshments need to be served are below:
After the school carol singing on December 9th (7.30 in the hall); After the Nine and Lessons and Carols service on December 15th (7.15 in the church); After the choir, church and community carol singing on December 16th (8.00 in the hall); During the interval of the Chinnor Silver Band concert on December 18th (8.45 in the church).
Please can you write your name on the sheet in the porch if you can help on any or all of these occasions. Many thanks, James.

Monks Risborough School Infant Nativity Play
This takes place in the school hall at 10.30am on Tuesday December 10th. This is always a most enjoyable occasion and anyone from the parish is welcome to come to it.

Fellowship Group
Our Christmas Party is on Thursday 12th December in the church hall at 8 pm. Everyone welcome!

The 10 O'clock Club Christmas Party Sunday 15th December. 
Please note the earlier start time of 9.50am in the Church Hall for a fun packed session of games, crafts and the story of the nativity.  The children will not join us for communion but can be collected from the hall after the service.

Nine Lessons and Carols – December 15th at 6 pm and Village Carol Service – Christmas Eve 6 pm: Readers required.
If you would like to read one of the lessons at one of these services please let James know.

Carol Singing around the village
On Monday December 16th meeting at 6.30 pm at St. Dunstan’s everyone is invited to come carol singing around the village with the church choir to help raise money for charity. At about 8.00pm refreshments will be served. If you enjoy singing please come along – singers of all standards are welcome!

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

Coffee and Mince Pies at the Rectory
After the Parish Eucharist on Sunday December 29th everyone is welcome back to the Rectory for some mince pies and coffee. James and Ann

Alan and Michaela (Barnes)
Alan and Michaela are moving to 1 Kensington Road, Pakefield, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0HY Tel: 01502 512104 mobile: 07981505829. We wish them every blessing in their new home.

The Next Few Weeks 

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

Tues 10th Dec	10.30am Infant Nativity Play (Monks Risborough School Hall)
Thurs 12th Dec	9.30am Holy Communion 2.00pm Monks Monkeys 8.00pm Fellowship Christmas party (see notices)
Sat 14th Dec	9.30am Churchyard Leaf Clearance
Sun 15th Dec	10.00am Parish Eucharist and Baptism of Thea Shah (10 o’clock club Christmas Party starts at 9.50am) 6.00pm Nine Lessons and Carols
Mon 16th Dec	6.30pm Carol singing (see notices)
Wed 18th Dec	2.30pm Friendship Group (church hall) 8.00pm Chinnor Silver Band concert (see notices)
Thurs 19th Dec	9.30am Holy Communion 10.30am Monks Risborough School Service 2.00pm Monks Monkeys
Fri 20th Dec	9.30am Monks Risborough School Service
Sun 22nd Dec	10.00am Parish Eucharist 3.00pm Owlswick Carol Service
Mon 23rd Dec	2.30pm Wedding of Katie Wade and Adam Boyden – all invited!
Tues 24th Dec Christmas Eve	3.00pm Crib Service 6.00pm Village Carol Service 11.30pm Midnight Eucharist
Wed 25th Dec Christmas Day	8.00am Holy Communion 10.00am All Age Family Eucharist
Thurs 26th Dec St. Stephen	9.30am Holy Communion