Wednesday 23 December 2015

Pew sheet 24th, 25th and 27th Decemcer 2015

St Dunstan’s Church, Monks Risborough
& St. Peter’s Chapel, Owlswick

Registered Charity Number: 1153869.

Part of the Risborough Team Ministry

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

Churchwardens:
Susanne Dodds 01844 342746 susanne@sunfire-uk.com
Charlie Fairall 07584 264573 crmfairall@yahoo.co.uk

Welcome!
We hope you will enjoy worshipping here with us.
Please see our welcome leaflet on the table for all of our services and activities. 

Thursday 24th December 2015
Christmas Eve


We gather on this dark night to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  The birth of a child brought light and comfort into the world, two thousand years ago and still does today 


11.30pm Midnight Communion
Readings: Isaiah 9 v 2-7, Titus 2 v 11-14, Luke 2 v 1-14
Hymns: 521, 523, 330, 479
Communion: 971, 326, 861, 321


Friday 25th December 2015
Christmas Day


This is a very special day: today we remember that God’s only Son came to dwell on earth and that he experienced not only the joys of being human, but all the pains, trials and anguish too.

8.00am Holy Communion



10.00am All Age Family Communion
Readings: Psalm 98, Matthew 1 v 18-end
Hymns: 508, 964, 776, 745, 266
Communion: 47, 597, 588, 641


Sunday 27th December 2015
John, Apostle and Evangelist


As we prepare to worship on this first Sunday after Christmas, let us gather as followers of the one who has created a new people around him, Jesus Christ, the Word of God.

10.00am Parish Communion
(followed by mince pies/coffee at the Rectory)

 
Readings: Exodus 33:7-11a; 1 John 1; John 21:19b-end
Hymns: 94 (vs. 1, 2, 4 & 6), 148, 266
Psalm: 117
Communion: 729, 93

3.00pm Owlswick Evensong
Readings: Isaiah 6 v 1-8, 1 John 5 v 1-12
Hymns: 21, 29, 39, 25
Psalm 97


Prayer of 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:


  • The peace of the world with an end to the fighting in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and other troubled parts of the world
  • Those who do not look forward to Christmas, who have no one to share it with, who are missing lost ones, or for whom the message of Jesus’ birth has no meaning.
  • God’s blessing on all victims of terrorism and refugees who flee to escape intolerable situations in their homelands
  • Those affected by further flooding in Cumbria
  • Those who volunteer in our community and run services on behalf of the sick, the elderly, housebound and children
  • Charity shops and all who support them, giving of their own time to organise them
  • Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Doctors, nurses, other staff, and their patients.
  • Shortborough Avenue (PR) Turnip End (Sp)
  • Those who are in need in our parish:
  • And also further afield for:
    • Joan Male, Bill Male, Alastair, Uncle Frank, Katy, Georgina Cole, Robert, baby Molly, Gabie, Dave Skinner, Andy
  • The recently departed: Audrey Stonell, Roy Lawrence
  • Those whose anniversary of death falls at this time:
    • Philip Kelleway, Amy Wilkins, Peter Carmody, Geoffrey Copcutt, Elizabeth Spittles, Shelagh Bartlett, Doug Crabbe, Richard Farrelly
Please remember the charities that the parish supports:
Relief for Oppressed People Everywhere (ROPE) is committed to combating the impact of poverty across the world. www.rope.org.uk.

Notices

Coffee and Mince Pies at The Rectory
Everyone is invited for coffee and mince pies at The Rectory after the 10.00am Communion service on Sunday December 27th. Even if you don’t come to the service you are very welcome!

Fellowship Group
There will be no walk or Knit-ins in December. These will resume on January 26th and 28th respectively. The next meeting will be a coffee morning on Thursday January 14th at the home of June Timms, The Nag’s Head, Aylesbury Road from 10am to 12 noon. All are welcome to the Fellowship’s activities

Silent Prayer Meeting – Monday January 4th 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 the church hall for these meetings of any faith or none. For further information please contact James

Newsletter – early copy date!

Copy date for contributions is 5th January.  Please send entries to john@jamckay.demon.co.uk or morna.hinch@btinternet.com

Bethany House Group
This restarts on January 13th with ‘Prayers of the Old Testament’ at 76 Westmead, Princes Risborough. For more information please contact Rev. Rose Williams 274225

The Friendship Group
We meet in the church hall on the third Wednesday of the month at 2.30 pm. The next meeting is Wednesday 20th January. All welcome!
 ‘Open House’, Thursday January 21st at 8pm at the Rectory
Under the umbrella of “The Jesus lifestyle” we shall conclude our look at the radical teaching found in the Sermon on the Mount and apply it to the 21st century. The DVD lasts approximately 35 minutes and leaves plenty of time for discussion at the end. Everyone is welcome. James

Film Nights at St. Dunstan’s
Saturday January 23rd at 5 pm, ‘Big Hero 6’ (PG): a fabulous Disney film of high tech heroes with free marshmallows. Saturday January 30th at 7 pm, ‘The Second Best Marigold Hotel’ (PG): the next instalment from the hotel that promises everything but usually fails to deliver! Free speciality tea. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults - £3, children - £1. For advanced bookings please contact Johanna Powell 01844 343996 or Rachel Ungi 01844 761535.

Come and discover St. Albans Abbey with an Evening Pilgrimage
On Wednesday March 16th there will be an opportunity to visit St. Albans Abbey. Leaving by coach from the lay-by off the A4010 in Monks Risborough at 5.30 pm, the evening starts with a sandwich and cake buffet in the Abbot’s kitchen at 7 pm. This is followed by a Pilgrimage Prayer Trail around the Cathedral, Compline by candlelight in the Quire before concluding with a silent procession to the Shrine of Saint Alban. We will return to the lay-by in Monks Risborough at about 10.15pm. The cost is £17.50 with limited spaces available. If you would like to book a place please contact Rev James Tomkins jamestomkins@btinternet.com (01844 275944) and send your money with cheques payable to ‘Monks Risborough PCC’ to the Rectory, Mill Lane, Monks Risborough, HP27 9JE .

Do you have an interest in flowers?
Join the St. Dunstan’s Flower Team – if you are interested in helping with church flowers we would love to hear from you. We are always keen to recruit and offer workshops, fun and help at all stages. Please contact Gwen Miles on 01844 345230 or Jenny Masterton-Smith 01844 273538.

The Next Few Weeks 


Morning Prayer takes place on Mondays, Wednesday and Thursday at 8.45am (except Bank Holidays).

Thurs 31st Dec 9.30am Holy Communion
5.00pm Evening Prayer (said)
Sun 3rd Jan 8.00am Holy Communion
10.00am All Age Family Communion
6.00pm Evensong
Mon 4th Jan 8.00pm Silent Prayer (church hall)
Thurs 7th Jan 9.30am Healing & Holy Communion
2.00pm Monks Monkeys (church hall)
Sun 10th Jan 10.00am Parish Communion
11.30am Owlswick Holy Communion
6.00pm Evensong
Mon 11th Jan 11.00am World War One Act of commemoration at the War Memorial
Thurs 14th Jan 9.30am Holy Communion
10.00am Fellowship Coffee morning (see notices)
2.00pm Monks Monkeys (church hall)
Sun 17th Jan 10.00am Parish Communion
3.00pm Farewell Choral Evensong at All Saints High Wycombe for Archdeacon Karen Gorham
6.00pm Evensong
Thurs 21st Jan 9.30am Holy Communion
2.00pm Monks Monkeys (church hall)
8.00pm ‘Open House’ at The Rectory
Sat 23rd Jan 5.00pm ‘Big Hero 6’, Film night in church (see notices)
Sun 24th Jan 10.00am Parish Communion
3.00pm Churches Together in Risborough Service of Christian Unity at Owlswick Chapel


Friday 18 December 2015

Pew Sheet 20th December 2015

St Dunstan’s Church, Monks Risborough
& St. Peter’s Chapel, Owlswick

Registered Charity Number: 1153869.

Part of the Risborough Team Ministry

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

Churchwardens:
Susanne Dodds 01844 342746 susanne@sunfire-uk.com
Charlie Fairall 07584 264573 crmfairall@yahoo.co.uk

Welcome!

We hope you will enjoy worshipping here with us.
Please see our welcome leaflet on the table for all of our services and activities. Coffee, squash and biscuits are served in the Church Hall after the service.
The children from the 10 o’clock club are having their party in the Church Hall during the service

Sunday 20th December 2015
Fourth Sunday of Advent


We gather together in communion with the worldwide Church as we anticipate the arrival of Christ in our lives. Let us open our hearts and minds to the joy of the Word made flesh in our world.


10.00am Parish Communion
Hymns: 406, 605, 631
Canticle: Magnificat
Communion: 634, 182, 922

First Reading Micah 5:2-5a
Micah prophesies that out of humble Bethlehem will come a ruler who will shepherd his people Israel.

Second Reading Hebrews 10:5-10
The writer to the Hebrews writes of Christ’s humble willingness to do the will of God as being worth more than the burnt offerings of the people.

Gospel Luke 1:26-38
The Angel Gabriel visits Mary with some shocking news

3.00pm Owlswick Carol Service

Prayer of 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.


Your prayers are asked this week for:


  • All victims of terrorism, throughout the world; may governments and those with authority or influence work together to bring a lasting worldwide peace.
  • Those whose lives, homes or livelihoods are threatened by extreme weather: that they will receive the help and support they need to rebuild their lives.
  • Those who do not look forward to Christmas, those who have no one to share it with, who are missing loved ones or who are homeless
  • Those who volunteer in our community and run services on behalf of the sick, the elderly, housebound and children
  • The work of Rennie Grove Hospice Care, Florence Nightingale House and
  • MacMillan Nurses. Those suffering from cancer and those who fear it.
  • Poppy Road (PR) Water Lane (Sp)
  • Those who are in need in our parish:
  • And also further afield for:
    • Joan Male, Bill Male, Alastair, Uncle Frank, Katy, Georgina Cole, Robert, baby Molly, Gabie, Dave Skinner, Andy
  • The recently departed: Roy Lawrence, Audrey Stonell, Ann Clark
  • Those whose anniversary of death falls at this time:
    Irene Edwards, Geoff Stevens

Please remember the charities that the parish supports:
Rennie Grove Hospice Care provides hospice care at home and in a day hospice for patients with a life-limiting illness in Herts and Bucks.
www.renniegrove.org

Notices


Christingle Service

Thank you to everyone who supported this wonderful service. Over £400 was raised for the Children’s Society

Christmas Concert by Candlelight with the Chinnor Silver Band
Over 200 people attended or played at this amazing concert. There was a fabulous atmosphere, great music and around £1650 was raised. Thank you to everyone who helped with the refreshments, moved pews, sold tickets etc. James

Coffee and Mince Pies at The Rectory
As in the past everyone is invited for coffee and mince pies at The Rectory after the 10.00am Communion service on Sunday December 27th. Even if you don’t come to the service you are very welcome!

Fellowship Group
There will be no walk or Knit-ins in December. These will resume on January 26th and 28th respectively. The next meeting will be a coffee morning on Thursday January 14th at the home of June Timms, The Nag’s Head, Aylesbury Road. All are welcome to the Fellowship’s activities.

Newsletter – early copy date!
Copy date for contributions is 5th January.  Please send entries to john@jamckay.demon.co.uk or morna.hinch@btinternet.com

Bethany House Group
This restarts on January 13th with prayers of the Old Testament at 76 Westmead, Princes Risborough. For more information please contact Rev. Rose Williams 274225.

The Friendship Group
We meet in the church hall on the third Wednesday of the month at 2.30 pm. The next meeting is Wednesday 20th January. All welcome!

Film Nights at St. Dunstan’s
Saturday January 23rd at 5 pm, ‘Big Hero 6’ (PG): a fabulous Disney film of high tech heroes with free marshmallows. Saturday January 30th at 7 pm, ‘The Second Best Marigold Hotel’ (PG): the next instalment from the hotel that promises everything but usually fails to deliver! Free speciality tea. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults - £3, children - £1. For advanced bookings please contact Johanna Powell 01844 343996 or Rachel Ungi 01844 761535

Come and discover St. Albans Abbey with an Evening Pilgrimage
On Wednesday March 16th there will be an opportunity to visit St. Albans Abbey. Leaving by coach from the lay-by off the A4010 in Monks Risborough at 5.30 pm, the evening starts with a sandwich and cake buffet in the Abbot’s kitchen at 7 pm. This is followed by a Pilgrimage Prayer Trail around the Cathedral, Compline by candlelight in the Quire before concluding with a silent procession to the Shrine of Saint Alban. We will return to the lay-by in Monks Risborough at about 10.15pm. The cost is £17.50 with limited spaces available. If you would like to book a place please contact Rev James Tomkins jamestomkins@btinternet.com (01844 275944) and send your money with cheques payable to ‘Monks Risborough PCC’ to the Rectory, Mill Lane, Monks Risborough, HP27 9JE

First Aid in the church and church hall
Very occasionally people require first aid either in the church or in the church hall. There are first aid kits and accident report books located in the vestry behind the organ, in the light switch cupboard near to the font and in the church hall. Jackie Highe, Jackie Manthorpe and Sue Ingram are experienced first aiders and can be called upon if necessary during a service. If an accident/incident does occur please can the accident report book be completed nearest to the incident/accident. Thank you, James

The Next Few Weeks 


Morning Prayer takes place on Mondays, Wednesday and Thursday at 8.45am (except Bank Holidays).

Mon 21st Dec 11.00am Funeral of Audrey Stonell at St. Dunstan’s
1.45pm Funeral of Roy Lawrence at the Chilterns Crematorium, Amersham
Thurs 24th Dec
Christmas Eve
9.30am Holy Communion
3.00pm Crib Service
6.00pm Village Carol Service
11.30pm Midnight Communion
Friday 25th Dec
Christmas Day
8.00am Holy Communion
10.00am All Age Family Communion
Sun 27th Dec 10.00am Parish Communion (followed by mince pies/coffee at the Rectory)
3.00pm Owlswick Evensong
Thurs 31st Dec 9.30am Holy Communion
5.00pm Evening Prayer (said)
Sun 3rd Jan 8.00am Holy Communion
10.00am All Age Family Communion
6.00pm Evensong
Mon 4th Jan 8.00pm Silent Prayer (church hall)
Thurs 7th Jan 9.30am Healing & Holy Communion
2.00pm Monks Monkeys (church hall)
Sun 10th Jan 10.00am Parish Communion
11.30am Owlswick Holy Communion
6.00pm Evensong
Mon 11th Jan 11.00am World War One Act of commemoration at the War Memorial
Thurs 14th Jan 9.30am Holy Communion
Fellowship Coffee morning (see notices)
2.00pm Monks Monkeys (church hall)
Sun 17th Jan 10.00am Parish Communion
3.00pm Farewell Choral Evensong at All Saints High Wycombe for Archdeacon Karen Gorham
6.00pm Evensong

Friday 11 December 2015

Pew Sheet 13th December 2015

St Dunstan’s Church, Monks Risborough
& St. Peter’s Chapel, Owlswick

Registered Charity Number: 1153869.

Part of the Risborough Team Ministry

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

Churchwardens:
Susanne Dodds 01844 342746 susanne@sunfire-uk.com
Charlie Fairall 07584 264573 crmfairall@yahoo.co.uk

Welcome!
We hope you will enjoy worshipping here with us.
Please see our welcome leaflet on the table for all of our services and activities. Coffee, squash and biscuits are served in the Church Hall after the service

Sunday 13th December 2015
Third Sunday of Advent


At Advent we look forward to the coming of the king. Let us worship him in active anticipation, so that our hearts may be ready to receive him.


10.00am Parish Communion
Hymns: 57, 428, 282
Communion: 978, 633, 949
Psalm: 146

First Reading Zephaniah 3:14-end
The prophet exhorts God’s people to rejoice: God is present among them in his love and power. Zephaniah declares the Lord’s purpose as bringing deliverance, healing and honour.

Second Reading Philippians 4:4-7
Paul encourages the Philippian Christians to take joy in their Lord. He urges them to release all their anxieties into grateful prayer. In so doing, they will experience God’s peace.

Gospel Luke 3:7-18
John calls the crowds coming for water baptism to a repentance that will result in changed lives. He proclaims the imminent appearance of the Messiah, who will judge, refine and baptise God’s people with the Holy Spirit.

11.30am Owlswick Holy Communion
Readings: Zephaniah 3 v 14-end, Luke 3 v 7-18

6.00pm   St. Dunstan's Nine Lessons & Carol Service

Prayer of the week
Almighty God, you sent your Son into a world where 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 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:


  • Those whose homes and livelihoods have been damaged or destroyed by the flooding in North West England and Scotland
  • An end to the fighting in Syria, Iraq and other troubled parts of the world
  • Refugees, the homeless and victims of violence
  • Those who maintain the emergency response depot at Bicester and enable relief to be given at very short notice in any part of the world.
  • Wycombe General Hospital. Doctors, nurses, other staff and patients.
  • The Old Garden Centre (PR) Flowers Bottom Lane & Lily Bottom Lane (Sp)
  • Those who are in need in our parish:
  • And also further afield for:
    • Joan Male, Bill Male, Alastair, Uncle Frank, Anne Clark, Katy, Georgina Cole, Robert, baby Molly, Gabie, Dave Skinner, Andy
  • The recently departed: Betty Tomkins, Roy Lawrence, Peter Neaves, Audrey Stonell
  • Those whose anniversary of death falls at this time:
    • Lilian Thomas, Audrey Astley-Cooper, Peter Hoar

Please remember the charities that the parish supports:
The Princes Centre provides day care services for older people and people with different disabilities     www.princescentre.org.uk.

Notices


Advent Fair

This was a terrific success. There was a bubbly atmosphere with many delightful gifts to buy. The school sang brilliantly and in total £950 was raised. Thank you to everyone who supported and helped out at this event. James

Christingle Service
Thank you to everyone who supported this wonderful service. Over £400 was raised for the Children’s Society

Congregational Carol Singing, December 14th 6.30-8.00

Meeting at St. Dunstan’s everyone is invited to come carol singing around the village with the church choir to help raise money for charity. Afterwards refreshments will be served in the church hall. If you enjoy singing please come along – singers of all standards are welcome!

The Friendship Group
We meet in the church hall on the third Wednesday of the month at 2.30 pm. The next meeting is Wednesday 16th December. All welcome!

Christmas Concert by Candlelight with the Chinnor Silver Band – Sold Out!


Jinglers Grand Seasonal Concert
On Thursday December 17th at The Princes Centre, Clifford Road beginning at c. 12.30, the Jinglers will be singing festive songs and including some poetry as part of their Grand Seasonal Concert. The concert is free but donations are welcome.

Fellowship Group
There will be no walk or Knit-ins in December. These will resume on January 26th and 28th respectively. The next meeting will be a coffee morning on Thursday January 14th at the home of June Timms, The Nag’s Head, Aylesbury Road. All are welcome to the Fellowship’s activities

Coffee and Mince Pies at The Rectory
As in the past everyone is invited for coffee and mince pies at The Rectory after the 10.00am Communion service on Sunday December 27th. Even if you don’t come to the service you are very welcome!

Newsletter – early copy date!
Copy date for contributions is 5th January.  Please send entries to john@jamckay.demon.co.uk or morna.hinch@btinternet.com

Come and discover St. Albans Abbey with an Evening Pilgrimage
On Wednesday March 16th there will be an opportunity to visit St. Albans Abbey. Leaving by coach from the lay-by off the A4010 in Monks Risborough at 5.30 pm, the evening starts with a sandwich and cake buffet in the Abbot’s kitchen at 7 pm. This is followed by a Pilgrimage Prayer Trail around the Cathedral, Compline by candlelight in the Quire before concluding with a silent procession to the Shrine of Saint Alban. We will return to the lay-by in Monks Risborough at about 10.15pm. The cost is £17.50 with limited spaces available. If you would like to book a place please contact Rev James Tomkins jamestomkins@btinternet.com (01844 275944) and send your money with cheques payable to ‘Monks Risborough PCC’ to the Rectory, Mill Lane, Monks Risborough, HP27 9JE

First Aid in the church and church hall

Very occasionally people require first aid either in the church or in the church hall. There are first aid kits and accident report books located in the vestry behind the organ, in the light switch cupboard near to the font and in the church hall. Jackie Highe, Jackie Manthorpe and Sue Ingram are experienced first aiders and can be called upon if necessary during a service. If an accident/incident does occur please can the accident report book be completed nearest to the incident/accident. Thank you, James

The Next Few Weeks 


Morning Prayer takes place on Mondays, Wednesday and Thursday at 8.45am (except Bank Holidays).

Mon 14th Dec 6.30pm Church Carol Singing (all welcome – see notices)
Wed 16th Dec 2.30pm Friendship Group (see notices)
8.00pm Chinnor Silver Band
Thurs 17th Dec 9.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Monks Risborough School Service
2.00pm Monks Monkeys (church hall)
Fri 18th Dec 9.30am Monks Risborough School Service
Sat 19th Dec 9.00am Christmas Flowers and decoration of the tree
Sun 20th Dec 10.00pm Parish Communion
3.00pm Owlswick Carol Service
Mon 21st Dec 1.45pm Funeral of Roy Lawrence (Chilterns Crematorium, Amersham)
Thurs 24th Dec
Christmas Eve
9.30am Holy Communion
3.00pm Crib Service
6.00pm Village Carol Service
11.30pm Midnight Communion
Friday 25th Dec
Christmas Day
8.00am Holy Communion
10.00am All Age Family Communion
Sun 27th Dec 10.00am Parish Communion (followed by mince pies/coffee at the Rectory)
3.00pm Owlswick Evensong
Thurs 31st Dec 9.30am Holy Communion
5.00pm Evening Prayer (said)
Sun 3rd Jan 8.00am Holy Communion
10.00am All Age Family Communion
6.00pm Evensong

Friday 4 December 2015

Pew Sheet 6th December 2015

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:
Susanne Dodds 01844 342746 susanne@sunfire-uk.com
Charlie Fairall 07584 264573 crmfairall@yahoo.co.uk

Welcome!
We hope you will enjoy worshipping here with us.
Please see our welcome leaflet on the table for all of our services and activities. Coffee, squash and biscuits are served in the Church Hall after the service

Sunday 6th December 2015
Second Sunday of Advent


Welcome to our worship today, as we seek the face of God and the filling of the Holy Spirit through Jesus, God’s Son.

8.00am Holy Communion
Readings: 2 Kings 22 v 8-10 & Ch 23 v 1-3, Luke 21 v 25-33

10.00am Christingle Service (without Communion) – see the orange service booklet

6.00pm   Evensong
Readings: Isaiah 40: 1-11 & Luke 1:1-25
Hymns 282, Psalm 75, 527, 128

Prayer of 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:


  • All children who are vulnerable or suffer from abuse, and for the work of the Children’s Society in coming to their help
  • Those currently living or travelling as refugees as the cold weather begins to bite in Eastern Europe
  • An end to the fighting in Syria, Iraq and other troubled parts of the world
  • Other children's charities supporting young people within our community
  • Dentists, physiotherapists, chiropodists and other health practitioners.
  • The Crescent (PR) Church End & Lyde End (B)
  • Those who are in need in our parish:
  • And also further afield for:
    • Joan Male, Bill Male, Alastair, Uncle Frank, Anne Clark, Katy, Georgina Cole, Robert, baby Molly, Gabie
  • The recently departed: Betty Tomkins, Roy Lawrence
  • Those whose anniversary of death falls at this time:
    • Elizabeth Bragger, Alan Gibson, Rowland Hill

Please remember the charities that the parish supports:
PACT helps hundreds of families every year through outstanding adoption and fostering services, award-winning therapeutic support and inspirational community projects across London and the south of England.
www.pactcharity.org

Notices


Advent

In connection with the start of Advent there are free copies of ‘Love Life, Live Advent’ on the table by the south door. This suggests a simple action for each day of Advent that will help us pause, reflect, prepare and make room in our lives to receive God’s greatest gift of Jesus that we celebrate at Christmas. James

Advent Fair
This was a terrific success. There was a bubbly atmosphere with many delightful gifts to buy. The school sang brilliantly and in total £950 was raised. Thank you to everyone who supported and helped out at this event. James

Monks Risborough School Infant Nativity
Everyone is invited to the local school’s nativity production called ‘A little bird told me’ on Tuesday December 8th at 10.30am. If you would like to go please let the school know on 01844 345590 or office@mrisborough.bucks.sch.uk
 
Fellowship Group
There will be no walk or Knit-ins in December. These will resume on January 26th and 28th respectively. The Christmas Party is being held at 8 pm on Thursday December 10th. All are welcome to the Fellowship’s activities.

Jinglers Grand Seasonal Concert
On both Friday December 11th (St. Mary’s Church, Princes Risborough 10.30-11.30) and Thursday December 17th (The Princes Centre, Clifford Road beginning at c. 12.30) the Jinglers will be singing festive songs and including some poetry as part of their Grand Seasonal Concert. Both concerts are free but donations are welcome.

Congregational Carol Singing, December 14th 6.30-8.00
Meeting at St. Dunstan’s everyone is invited to come carol singing around the village with the church choir to help raise money for charity. Afterwards refreshments will be served in the church hall. If you enjoy singing please come along – singers of all standards are welcome!

The Friendship Group
We meet in the church hall on the third Wednesday of the month at 2.30 pm. The next meeting is Wednesday 16th December. All welcome!

Christmas Concert by Candlelight with the Chinnor Silver Band

This will take place on December 16th 8.00 pm. Tickets (£8) available from Pat Kimber (01844) 273942 or The Elephant’s Trunk (formerly David Shuttle), Duke Street, Princes Risborough. Raffle, complimentary glass of mulled wine/soft drink and a mince pie.

Coffee and Mince Pies at The Rectory
As in the past everyone is invited for coffee and mince pies at The Rectory after the 10.00am Communion service on Sunday December 27th. Even if you don’t come to the service you are very welcome!

Newsletter – early copy date!
Copy date for contributions is 5th January.  Please send entries to john@jamckay.demon.co.uk or morna.hinch@btinternet.com

First Aid in the church and church hall
Very occasionally people require first aid either in the church or in the church hall. There are first aid kits and accident report books located in the vestry behind the organ, in the light switch cupboard near to the font and in the church hall. Jackie Highe, Jackie Manthorpe and Sue Ingram are experienced first aiders and can be called upon if necessary during a service. If an accident/incident does occur please can the accident report book be completed nearest to the incident/accident. Thank you, James.


The Next Few Weeks 


Morning Prayer takes place on Mondays, Wednesday and Thursday at 8.45am (except Bank Holidays).

Tues 8th Dec 10.30am Monks Risborough School Infant Nativity (see notices)
Thurs 10th Dec 9.30am Holy Communion
2.00pm Monks Monkeys (church hall)
8.00pm Fellowship Group Party (see notices)
Fri Dec 11th 11.00am 1st World War Act of Commemoration at the war memorial
Sun 13th Dec 10.00am Parish Communion
11.30am Owlswick Holy Communion
6.00pm Nine Lessons and Carols
Mon 14th Dec 6.30pm Church Carol Singing (all welcome – see notices)
Wed 16th Dec 2.30pm Friendship Group (see notices)
8.00pm Chinnor Silver Band
Thurs 17th Dec 9.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Monks Risborough School Service
2.00pm Monks Monkeys (church hall)
Fri 18th Dec 9.30am Monks Risborough School Service
Sat 19th Dec 9.00am Christmas Flowers and decoration of the tree
Sun 20th Dec 10.00pm Parish Communion
3.00pm Owlswick Carol Service
Thurs 24th Dec
Christmas Eve
9.30am Holy Communion
3.00pm Crib Service
6.00pm Village Carol Service
11.30pm Midnight Communion
Friday 25th Dec
Christmas Day
8.00am Holy Communion
10.00am All Age Family Communion
Sun Dec 27th 10.00am Parish Communion (followed by mince pies/coffee at the Rectory)
3.00pm Owlswick Evensong
Thurs Dec 31st 9.30am Holy Communion
5.00pm Evening Prayer (said)