Pew Sheet for 20th Dec
United Benefice of St Bartholomew Lower Cam with Coaley
December 20th Fourth Sunday of Advent 9.15am Christmas Carols and Holy Communion (Co) 11.00am Christmas Carols and Holy Communion (LC)
December 22nd 8.00pm Zoom Service of Compline
December 23rd 10.00am Zoom Coffee Morning
December 27th First Sunday of Christmas No Services
January 3rd 9.15am Epiphany Communion (Co) 11.00am Epiphany Communion (LC) Revd. Bob Callaghan both Churches
Collect Eternal God, as Mary waited for the birth of your Son, so we wait for his coming in glory; bring us through the birth pangs of this present age to see, with her, our great salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Intercessions Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer
In your prayers this week could you pray for our five overseas partner Dioceses especially today the Diocese of El Camino Real and for Churches Together, Church of the Holy Cross, Owlpen.
Post Communion Heavenly Father, who chose the Blessed Virgin Mary to be the mother of the promised savior: fill us your servants with your grace, that in all things we may embrace your holy will and with her rejoice in your salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. First Reading – Isaiah 9 v1-7
1But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 2The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined. 3You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.
Second Reading – Matthew 1 v18-25 18Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” 24When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus. Gospel Reading – Luke 2 v4-20
4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 8In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!” 15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
“Friends@Christmas” Message from Revd Sue I would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts, beautiful gifts and prayers. I feel overwhelmed by your generosity and love. With love and prayers Sue
Magazine Dedication The Magazine Editorial Committee would like to offer the chance to dedicate the colour front page of the Church Magazine to a loved-one. The cost of this is £20 and please contact Gill for a choice of covers.
Christmas hearts & Christmas bird seed in the porch in Coaley. Donations for church funds
Church Services for December Coaley 20th December 9.15am – Advent 4 Carols and Holy Communion 25th December 9.15am Christmas Morning Family Holy Communion
Lower Cam 20th December 11.00am – Advent 4 Carols and Holy Communion with zoom 24th December 11.30pm – Midnight Christmas Mass The joint service on 27th December has been cancelled
The foodbank is looking for cash donations as well as food donations for Christmas. These may be given in the 2nd collection plate at the back of St Barts, Lower Cam for onward transmission“. FoodBank Contributions can be delivered to Tesco in Cam and to Sainsburys in Dursley. Friends @ Christmas. All the "guests" will receive Christmas gifts (as is usual).
Virtual Christmas Tree Festival
The Nativity figures will all come together at St James on 21st, 22nd and 23rd December but unfortunately the Pop up Café on the 21st will not be taking place due to the increased level of risk.
Revd. Peter Fewings can be contacted on 07795206590 or ptfewings@gmail.com
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