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Welcome to the November newsletter from St Peter's Church (it's a bit late, sorry). In this newsletter you'll see the dates and times of our services this month, and details about what else we're up to as a church family.
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Despite all of the bad news in the world at the moment, this is actually my favourite time of the year. I love the feel of the nights drawing in, the sight and sound of the colourful, crunchy leaves outside and the comforting smell from candles flickering away in the corner of the lounge. As we move towards the end of the year, I can feel the hope on the horizon.
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Throughout November our services focus on the Kingdom of God and Jesus as king. It’s an important truth to remind ourselves of in this difficult time. No matter what is happening, we can take comfort in the fact that Jesus is King and that he is building his kingdom here. We can have confidence in the fact that his kingdom is eternal and will have no end. In amongst all of the bad news, the truth of the good news stands firm pointing us to a bright future.
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So, in amongst all of the darkness, fix your eyes on Jesus, your mind on faith, and your heart on hope. You will not be disappointed.
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Remembrance
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It’s that time of year again when we remember those who have sacrificed their lives in times of war to protect ours. On Armistice Day we will be gathering at the Library for a short service at 10:45am. On Remembrance Sunday we will have a short act of remembrance within the main service. Later a parade will start from the library at 2pm followed by a service at St Peters Church at 2:20pm. Please do let your friends and neighbours know.
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Operation Christmas Child
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We’re collecting filled shoeboxes again for Operation Christmas Child this year. You can find out more details by picking up a leaflet in Church or heading over to the website Operation Christmas Child (samaritans-purse.org.uk) You can drop off your filled shoebox anytime from now up to Sunday 13th November.
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Need help?
Please do speak to Jess or a member of the pastoral care team if you are struggling and need help. If we can’t help, we may be able to sign post you to people who can.
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For those who are worried about putting the heating on, look out for the “warm spaces” initiative. Lots of schools, libraries, churches, and other public buildings are opening their doors for extended hours as places for people to come and spend time in the warm.
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Nurture Group
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Our new nurture group starts this month for those who are exploring faith, new to faith or those just wanting to refresh on some of the basics. Have a chat to Jess if you would like to join the group.
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Advent Book Group
This year we’re encouraging everyone to read the Archbishop of York’s Advent book “Sleepers Wake” throughout the four weeks. We’ll also be having a book group once a week meeting fairly informally in a local pub or café to have a chat about our own thoughts and reflections on what we have been reading.
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The book is widely available but if you struggle to get hold of a copy, please come and have a chat to Jess and she can order a copy for you. The book costs £11. If you would like a copy but would struggle with the cost, please speak to Jess confidentially and we will arrange a copy at a discounted rate or for free. If you would like to sponsor a copy to enable someone else to be able to join in, please let Jess know.
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Christmas
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Christmas is coming! The Church of England Christmas Campaign this year is “Follow the Star: The Great Invitation”. Over the next few weeks, invitation cards with details of services and events over the Christmas period will be available in Church for you to take away and give to a friend or neighbour. Earlier in the year, we were all challenged to invite one person to church. This is a great opportunity to take up that challenge. So get your thinking caps on – who can you invite?
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For your diary
We hope that you can join us each Sunday in church for our traditional or contemporary services with the Revd Jess.
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Some of our less mobile members find it difficult to get to church on their own. If anyone can help with offers of lifts, or if you would like a lift, please let Jess, Leif or Wendy know and they will do their best to coordinate.
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- Thursday 10th November: 1pm – 3pm – St Peter’s Playtime
- Sunday 13th November
- 10:30am – Family Communion with Sunday School
- 2pm – Remembrance Day Parade from the library followed by a service at church at 2:20pm
- Wednesday 16th November: 10am – Midweek Communion
- Thursday 17th November: 1pm – 3pm – St Peter’s Playtime
- Sunday 20th November: 10:30am – Family Communion with Sunday School
- Wednesday 23rd November: 10am – Midweek Communion
- Thursday 24th November: 1pm – 3pm – St Peter’s Playtime
- Sunday 27th November
- 9am – Quiet Communion Service
- 10:30am – Family Communion with Sunday School
- 4pm – Christingle Service
- Wednesday 30th November: 10am – Midweek Communion
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Prayer Ministry Team members will be available every Sunday to pray with anyone should the need arise. If you aren't in church for the Sunday service but would like prayer, please contact us - the Holy Spirit can cope with a telephone call. Please don't worry or suffer alone.
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Prayer for November
The changing of the seasons.
The coming of winter.
The calendar year ending.
The church year beginning.
We remember the saints as November begins.
We give thanks and we remember that Jesus has called us all to be saints.
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And finally
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We hope you enjoyed this newsletter. If you have suggestions for things we can put in it please do get in touch.
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Thanks for reading. God bless you all.
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St Peter's Church, Birstall
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