Events Noticeboard

CHURCH SERVICES LITTLE CANFIELD Sunday 29th November 10.00am Joint service with Takeley At Little Canfield Church Sunday 6th December 4.00pm Christingle Service Sunday 13th December9.00amHoly Communion Sunday 20th December9.00amFamily Service CHRISTMAS EVE4.00pmCrib Service (family carols)11.30pm Midnight Communion at Little Canfield Church CHRISTMAS DAY10.00amFamily Communion at Takeley Church Sunday 27th December10.00amJoint Service at Little Canfield Sunday 3rd January9.00amFamily Service Sunday 10th January9.00am Holy Communion Sunday 17th January 9.00am Family Service Sunday 24th January9.00amHoly Communion (1662) Sunday 31st January 10.00amJoint Service at Takeley Little Canfield Church is at the end of Church Lane. This is off the B1256 between the Dunmow junction of the A120 and the Lion & Lamb pub. TAKELEY Sunday 29th November 10.00am Joint Service at Little Canfield Church Sunday 6th December 8.00am Holy Communion (1662) 10.30am Christingle Service Monday 7th December 4.00pmInformal service at Priors’ Wood Court Sunday 13th December 10.30am Holy Communion and Healing Sunday 20th December 10.30am Morning Prayer 6.30pm Nine Lessons and Carols Monday 21st December 4.00pm Christmas Communion and Carols at Priors’ Wood Court CHRISTMAS EVE 6.00pm Crib Service (family carols) 11.30pm Midnight Communion at Little Canfield Church CHRISTMAS DAY 10.00am Family Communion at Takeley Church Sunday 27th December 10.00am Joint Service at Little Canfield Sunday 3rd January 10.30am Family Service Sunday 10th January 10.30am Holy Communion Sunday 17th January 10.30am Morning Prayer Sunday 24th January 10.30am Holy Communion Sunday 31st January 10.00am Joint Service at Takeley Takeley Church is situated at the end of Church Lane. This is about quarter of a mile west of the Four Ashes traffic lights on the B1256. (The lane is just by the speed camera! ) The church has kitchen and toilet facilities, access for the disabled and a sound system & hearing loop. It is suitable for hire for small group meetings of up to 20 people. CELEBRATE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Well, it’s finally coming… Christmas things have been in the shops since September, which is far, far too long, in my opinion. It turns the ‘specialness’ of Christmas into just another marketing opportunity. When I was a teacher, you weren’t allowed to mention the ‘C’ word until the first of December… it just caused too much distraction! But what does Christmas mean to you? Is it just a retail therapy opportunity or would a suggestion such as changing the name to something like ‘Winterval’ have you up in arms? Is there something special about this festival that marks the birth of a person who changed the world? A sense, in the dark winter months, of light and hope and goodness. Most people these days have only the sketchiest of ideas of what Christianity is about – and a large proportion of them are wrong; basing their knowledge mostly through what the media tells them. Christmas gives us an opportunity to go ‘back to basics’; however much people have messed up the message of Christianity in years past (and we all know they have) the truth of Christmas rings out loud and clear in the song of the angels… what God wanted and tried to bring was ‘Peace on earth, goodwill to all people’ and that is what Christians have been trying to fulfil ever since. So, as you work through Christmas lists and struggle to make sure everything is perfect and ready for the big day – try to make time to remember the real reason for Christmas. Do your children and grandchildren know the meaning of the Christmas story or the words to the timeless carols, such as ‘Hark, the Herald Angels sing’? Or is there a chance that we, as a society, are losing touch with our roots? We have plenty of services for young and old to come along to (see opposite page) and you would be very welcome to join the party! The birth of Jesus was a cause for great celebration then and still is today. And, of course, we realise at this time of year how fortunate we are, because even in a recession, we still have our families, enough to eat and a roof over our heads. We remember, and try to help, those whose lives are a daily struggle, those who are frightened or lonely. So as we prepare to celebrate the coming of ‘The Light of the World’ into our darkness – we pray that his peace and light will make a difference in our world and our lives. With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year. Teresa Could we possibly….? During the first two months of Laurie’s sabbatical I have met quite a few people enquiring about christenings, weddings, funerals, wedding blessings and so on – who frequently ask me the same question, ‘Can we have the service, even though we are not members of the church?’ To which, usually, the answer is ‘Yes.’ Because of the way the parish system works, if you are resident in either of our parishes you are entitled to be baptised, married (for the first time) or have your funeral in our churches. Both Laurie and I consider that church, and the services we provide, is not a ‘members only’ club – but open to and available to everyone who needs it. I think this actually echoes Christ’s approach to ministry… he didn’t ask if people were ‘in his gang’ before he broke bread with them or healed them, taught them or ministered to them… and neither do we. The Parochial (Parish) system means we have a duty of care for, and service to, everyone (yes – everyone) in our parishes. So if you are thinking about a service – just ask! Teresa Wynne (01279 870376)