Prince of Peace, one of the titles given to the Son of God – “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.” Isaiah 9:6-7.
In our war-torn, divided world, Prince of Peace may seem a misnomer but God’s peace is not about the political divisions there may be, violence or physical safety, though God’s peace may work in all these situations. What God’s coming in that baby, Jesus, means is that we can have a relationship with Him and live with the Holy Spirit in our hearts.
When the Holy Spirit works in our lives we are filled with love, joy and peace which spills over into all our relationships. Jesus didn’t tell us that this would mean life would be easy but whatever problems and hardships we may face, with God’s peace in our hearts we can face the world.
It’s good to know that with the powerful love of God we are not dependent on our own strength. As we celebrate again Christ’s birth, may you know the deep peace which is beyond our understanding, and be glad for His coming to rescue us, guide us and walk with us whatever our situation. Christmas blessings to you all.
How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.
Services in December and January
December 2023
3rd – Revd T M Nowell – Holy Communion
10th – Revd J Matthews
17th – Folk Carols – 3pm
24th – Carols and Readings
Christmas Day – Revd T Nowell – 10.30am
31st – NO SERVICE
January 2024
7th – Revd T Nowell, Holy Communion
14th – Own Arrangements, Cafe
21st – A Measures
28th – Revd Jennifer Matthews.
Annual Gift Service for Young People leaving Care
For many years our church has supported young people leaving care. Barnado’s Lincolnshire Leaving Care Service supports young people leaving foster care and children’s homes at the age of 18 and helps them from the age of 16 to their mid-20s make a successful move to living in the community.
As we think about our own families and our own children we pray that those leaving care in the near future will find support and make a good life as they begin to live alone. Can you give a monetary donation to ensure these young people get a good start in life?
Our Gift Service will be held on Sunday, 10th December. There is a basket at the front of church for your donations which will be dedicated in the service.
Folk Carol Service
You are warmly invited to our Folk Carol Service on Sunday 17th December at 3pm
Come and share Christmas with us in an informal and lively celebration of old yuletide carols and songs. Music led by Jonathan Nowell and friends.
Dates for your Diary
December 2023
Mon. 04 – Craft & Friendship – 10.30-noon including Warm Welcome
Tues. 05 – First Tuesday Circle Christmas Evening at Lynne’s 6pm
Wed. 06 – Advent Group – 10.30am in the lounge
Mon. 11 – Craft & Friendship – 10.30am-noon including Warm Welcome
Wed. 13 – Advent Group – 10.30am
Mon. 18 – Craft & Friendship – 10.30am-noon including Warm Welcome
Wed. 20 – Advent Group – 10.30am
January 2024
Mon. 08 – Craft & Friendship – 10.30am-noon including Warm Welcome
Mon. 15 – Craft & Friendship – 10.30am-noon including Warm Welcome
Mon. 22 – Craft & Friendship – 10.30am-noon including Warm Welcome
Mon. 22 – Prayers for Christian Unity – 11am
Sat. 27 – Coffee Morning for NOMAD – 10-11am
Mon. 29 – Craft & Friendship – 10.30am-noon including Warm Welcome
Advent Study
Our Advent study will begin on Wednesday morning at 10.30 on 29th November. The title of the study this year is “Out of the Ordinary”. Put it in your diary now and come and think on the real meaning of Christmas.
Coffee Morning for NOMAD
NOMAD is Lincoln’s centre where emergency shelter can be accessed for the homeless. Adults aged 18 and over can be provided with an en-suite room, laundry facilities, three meals a day and a safe and supportive environment with the support of a Case worker. The Day Centre is able to bring together a range of professionals who can give support to those experiencing homelessness and mental health and physical well-being services.
Their aim is to help those with the greatest need move forward. This is another cause that our church has supported for many years. We recognise that homelessness can happen to anyone and we thank God that our situation is stable and we long for others to have a safe & stable life so again we ask for your help.
Can you support our Coffee Morning for NOMAD on Saturday, 27 January and help those less fortunate than us?
Environmental Concerns
UNICEF’s latest report highlighted that 1 billion children are already suffering because of climate change. Christmas, a beautiful time for giving to family & friends but what will you be giving? – a gift that is useful, readable, pretty, environmentally friendly, or a donation to a needy cause?
We mentioned last year that cards with glitter on cannot be recycled so ensure what you buy doesn’t damage the environment. We throw away about 1 billion Christmas cards – that takes the equivalent or 33 million trees! This year we will have a CHURCH CARD for everyone to sign and save trees.
There are ways to wrap & decorate with string & ribbon, and before you buy wrapping paper check that it can be recycled and is environmentally friendly – some paper & packaging can even be composted. We live in a rich part of the world so it’s vital that we who have everything do not damage the environment any further, either for ourselves but more importantly for our neighbours in other parts of the world who are suffering with climate change and degradation of their land and livelihoods.
Lord Jesus, thank you that we are all your children. Teach us day by day how you would have us live. In all our ways help us to live and love as you would have us live and love so that others may live safely and come to know your greatest gift of love and care. Amen
Fundraising
Christmas Fair
A big thank you to everyone who supported this event in any way. This event helps us meet our community and keep our church open and there for everyone. So far we have raised £838.03 – fabulous!
Other News
Family News
To all our friends unable to worship with us we send Christmas blessings as we celebrate again the birth of our Saviour. Please pray for our church that we will be a beacon of hope and blessing to those around. Thank you for your support.
Deadline for February Newsletter – 21st January 2024
If you have any news to share then please be aware of the above date and let us have your item a few days before.
Closing Thoughts
Light of the World, help us to see the world in the light of your understanding. The greatest news ever was given to the lowly and outcast. May we all receive your love, and care for those less fortunate than ourselves.
Amen
Download a copy of the PDF
If you would like to download a PDF copy of the newsletter, you can do so here.