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The Season of Remembrance
The period through from the end of October and into November is
marked very much by our reflections on those who have died. We remember
them for the example they have shown us and the benefits we have gained
from their lives.
In the Old Testament the chosen people of God had little awareness
of a life beyond the grave. Hence the psalmist's cry in distress to
God, "In death no one remembers you; and who can give you thanks
in the grave?" Only towards the end of the Old Testament did
it begin to occur to them that there might be the possibility of personal
salvation and a life after death. Then Jesus came and revealed that
the Father's will is that we are all destined for eternal life, and
so emphasising the dignity of each person.
On the first two days in November (All Saints and All Souls) we honoured
all the saints in heaven and kept a memory of all the faithful departed
and prayed that they too would be numbered with the saints. We remembered
them with affection, with hope, and with faith in the promise of Jesus:
"In God's house there are many dwelling places; otherwise, how
could I have told you that I was going to prepare a place for you?"
John 14:2.
On Remembrance Sunday, which this year marked the sixtieth anniversary
of the end of WW2, we remembered those brave men and women who sacrificed
their lives that we might enjoy freedom. It is humbling to know that
many of them gave their lives in the spirit which Jesus commended
as the ultimate sign of love:
"There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's
friend" John 15:13.
How could we not find time to remember them? All churches in the Astwell
Benefice marked Remembrance Sunday - 13th November 2005 with prayer
and with the laying of wreaths. My hope remains that those simple
and yet meaningful acts of Remembrance held in every village and town
would perpetually be a part of our annual calendar of worship.
CONFIRMATION
The next Confirmation Service is in Brackley at 6pm on Sunday 11th
December 2005. I am delighted that so many young people from across
the Astwell Benefice have come forward and are presently attending
lessons.
ADVENT & CHRISTMAS
Advent marks the beginning of the Church's year. It is the time
during which we hear of God's preparations for the revelation of himself
in the birth of Jesus Christ; Christmas is a time of anticipation,
of quiet excitement, and of getting ready for a new birth in all our
lives. We shall greet this period in the Church's year by holding
a united Astwell Benefice Service at Syresham at 10.30 a.m. on November
27th. Throughout the Christmas season there are many services being
held in all the benefice churches and I hope very much that these
will bring joy and fulfilment to folk as they themselves prepare for
this very special point in the Christian calendar.
Advent & Christmas Services for Helmdon:
Sunday 27th Nov 05: Advent Sunday United Benefice, Syresham at 10.30
a.m.
Thursday 15th Dec : Wassail at Radstone at 7 p.m.
Friday 16th Dec : Christmas Words & Music at 7.30 p.m.
Sunday 18th Dec : Carol Service & Gifts at 10.30 a.m.
Tuesday 20th Dec : Carol Singing around the Village from 6.30 p.m.
Christmas Eve 24th Dec: Midnight Communion at 11.30 a.m.
Christmas Day 25th Dec: Holy Communion at 10.30 a.m.
Will Adams, Rector
rector@astwellbenefice.co.uk
Friends of St Mary Magdalene
Thank you to everyone who bought tickets for the splendid Wood Green
Gospel Choir on September 17th - the event raised a total of £638.30
for the Friends. Also to those attending the Wine Tasting on November
18th which will have happened by the time this is circulated.
The next Friends event is the Words and Music for Christmas
on
Friday December 16th at 7:30pm.
This is always a very enjoyable evening and will no doubt be the same
again - tickets are available from members of the Friends committee
- Vanessa Vicars 760477, Karin Smith 760953, Viv Watson 760530, Liz
Woolley 760267 and Lynn or Chris Gartside 760523 (all 01295). It is
always good to have some new performers, whatever their talent, so
if you would like to volunteer we would be very grateful - you may
become a star without needing to audition for the "X factor"!
Please contact any of the people above.
In February we hope to invite members of Friends and helpers to an
informal and free of charge social event - the venue and date will
be fixed shortly.
Chris Gartside
WHAT'S ALL THIS ABOUT SUPPER MEETINGS?
People who missed Alison White in Weedon Village Hall missed a
very good evening- a tasty and plentiful meal in lively company and
then a talk on the diversity of 'spiritual' interests today, from
stars and divination to party magicians and back, and what it shows
the churches, and a well shared discussion afterwards, all together.
They missed also a chance to meet a most likable woman.
That was the October supper-meeting. Responsibility for hosting the
meetings at £3.50 a head circulates round our parishes. The
February one (on Wednesday 22nd) is bound to be different but pretty
sure to be enjoyable too :-
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Next Supper Meeting
David Wiseman
on
"Christianity and violence"
in
Helmdon Reading Room
February 22nd 2006
7:15 for 7:30 p.m.
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Mothers' Union Programme
| Wed 23rd Nov 05 |
AGM and bring a favourite hymn, poem, picture
or
reading to share. 8pm at Ann's house, 12A Church Street. |
| Thurs 8th Dec 05 |
Deanery Advent service 2pm at Farthinghoe church. |
| Wed 25th Jan 06 |
Talk by Sandy Robinson on Supporting Young People
in Housing Need. 37 Church St, Helmdon at 8pm |
| Mon 20th Feb 06 |
Members Meeting 12a Church St., Helmdon at 8pm |
| Sat 25th Mar 06 |
Lady Day Service pm Chipping Warden. |
| Wed 24th May 06 |
Communion Service at 7:30pm in Whitfield. |
Jenny Saunders 01295 760721
Ckers
The Benefice choir meets in church on Thursday evenings 7:30-8:30pm.
We would welcome new members or temporary help for major services.
Do come along and join us.
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Ckers - Youth Group - for year 5 upwards.
We meet at the church every other Sunday evening during the
school term at 6:30-7:45pm for fun and activities.
Any new members or helpers are always welcome. Please contact
Kathy Quiney for any further information.
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Calling all singers
The Benefice choir meets in church on Thursday evenings 7:30-8:30pm.
We would welcome new members or temporary help for major services.
Do come along and join us.
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