Leesfield Parish – 2nd December 2018
Today is Advent Sunday, and this afternoon at 3 pm there is a special Christingle Service for the children at St Thomas’. They will make their Christingles (please bring your own orange), learn what they represent, light the candles and sing in candlelight. Donations from this service will go to the Children’s Society, which supports vulnerable children and young people throughout England and Wales.
During Advent the collection plate will not be passed around for a trial period. Instead there will be a plate or collection box at the back of each church, along with donation envelopes, gift-aid forms and details of how to give to church directly from your bank account. Please do have a look at the information, and think about what may be the best way for you to donate towards the work of the church. There will be people around at both churches to help you with anything you want to know.
On Wednesday 5th December from 7-9 pm the Diocese is delivering Safeguarding Training at St Barnabas’ Church, Clarksfield. The training is for Sunday School teachers and all who have safeguarding responsibilities. Booking is required to ensure that there are sufficient handouts, certificates etc. are available, and can be made by visiting bookings@manchester.anglican.org .
Next Sunday, the 9th December, at the usual service times at both churches, will be the Toy Service. If you can, please bring a toy in good condition, which will be passed on to children who may not receive any toys at all this Christmas.
Also next Sunday, at 4 pm, there will be a Taize Service at St Thomas’. This is a short, quiet and reflective service, with no teaching or preaching, just prayer and music intertwined. Everyone is welcome to come along as we take a little time out from the busyness of our everyday lives to join together in peaceful worship.
The annual White Hart Dinner Dance is on Friday 8th March, and tickets are now on sale. We need to get numbers and deposits by the end of December to secure our booking, so please see Jacqueline or any of the retinue mums at St Agnes’ for more details. This is a great social evening for all the parish, and also one to invite our friends to.
Thank you so much to everyone who has already donated items for sharing with organisations helping homeless people and others in need. Please keep your gifts coming, especially during the cold winter weather. Underwear and socks should be new, but other warm clothing will be great as long as it’s clean. Toiletries are a big help to those organisations which are able to offer showering facilities, and moisturisers, lip balm etc. are essential for people who spend so much time outdoors. So whilst you’re shopping for Christmas presents please think about whether you can afford to buy a little extra one.
