Dear All Saints and St Marys
On this 2nd Sunday of Advent our attention is drawn to the prophetic voice of both Micah from the Old Testament and John the Baptist. It is also a Sunday when the advent theme of "Peace" is forefront. Prophets often come as messengers, but they are not necessarily associated with being peaceful. I doubt that the company of John or Micah would have been comfortable, with their message of repentance and a promise of God who will act like a refiners fire!
However, it is a reminder to me that peace is hard won, however uncomfortable that may be. That the deep work of God that is needed in each of us even as it calls us to a place that can feel difficult and challenging. How can that be a good thing? What is God doing in this? I hold to the knowledge that each of us is made in the image of God. That God works on us, and keeps working on us, because God loves us. God is never done with me or you. In that way I believe we will arrive with God, ourselves and others at a place which is refined as like gold and silver.
A prose that I came across this week by Casey Overton and is one I have found helpful for Advent - I offer it to you.
Advent is an irrational commitment to a better future.
Advent is a protest demand.
Advent is still believing we are loved even when we have forgotten what love feels like.
The scriptures cannot promise us smooth pathways nor can they entitle us to happiness.
Instead, we are given recipes for the audacity to await our collective salvation even from the brink of death.
May we know God's prophetic call to peace.
This weekend's worship offering.
08:00am | Holy Communion | All Saints |
10:00am | Sung Holy Communion | St Marys |
10:30am | Service of the Word (Link Room) Nativity Rehearsal (Church) | All Saints |
7:15pm | Generations - Christmas Treats | All Saints |
THE WEEK AHEAD
Mon 9th | 10:30am | Tiny Tots Christmas | All Saints |
7:30pm | Advent Home Group | Email for details | |
Tues 10th | 10:30am | Music for Toddlers Christmas Party | St Marys |
Weds 11th | 9:00am | Celtic Morning Prayer | All Saints |
2:00pm | Advent Group | St Marys | |
Thurs 12th | 10:00am | Holy Communion | St Marys |
Fri 13th | 1:00pm | Concert | St Marys |
Sat 14th | 12:00noon | Saturday Lunches | St Marys |
Sun 15th | 8:00am | Holy Communion | All Saints |
10:00am | Holy Communion with Bishop Viv | St Marys | |
4:30pm | Nativity Service | All Saints |
A reminder that next Sunday (15th Dec) is All Saints Nativity in the afternoon - please donate toys that are given to children who do not receive much at Christmas.
Blessings and Peace
Revd Lizzie
Vicar of All Saints and St Marys Churches, Fishponds
Interim Co Area Dean Bristol City Deanery
01179650856
07973917720
Please be advised that Monday is my day of rest so I do not respond to emails on that day of the week.
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