The Parish Church of St James, services and contacts
If you have been reading the newspapers you may have come across the news that the Church is growing in our land at last. This does not come as a surprise to some as much as it might to those who write our newspapers, for the signs of growth are there for anyone who looks for them.
For a particular parish church to grow, two things are needful: first, it must in its life provide the spiritual nourishment that the people of its parish need, and second it must ensure that the people know that this nourishment is available and is for them to take.
The Parochial Church Council is looking into ways of developing our mission and minsitry so that we may participate in the growth of the Church and carry out the task of bringing the Good News of salvation to all who are prepared to hear it.
I have made some suggestions which the PCC is considering, and members of the electoral roll should soon be receiving an abridged version. PCC members would be glad to show you the full version and to recieve your comments on it. (Those with access to the World Wide Web can see the full text on our website).
Let us work to build God's kingdom in Deeping St James.
7th December, The 2nd Sunday of Advent
10am: Malachi 3: 1-4; Luke 3: 1-6
14th December, The 3rd Sunday of Advent
10am: Zephaniah 3: 14-20; Luke 3: 7-18
21st December, The 4th Sunday of Advent
10am: Micah 5: 2-5a; Luke 1: 39-45
24th December, Christmas Night
11.30pm: Isaiah 52: 7-10; John 1: 1-14
25th December, Christmas Day
10am: Titus 2: 11-14; Luke 2: 1-14
28th December, The Holy Innocents
10am: 1 Corinthians 1: 26-29; Matthew 2: 8-13
Please see the Vicar's letter last month for an explanation of the new scheme of scripture readings
The Church of England’s revised calendar which accompanies its lectionary includes some new commemorations. These remember holy men and women, both those before the Reformation Era who were not canonised and also those who have lived since that time. You will see their names listed in the Church’s calendar and hear them mentioned in prayers, but the are not given a special collect or readings as too many provisions would detract from the character of the liturgical season. This month we commemorate Samuel Johnson on the 13th and Eglantine Jebb on the 17th.
Samuel Johnson (1709 - 1784) was converted as a young man after reading ‘A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life’, a work by the spiritual writer, William Law. He became a sincere churchman and was noted for his tolerance of Roman Catholics. He was also famous as an author, compiler of dictionaries and conversationalist.
Eglantine Jebb (1876 - 1928) is noted as a social reformer and the founder of the ‘Save the Children’ Fund. She was born in Shropshire and after studying at Oxford founded the Charity Organisation Society. A period in Macedonia helping refugees made her determined to put the work on a permanent basis and after the First World War she set up the Save the Children Fund, initially to help starving children in Germany and Austria. In 1924 she went on to write the Declaration of the Rights of Children for the League of Nations.
‘O Sapientia’, an entry previously appearing in the Book of Common Prayer, marks the beginning of a seven day period of penitence and preparation for Christmas, its title coming from an antiphon traditionally sung at the Evening office.
Every year thousands of churches and schools take part in Christingle celebrations for The Children’s Society, celebrating God’s love for us and the World.
This year sees the 250th anniversary of the Christingle tradition which originated in the Moravian church in Germany in 1747 and introduced into the Anglican Church in 1968. Today the Christingle - an orange with a candle and a colourful display of fruits or sweets represents God’s love for us and for the World. In churches and schools throughout England and Wales, half a million children hear the message of Jesus’ love, bringing light to the World.
In this special celebration year, money raised from Christingle services will go towards helping runaway children on the streets of Britain. The Children’s Society runs three out of only four refuges for children in Britain and needs to raise over ·1.2 million to maintain this vital lifeline for children in desperate need. £100 helps pay for a child’s stay at one of our safe house refuges. £50 help’s us give a young person on the streets a hot meal, essential toiletries and specialist counselling by our skilled workers.
This year the Christingle Service at the Priory Church will be held on Sunday 14th December at 3 pm. Please bring wrapped gifts for both children and teenagers along to the service.
Envelopes for donations in lieu will be available in church.
.... and it’s good to make things ready for all the visitors we will receive.
Come and join us as we prepare for the birthday of Jesus! Joan Dyke (343958) welcomes offers of help with flowers and evergreens, whilst our busy Churchwardens welcome all sorts of general assistance around the church.
Preparations start from Monday, 22nd December. Check on the noticeboard at the back of church for a daily update of what’s in hand.
If you would like to receive the sacrament at Christmas but are unable through infirmity to come to Church, please let either the Vicar or Sonia Marshall know as soon as possible.
The gift to your church which sustains its work and ministry throughout the year. Envelopes for those already in the scheme will be available in church at the end of December.
Not yet in the scheme but would like to know more?
The Vicar, Simon Marshall or Peter Wilde would be happy to fill you in on details in confidence and without obligation.
NEW!......Covenant forms for 1998. The tax-efficient way to give.
Specially redesigned forms will be available soon. Ask Mark, Simon or Peter.
Paraffin is next in order after seraphim.
Today, wild beasts are confined to the Theological Gardens.
The patron saint of travellers is St. Francis of the seasick.
The people who followed the Lord were called the twelve decibels.
The Seventh Commandment is: Thou shalt not admit adultery.
The greatest miracle in the Bible is when Joshua told his son to stand still and he obeyed him.
Solomon, one of David’s sons, had 300 wives and 700 porcupines.
The Trustees of Edward King House feel that it is now time to form an Association of Friends for the House in order to support its work and help it fulfil its mission. We want to generate some modest financial assistance and practical collaboration with the staff, but above all to give encouragement and support through our prayer and friendship. In addition, we want to spread greater awareness and understanding of the House and its work, especially within the local community and churches.
The launch of the Association is planned for Saturday 13th December 1997 at 11am in the Gallery of Edward King House. Coffee and mince pies will be served from 10.30am. Please come and join us.
About 30 Christmas trees decorated by various groups and individuals, crib scene, wall hanging, plus produce stall and refreshments.
3rd - 14th December
Weekday afternoons,
10am - 5pm weekends.
St. John’s Church, Stamford
This is only an extract from some of our magazine. Residents of Deeping St James can subscribe to the printed version.
Back issues are available as follows: November 1997
The Parish Church of St James, services and contacts