Dear Friends,
We will all be very busy in the coming weeks, but as we prepare for Christmas, it is worth spending a few moments reflecting on one of the key messages of the season: God sharing our life.
When you look beyond the familiar and moving Biblical accounts of Jesus’ birth, the gospel writers are concerned that we should understand that in this child God comes to the human family. As St John puts it at the start of his Gospel: ‘…and the Word became flesh and lived among us.’ This is an earth shattering truth for suddenly God has come to share our life and also to raise us up to share the life of God.
In His life and ministry, Jesus associated with those who were on the margins and helped them to feel valued and wanted. In His betrayal and death, he knew the depths of human suffering. God in Jesus has shared our world and every aspect of human life, indeed even death itself. In his resurrection, Jesus raises up fallen humanity and gives us a pledge that sin and suffering are not the end. The life and triumph of Jesus gives hope, even in a world that may still seem split by violence and division.
We invite you to come and take part in some of our services and offer together prayer and praises to God. As we worship, we can also hold before God those who are most in need, both at home and abroad.
Every blessing for Christmas & the New Year.
Simon Talbott –Vicar of Great Shelford, Stapleford and Harston with Hauxton and Newton.
Nicola Bown – Assistant Curate
GREAT SHELFORD PARISH CHURCH – CHRISTMAS 2019
A very warm welcome to your historic Parish Church. Please call in and enjoy the sacred space, especially near Christmas.
Regular Services
Prayer for the community is offered every morning and evening.
Wednesday: 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion (BCP 1662)
Sunday: 8.00 a.m. Holy Communion (BCP 1662)
10.00 a.m. Parish Communion (Main Sunday service)
6.30 p.m. Evensong – see below for Advent season.
Advent Evening Services:
Sunday 1st Dec. 6.30 p.m. Advent Carol Service
(shared with St Andrew’s, Stapleford at St Mary’s)
Sunday 8th Dec. 6.30 p.m. Service of Hope (by candlelight)
Sunday 15th Dec. 4 p.m. The Mystery of the Noisy Neighbour!
Special service for Children and families.
6.30 p.m. Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols
Followed by Mulled Wine & Mince Pies in the Parish Church
Sunday 22nd 4p.m. Evensong for Advent
Christmas Services: Everyone welcome at all our services.
Tuesday 24th Dec. 4p.m. Christmas Eve: Crib Service
Planned for children and the young at heart, a simple
re-telling of the Christmas story with traditional carols.
11.00 p.m. ‘Midnight’ Parish Communion
First service of Christmas – carols, sermon and Holy Communion.
Wednesday 25th Dec. Christmas Day:
8.00 a.m. Holy Communion (BCP 1662)
A ‘said’ tradition language service with a short sermon.
10.00 a.m. Parish Communion
Christmas morning with carols, sermon and Holy Communion.
No evening service