Vicars Monthly Letter

Vicars Letter November

Dear Friends,

We are in November, and this month can bring many mixed emotions.  For many it can be a time of sadness and reflection and yet at the same time we are moving towards Advent a season where we prepare for the birth of Jesus, a truly joyful event.

November will find our parishes having All Souls Services when those who have lost a loved one (irrespective of the time) attend a simple act of remembrance.  We will also be having services on Remembrance Sunday, as we remember those who gave their lives, so that we could have a better tomorrow.  Can I ask that you hold those who find November a sad time because of loss in your prayers.

And yet, as Christians we are also expected to look forward as we prepare for the coming of the kingdom, and next month is Advent.  The word Advent means 'Coming' in Latin. This is the coming of Jesus into the world. As Christians we use the four Sundays and weeks of Advent to prepare and remember the real meaning of Christmas.

As we prepare ourselves for Advent and the true meaning of Christmas, I also wanted to make you aware of some of the services and events that are happening in our parishes.  This year we will be having an Advent Course titled ‘So What Are You Waiting For?’ starting on the 26th November for four weeks at St James’.  All our parishes will be having their own Carol Concerts and even Carol Singing around our villages in aid of church funds.  There will be Christingle Services at both St Peter’s and St James’ and both churches will have a Eucharist on Christmas Eve.  Christmas Day will find St James’ and The Church at West Bretton opening their doors for services in the morning.  And how can I forget the Christmas Fair at St James’ when Father Christmas and his helpers will be giving presents for all the good boys and girls (I hope you have been good?)

As you will have read there are a number of additional services and events outside of our normal weekly pattern of worship.  So please keep checking the website's calendar section, as it would be lovely to see you, your family and friends supporting these services and events.

Your friend and priest.

Kevin