Advent Challenge Day 2

Luke Chapter 2

In this chapter we concentrate on Jesus’ birth. Mary and Joseph head to Bethlehem to register for the census, and while they are there, Mary gives birth. There were no luxuries for Mary – no bed, no hospital, no doctors, not even a bed for her son. While Luke doesn’t tell us of the wise men, he tells us about the shepherds and the angels heralding a new age, bringing greetings of peace to all humanity.

When his parents took Jesus to the temple, Simeon recognised him immediately, and uttered the words that we now call “Nunc Dimittis”, but more importantly words to foretell his future role as judge to the nation of Israel. The prophetess Anna also recognised the child and told everyone that the longed-for Messiah was now born.

As this chapter concludes, we have the only story of Jesus as a young adult, coming with his parents to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover. As a twelve year old boy, he would be left behind in Jerusalem, only for his family to find him on the third day – foreshadowing his death in years to come, abandoned by all, and found again by his new “family” on the third day.

Mary is keenly aware of all that has ever been said about her son, and keeps the words in her heart – knowing that one day all the prophecies would bring a ”sword to her heart”.

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Summer Readers

Hi folks As we enter our summer period, please find our readings and hymns for July 2025. Each Sunday there will be a selection of parishioners reading our lessons - as shown on our list. If you're not available for the given Sunday, please feel free to ask someone to cover - and our church wardens and clergy are always available as a backup on the day. Alternatively, if you would like to read a lesson in Church, drop me a message, comment on Facebook, or speak to us at the services. We would love to add new readers of all ages, Gid's Word is for us all. Blessings Johnny

August Hymns and Readings

Hi folks Here's the next list for the readings, readers and hymns for our services throughout August. There are five Sundays this month, and in our normal pattern, our fifth Sunday will be a Cafe Church service in the Parish Hall. As ever - this is just a guide, if you need to swap your date - just let someone know. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered to read each month, and if you'd like to join the list, please let the church wardens or the Rector know. If we need to do so, both David and the Rector are more than happy to fill in for any given reading!

AccessNI Check process

Hi folks Please see the following pages for the process of getting our AccessNI accreditation for our Sunday School and GFS leaders and helpers. You will need to print out the pages and keep a special note of the long number provided to you by email and let me know as soon as possible. We require an Enhanced check for everyone - and use the PIN number 918066 as detailed on the first page. The second page details the forms of identification you will need to provide - one from the first group, and two from the second group. The quicker we can all get the checks completed, the sooner we can get everything back to normal and put this whole process behind us for another three years! If you can photograph yourself (by smartphone or tablet) and email (revdjohnny@gmail.com) or WhatsApp (07488371680) them to me, that'd be great. I will also be available at the Parish Hall on Monday evening from 7pm to 8pm to help you with anything you would like assistance with! If you need any help at all...

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