Advent Challenge Luke Chapter 1

Despite numerous attempts to record Jesus’ story, Luke is commissioned to record as complete a message as he can. His sponsor, Theophilus, has apparently heard the message, but Luke wishes to confirm to him everything he has heard.

In this first chapter we have the announcements of two babies - first Gabriel tells Zachariah that his wife Sarah will become pregnant, despite the circumstances and the fact that they are both elderly, or at least past the normal age for having children. All this echoes the announcement to Abraham that his wife would become pregnant despite being 99 years old. While Abraham would become the father of the nation, Sarah’s son was destined to become a great prophet, preparing the way for the Messiah.

The announcement to Mary that she would become pregnant with God’s son is traditionally the start of the “Nativity Story”, yet the two women and their sons cannot be told as separate miracles - their connection is clearly felt when Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, and her unborn son leaps for joy at the presence of Mary’s child. When John is born, both parents are pressured into naming him after his father - but they both argue that his name MUST be John, following God’s command.

Mary’s song of praise and Zechariah’s prophecy in this chapter reflect their faith and desire to serve God - no matter what pressures are put upon them from society! Oh that we had that same faith in our lives today!

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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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