As I write at the end of November, I am thinking about Christmas puddings! One of my favourite things at Christmas. This coming Sunday is known as Stir Up Sunday because one of the set prayers following Holy Communion, after we have taken bread and wine is this: ‘Stir up, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may by you be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord.’ This ancient prayer has become traditional in the proximity of preparing for Christmas – a good time to make the Christmas pudding – at least. Full of wonderful fruits and sugars and I seem to remember in my childhood it contained a sixpence or a shilling! I am sure we shouldn’t do that now!

December, the season of expectation and preparation as we wait for the birth of our Saviour Jesus. In the churchyard the community Christmas trees will be put up and dressed, the lights will be switched on and carols will be sung. In the church there will be more carols to be sung in our special services and once again we will be joined by children and staff from Scott Broadwood School in our traditional Nine Lessons and Carols on the 14th December. The following Sunday on the 21st Bob and the Band will be upping the tempo somewhat with their upbeat very jolly renditions of Christmas carols and music. You will see all the details for our December services in the calendar.At home at the vicarage our nativity scene will once again appear, probably for the last time as this Christmas will be my last one in the parish so do make the most of it! I will be retiring next October after 15 years of ministry here – time goes so fast and I can hardly believe it. In the meantime there is lots to do in preparation for the vacancy that will follow as the parish begins the appointment process for my successor.

So what happens after the celebrations then, and January welcomes us into another new year? Well there are a few things that might pique your interest and one is that we are planning to run an Alpha Course beginning towards the end of January. An opportunity to join together to explore life, faith and meaning. Running over several weeks we look at a different question around the Christian faith so its a good opportunity to meet new people, grab some free food, get to know each other and have a completely open conversation about what we will see and hear, sharing our thoughts if we wish to and hear what others say. Invitations will be handed out at all our Christmas services plus invitations for you to invite others along as well. We will also be giving you a lovely booklet ‘Twelve Joys of Christmas’ to enjoy. It contains short meditations for Christmas and the New Year and guess what the subject is for Day 1 – Christmas Day? Its all about the Christmas Pudding!!! Its a lovely little booklet and I do hope you enjoy it. They will be available in our churches throughout December. Now I must go shopping and buy my ingredients for I have to make my Christmas Pudding and by the way may I wish you every blessing for Christmas and the New Year!
With my love and prayers
Liz

Revd.Liz Richardson
liz@hostmyserver.co.uk