Dear friends,

Welcome to this service on the third Sunday of Advent. This week, as part of your Advent discipline, I invite you to learn (relearn) with me the Beatitudes from Matthew 5:3-12. The form below is suitable for memorisation.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.                   Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

I look forward to hearing how you get on! Do take this sheet home with you – there is a useful summary of Christmas services around the Team inside. You can also find all the details you need on the team website at www.langtreechurches.org and also on the national church website www.achurchnearyou.org Christmas themed services are beginning today at Checkendon this morning, and this afternoon with Carols at Stoke Row and a Christingle at Woodcote, both at 4pm.

Every blessing in our coming Lord                                      Revd Canon Kevin Davies