The Yearning

Dear friends,

A good friend kindly sent me this last week. In the context of the bloodied and broken world in which we cling to existence, I offer it to you, a prayer of hope, and light, for every single one of us, sickened by the polarisation, tired of the posturing, and longing for the salvation that the love of Christ offers to the world. It is a yearning that we all share, no matter where we are from, or who our parents were.

See you at the Carols – everyone is welcome. Let us make a stand for the light, and for all people of hope.

Wednesday 17th December

2.30pm Checkendon Primary School Christmas Service, in church, with Canon Kevin Davies. All welcome. Come and hear the school choir, and enjoy some carols together with pupils and parents.

Friday 19th December

6pm Carols round the Well, at the Maharajah’s Well, Stoke Row. Canon Kevin Davies and Revd Mark Taylor.

Festive Carol singing for the whole community, followed by mulled wine and mince pies in the village hall. Hosted by St John’s Church, and Stoke Row Chapel.

Sunday 21st December. The fourth Sunday of Advent.

4pm Carol Service at St John’s Stoke Row with Canon Kevin Davies

6pm Carols by candlelight at St Peter and St Paul, Checkendon. A traditional service of readings and carols, with the Checkendon community choir, followed by mulled wine and mince pies.

A visitor

I have a new companion at the keyboard. He is not particularly happy, and stares at me with something akin to disapproval. I’m trying to persuade him to join me at the Christingle Service at Checkendon on Christmas Eve, where I am hoping we’ll be able to cheer him up. He has quite a story to tell…….