The Second Sunday of Advent
5th December 2021
'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low.' Luke 3.4-5
We continue our journey into Advent. We don’t have an all age service this Sunday as the children are busy in the hall preparing for the Crib Service. This Sunday evening sees the return of our monthly healing service, with a focus on music from the Taizé Community.
Collect
Almighty God,
purify our hearts and minds,
that when your Son Jesus Christ comes again as
judge and saviour
we may be ready to receive him,
who is our Lord and our God.
Readings
Baruch 5.1-9 or Malachi 3.1-4
Philippians 1.3-11
Luke 3.1-6
Our Sunday school meets in the hall this week. There are preparations for the Crib Service.New children are always welcome.
Fellowship Lunch
The date of the next Fellowship Lunch is on 19th December at the Yacht Club. Please let Joy know if you would like to come.
Masks in the hall
A gentle reminder to wear masks in the hall during coffee whilst you are moving around. They can be taken off to sit and drink. We also need to keep a door and the windows open for good ventilation.
Protecting the green gap in our parish
Would you like to contribute ideas for restoring New Salts Farm (north west of the Saltings roundabout) to its natural habitat?
The 70-acre piece of land - the green gap between Shoreham and Lancing - was purchased by Adur District Council in 2020 to protect it from housing development. It’s in our parish! And now the Council and the Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust are developing ideas for the site to become a haven for wildlife and a green space to be used and enjoyed by the community. It would be wonderful if any people from our church would like to be involved, as part of our Eco Church scheme.
Join a webinar taking place Thursday 9th December from 6 pm to 7pm, to hear about the current ideas for the site.
As well as restoring streams, wetlands, hedgerows and meadows, this could include creating an educational training space and a community garden.
Sign up for the webinar, which will be delivered via Zoom:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../new-salts-farm-local...
Bible Art Luke 3.1-6
The beginning of the cousin's ministry ... John the son of Zachariah is sitting in the shade in the desert. Why was he sitting in the desert? Was he simply passing through from one place to another? Or could it be that he had gone into the desert because he felt closer to God there? Since it is where the Word of the Lord came to John, it seems likely that John had gone into the wilderness to seek God?
It is the moment when John is literally inspired to leave everything else and give his life to bringing others to repentance of their sins for forgiveness ... the moment when he finds what he is born to do, to prepare the way of the Lord.
Revd Jess
Morning Meditation
We have a new meditation group at the Good Shepherd Saturday mornings at 8am. This is run in partnership with the Brighton and Hove Centre for Spirituality, a group that explores contemplative Christianity. The guided meditation and lectio divina practice can also be joined on Zoom. Please note we are online only on 4th December because of the Christmas Fayre.
Parish Office – Christmas dates
The parish office will be closed between Friday 24th December to Monday 3rd January, and open again on Tuesday 4th.
A visit from the new Bishop!
Rt Revd Will Hazlewood, the Bishop of Lewes will be leading our worship and preaching at our 10am service Sunday 19th December. This will be his first visit to our church and we look forward to welcoming him.
The Healing Service Returns
Following a long break during the pandemic, our healing service returns Sunday 5th December at 6pm. We are using Taizé music and candles to create a peaceful and healing experience.
Church Closed 16th December
The church is closed all day to the public on Thursday 16th December. It is being used by Shoreham Beach Primary School for their Christmas show.
Sussex Chamber Choir Concert
We are delighted to host this concert by the Shoreham Chamber Choir on Tuesday 7th December at 7.30pm. Half of the donations will go to the church.
And finally…
Church warden Penny and I had a stall at the Emerald Quay Christmas Fayre last Sunday afternoon. We offered a craft table for children, making Christmas cards. It was a great way to meet new people and share information about all the different ministries we offer for children and families. Thanks to Penny for all her help, and to Adam for the photo. And well done to the volunteers at Emerald Quays for hosting such a popular event.
I work half-time and the usual days when I am available are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday mornings. Blessings and prayers for you all this week. Revd Jane
Contacts
Revd Jane Bartlett Email: bartlett.jane@ntlworld.com Tel: 079355 38085.
Church wardens Emma Purser, Penny Humphrey and deputy warden Kay Haffenden email: cogswardens@gmail.com
Safeguarding Officer Emma Purser 07786651886
Parish centre and hall bookings Tel: 01273 440202
If you are reading this newsletter on a paper copy and would like to receive it each week through email please contact: cogsenews@gmail.com
Notices for the newsletter should be emailed to Revd Jane by Wednesday at 12noon
Services this Week
Sunday, 5th December
8am – Holy Communion with Revd Steve and Sally.
10am – Parish Communion with Revd Steve and Sally.
This service will be live streamed onto our Facebook and You Tube channel.
You Tube page CLICK HERE
Church Facebook page CLICK HERE
6pm Taizé Healing Service
Tuesday 7th December
9.30am - Informal Holy Communion with Revd Steve.
Wednesday 8th December
6pm – Celtic Evening Prayer on Zoom
Meeting ID: 868 1252 3106
Passcode: 960274
Friday 10th December
8am – Meditation with Morning
Prayer at St Mary de Haura and on Zoom.
Meeting ID: 513293120 (No password is needed ) Click here LINK
Saturday 11th December
8am – Meditation with Lectio Divina
Meeting ID: 166073397 (no password needed) Click here LINK
Evening Prayer
This is said at 5.30pm at St Marys and via Zoom on
Monday and Wednesday, at 5.30pm. If
you want to attend online contact Canon Ann for the link. Email: annwaizeneker@gmail.com
To donate to the Church of the Good Shepherd online CLICK HERE Thank you!
Church website: www.goodshepherdshorehambeach.org.uk