New Priest-in Charge.
We are delighted to announce that Revd Simon Dunn has been appointed to lead the new benefice of St Peter’s with Lacock and Bowden Hill. Simon will be licensed by Bishop Neil Warwick on 22nd February 2024.
There is a full notice of this appointment on the notice board and on our website.
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Services & Readings
Sun 3rd Dec:
10am Sung Eucharist for Advent led by Rev Lynne Godfrey, Isaiah 64, v 1-9; 1 Corinthians, v 3-9; Mark 13, v 24-37.
3pm LIGHT Service (N.B. There will be no service in January)
Wed 6th Dec:
10am Holy Communion led by Rev Sally Wheeler, 1 Timothy 6, v 6-11; Mark 10, v 13-16.
Sun 10th Dec:
10am Holy Communion led by Rev Alice Kemp, Isaiah 40, v 1-11; 2 Peter 3, v 8-15A; Mark 1, v 1-8.
Wed 13th Dec:
10am Holy Communion led by Rev Lynne Godfrey, Isaiah 40, v 25-end; Matthew 11, v 28-end.
Please note that the Friday Evening Prayer Service is discontinued, as requested by Joan and Noel.
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In our prayers we pray for those who are ill: Jean Jeffries, Bev Webb, Evie, and Diana’s daughter Kerry Conlin. We pray for all who care for the sick and housebound, in hospital and at home, not forgetting those who are being looked after in nursing homes and residential care. We pray for those unknown to us who have no one else to pray for them: we do not know their names, but they are known and precious to God. We pray for those anxiously awaiting the results of hospital tests.
Lucy Field has now recovered sufficiently to re-start work. She and mum Daphne are very grateful for the prayers over the recent months.
We remember in our prayers those who have died recently, including Richard Beasley who died in a tragic motor cycle accident last week: our condolences go to the family.
Especially also, we remember Jean Robbins who died on 31st October. The funeral was last Tuesday, followed by cremation at Haycombe.
Liz Weyman: her long battle with deteriorating health ended peacefully on the morning of Wednesday 15th Nov. in Swindon Great Western Hospital. She was surrounded by her family and friends. We will miss Liz. The funeral will be at St. Peter’s on Friday 8th December at 1pm. Please remember in your prayers those she loved and left behind.
The Pastoral Care team continues to support those in need. Home visits, transport for anything medical (dentist, doctors, Covid vaccs – especially with the start of new winter recommendations), or even just a chat. If you need our help, please ring Daphne on 653212, or Alison (653565). For help with transport to medical appointments, please let us know as early as possible.
Christmas Cards We shall be resuming our practice of exchanging cards with each other via our DIY postal system. There are folders in the Narthex, alphabetically labelled into which you put your cards, (alphabetically by surname), and look for cards to receive in your name. This service is free, but you are expected to donate generously into the nearby SightSavers collection box.(UK postal rate is 75p per card). Any uncollected cards may be waiting till after Christmas ……
The Parish Giving Scheme –The Parish Giving Scheme (PGS) opportunities will continue this week. It is a means of new encouragement of providing regular financial support to St Peter’s and its work in the local community. There is a handout explaining the background to the PGS for you to take away and read. You will have a chance to ask for any further guidance following the service.
PCC Meeting The next PCC meeting will be Thursday 7th December; 7.30pm in the Meeting Room.
A Date for your Diaries Saturday 9th December at 2 – 4pm. Why not come and join us for a pre-festive ‘Tea, Mince pies and Crafts’ event in our Church. It’s free, so just bring yourself, your creativity and appetite with you for a good time ! Children are welcome, but must be accompanied by a responsible adult for the duration.
Thursday Lunch Club The Christmas meal at The Pheasant is on Thursday 14th December at 12.30pm. There will be a raffle to support the Church. Free soft drinks to drivers! Any queries please call Cheryl on 660972.
Comedy Concert by Paul Kerensa at Sheldon Rd Church Sat 16th Dec. 7.30pm Tickets £10. Tel: 720978
Christmas is coming!It is only 2 weeks to our Carol Service on December 17th at 6.00pm.
Joan Chapman has a set of handbells and practices will take place on Thursdays, in Church. It will start at about 3.30pm (after Choir practice) and will last for about an hour. (This avoids coming out in the dark!). Hopefully we will be able to include them in the service. If you would like to have go please see Joan. Tel 65460270.
Chippenham Male Voice Choir will be presenting a Christmas Cracker Concert at St. Andrew’s on Tuesday 19th Dec at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 each.
St. Peter’s Christmas Services
Sunday 17th Dec: 6pm Carol Service to support Sightsavers and Embrace
Sunday 24th Dec: 10am Child friendly Advent/Christmas Morning Worship
Christmas Day: 10am Family Communion led by Rev Alice Kemp
Wednesday 27th Dec: 10am Holy Communion (followed by coffee)
Sunday 31st Dec: 10am Holy Communion led by Rev Alice Kemp.
Word search How many words of four letters or more can you make from ADVENT SUNDAY? Target: 15 in five minutes.
Church contacts:
Priest-in-Charge: Interregnum = no priest!
Church Warden: Vivienne Fuller 01249 462450
Office: office@saint-peters.org.uk
Website: www.saint-peters.org.uk
Notices editor: ivan.hurcum@gmail.com tel: 01249 653400
Room Booking: roombooking@saint-peters.org.uk (Note that Caroline has taken this over from Sue)
FoodBox: foodbox@saint-peters.org.uk
A prayer for Parishes in a time of Transition:
Dear Lord, our God and Father, in this time of transition give us eyes to see Your presence in our lives, ears to listen to Your will, lips to speak Your words, and hands to do Your work. Grant us grace and go before us, as we seek Your Holy Spirit’s counsel, as we live in community during this time and as we prepare for the arrival of a new priest in our midst. We pray this through Jesus Christ, and for the sake of His kingdom, in sure and certain hope of Your promises to us. Amen.