Saint David’s Uniting Church
& Castle Square URC
Minister: Rev. Dr Phil Wall
Tel: 01443 300345 Mob: 07855090360
Website: www.stdavidsuniting.org.uk
Admin email: office1.sduc@gmail.com
12th December 2021
Today is the third Sunday in advent and is known as Gaudate (Joy) Sunday
Phil will be leading our interactive zoom service at 10.45 when we will be asking the question –’What’s Christmas got to say about…rulers and refugees?’
We invite you to Join us in ‘the square’ from 10.30 for a pre-service chat!
Link for Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89461145366?pwd=S3ExNTVjdGVGdXlGVlNQc2k3eldudz09
At 4pm – this afternoon we continue our advent theme by reflecting on ‘What’s Christmas got to say about…peace?’ as Phil leads this more contemplative service and we share Communion and question whatever happened to ‘Peace On Earth’?
After the service at 5pm to 6pm we have Coffee and conversation. This is our final opportunity to gather and share initial thoughts on the proposal for future use of church buildings before the church meeting in January. All are welcome – refreshments provided.
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Church Family and Pastoral News
We include this in the news sheet to inform our prayers. We ask your prayers for:
- Phil, as he copes with his workload in the run up to Christmas.
- Cerys, who has been to London for specialised scans, and Stephen as he supports her..
- Madeline and Ron, in their concern for their granddaughter who is still having tests.
- Edith, who had a fall recently; we hope she has now recovered.
- Those for who this week holds painful and sad memories.
- Jane Jones, who is not enjoying good health at the moment, but thankfully she is able to go out.
- Gill Miller, as she has had another visit to hospital! Take care Gill.
- Lee Suan, who, we are pleased to say is much better after a very bad bout of vertigo.
- The O’Callaghan Williams family, are recovering from Covid, Jayden is back to school and Helen is hoping to be able to go back to work on Monday.
- As many prepare for their Christmas celebrations, we think of those who don’t feel like celebrating.
- We remember those who are in residential homes and pray that they will be able to receive visitors.
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Good News
Hilary is delighted to say that she is now able to lift her arms above her head and is in no pain.
Chris Morris has received good news from his consultant; his next appointment will be in 6 months and he does not need any new medication!
Colleen is pleased to say that her son James has just completed his challenge to run the equivalent of 3 miles per day for every day this year, 1095 miles in memory of his Gran to raise funds for Alzheimer’s and Age UK. So far, he’s raised over £1000.
Birthdays this Week
Only one birthday that we are aware of this week: Mike O’Callaghan Williams on Thursday 16th December.
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Castle Square News
Jan has received an email from Colin and Wendy Binks. Some from Castle Square will remember them from when we used to support the Nav Javan hospital in India where Colin worked. They wish to be remembered to all who remember them and send good wishes for Christmas.
Craft and Chat have finished until the New Year – They had their Christmas lunch last week and a good time was had by all!
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Dates for your Diary
TODAY 2.30pm Castle Square conference call
Wednesday 15th Castle Square Ladies Guild Christmas Lunch at the Otley.
Sunday 19th 10:45am – at St David’s – A Nativity Service –
‘What’s Christmas got to say about… farmers, foreigners & fishermen?
Sunday 19th 2.00pm Castle Square Carol Service led by Phil
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Carol Singing Cancelled
Unfortunately, due to the uncertainties surrounding the Omicron variant, we are now unable to sing at Sainsbury’s on Wednesday evening. BUT, we are still hoping to share a non-singing service at Aspen House (2:30 – 3:30pm, Monday) and Pontypridd Care Home (2pm Onwards Tuesday) but will respond accordingly to any changing circumstances. All are welcome to support these services and we are requested to take a lateral flow test the morning beforehand. Please speak with Lynda if you are intending on coming.
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St David’s Christmas Appeal
Phil’s reflection today reminds us of our call to be hope-bearers in our world. One way in which we can do this is through the support of this year’s Christmas appeals. Our charities this year are NSPCC, who support Childline, and Money for Madagascar. Cheques made out to St David’s Uniting Church can be sent to Lynda or brought to church, please indicate if you wish to gift aid your donation. Donations can also be made on line. https://www.nspcc.org.uk and https://moneyformadagascar.org/
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Thought for the Week
“It is easy to think Christmas, and it is easy to believe Christmas, but it is hard to act Christmas.”
Anonymous