Saint David’s Uniting Church
Minister: Vacancy
Church Office Tel: 01443 300345
Website: www.stdavidsuniting.org.uk
Admin email: [email protected]
Link for Live Stream – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1ftWuXHexnfFdo1FKwXBZA
17th December 2023
We extend a warm welcome to everyone who joins us for worship today, especially if you are a visitor or worshipping with us for the first time.
With Iestyn leading us, we will celebrate the third Sunday in Advent, in a different way as he, with some help will share a different take on ‘Task Master’.
Fair-traded refreshments will be served in the hall following the service. We invite you to join us for this time of informal fellowship when handmade cards will also be on sale.
This will be the last newsletter for this year. The next edition will be on January 7th.
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Church Family and Pastoral News
We include this in the newsletter to inform our prayers during the week.
- Sadly, we have heard of three deaths recently. Robert’s aunt, his mother’s sister, who Robert used to help care for her when she lived in Pontypridd passed away at the age of 96, she has been in a care home nearer her son for some time. We think of Robert and his mother at this time.
John Edwards, a member of Castle Square, died on Monday, the day before his 83rd birthday. He has been unwell for a long time and went in to hospital on Friday. Many will remember John from the Jeremy and Edwards shop in Mill Street. We hold Ann and the family in our prayers.
Brian Davies, one time curator of Pontypridd Museum, who was a frequent speaker at Guild, passed away unexpectedly on December 6th. Our thoughts are with those who will mourn his passing.
- We continue to keep Marlene R in our prayers as the family wait to say ‘farewell’ to a much-loved cousin.
- Several people have travelled, or will be travelling to spend Christmas with their families, we wish them well, and look forward to their safe return.
- At this time of year many are lonely or sad, we think of them and hope that they will experience some joy!
Thanks …..
..from Elsie….‘Everyone has been so good, I’ve had so many phone calls, and cards, I can’t believe that so many people care. It’s incredible and I’m so grateful. Thanks to you all. I’m ready to enjoy Christmas.
…from BMS for the £340, money raised by our Harvest Appeal for their Days of Plenty Appeal.
…from Phil for the Christmas cards, which we signed at our special ‘Amnesty’ service. They will be given to the residents, where Phil works, on Christmas Day by the elf (Phil)!
We hosted the annual Christmas party for Home Start clients – The Victoria Room was transformed into Santa’s Grotto; it was a huge success and they were so grateful for the warm welcome and to have such a building to host the event. Thanks too for all the gifts they will be much appreciated by the families.
Birthdays
People we know who are celebrating their birthdays between today and 7th January:
Susan Thomas on Tuesday 19th, Gail Stewart on Saturday 23rd, Chris Morris on Tuesday 26th, John King – Monday Jan 1st, Susan Kojo, who will be 17, and Renda Alkawas on Tuesday Jan 2nd, and lastly Carol Powell will be celebrating a special birthday on Saturday 6th. We hope you are all able to celebrate with family and friends.
Diary for the next 3 Weeks
The next Newsletter will be 7th January
Monday 18th Language Class 10.00am.
Sunday 24th Christmas Eve ~ Lessons, Carols and Communion with Michael Howells
Monday 25th Christmas Day 10.30 ~ All Age Celebration Service led by Iestyn Henson.
Theme ~Presents and Presence
Sunday 31st Bring & Share 10.45 ~ See item below.
January 7th Morning Worship ~ Iestyn Henson
All services will be live-streamed & available on YouTube, thanks Robert!
Our apologies, due to technical issues the Zoom service on December 10th failed to record.
Bring & Share Service on New Year’s Eve
Don’t forget to give your suggestions for your favourite carol or reading/poem for the service on New Year’s Eve to Margaret, Claire, Catherine or Stephanie & Alan TODAY. Coffee, Tea and Mince Pies will be served after the service.
Future Service
January 14th Zoom Service ~ Gwen Simmons
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Carol Singing
Eleven people, including two guitarists, spent one hour sharing the joy of Christmas by Carol Singing at Sainsburys on Sunday 10th. We raised a magnificent £177 for Christian Aid.
Christmas Greetings and Cards
The Board and card sorter are in place. Please check to see if there are any cards for YOU. If you can deliver to people who will not be able to collect, please do.
As you receive Christmas cards, please remember to save the postage stamps and put them in the box, next to the greetings board and they will then be recycled to raise funds for Amnesty International.
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Christmas Appeal – A final reminder
International charity – Akany Avoko, an orphanage in Madagascar.
Local charity – Displaced Persons in Action in Cardiff.
There are Special Envelopes for the appeal, which closes on December 31st, on the table at the back of the church
Please put your name on the back of the envelope if you wish to gift aid.
Christmas Recycling
Place ALL wrapping paper and gift bags into a separate CLEAR recycling bag, including foil and glitter products.
Offertory Envelopes
The envelopes for 2024 for those who use them are on the table. If you would like to have envelopes for your weekly offertory please speak to Anne Coles.
Thought for the week
Christmas is more than words can tell, for it is a matter for the heart to receive, believe and understand.