Saint David’s Uniting Church
Minister: Vacancy
Church Office Tel: 01443 300345
Website: www.stdavidsuniting.org.uk
Admin email: [email protected]
Link for Livestream https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1ftWuXHexnfFdo1FKwXBZA
18th December 2022
Today is the fourth Sunday in Advent and we traditionally have a Nativity Service. This has been arranged for a number of years by Iestyn Henson, and this year is no different.
Iestyn never fails to surprise us, SO, be prepared for Christmas Jargon and a popular TV programme with many people being involved!
The sacrament of the Lord’s Supper will be celebrated during the service and ALL are invited to partake.
The service will be Live-Streamed:
Tea and Coffee will be served after the service and all are invited to join in this time of informal fellowship when handmade cards will be on sale, all proceeds go to Church funds.
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Church Family and Pastoral News
We include this in the news sheet to inform our prayers.
- Elsie has a telephone consultation on Wednesday, so will get the results of her biopsy. We pray that all will be well.
- Jayne Bright is due to go into hospital TODAY (Sunday) for her knee operation and is likely to stay in for 3 days. She hopes to be able to join us on Christmas Day, even if it’s with the aid of a wheelchair!
- For many people this Christmas will be their first without a loved one. We think of them and others for whom Christmas has sad memories.
- Several people have succumbed to a cold with a nasty cough, they have been staying in the warm!
- Those who have had appointments postponed, and ALL who would like some warmer weather!
- Today is International Migrants Day. We think of all the migrants and those involved in helping them.
Birthdays up to January 7th ~there will be no Newsletters until January 8th
This week’s birthdays are:
Monday 19th – Susan Thomas and Friday 23rd – Gail Stewart. We hope you both enjoy your celebrations.
And for the next two weeks:
Chris Morris – Monday 26th December, John King – Sunday 1st January – Susan Kojo and Renda Alkawas on Monday 2nd January, and last but not least Carol Powell – Friday 6th January. Enjoy yourselves!
Good News
Proud Grandmother alert! Gruff and Tal, Pam’s grandsons have passed their piano exams (grade 5 and 2) with merit. Pam, no doubt was involved with them practicing!! Well Done All!
Not so Good News ~ A letter from Simon Walkling
‘After 10 years serving as the United Reformed Church Synod Moderator, I have been called to serve the Swansea Region of the URC, changing roles after next Summer. This means that after 18 years in Pontypridd as part of St David’s Uniting Church in different ways, Sue, David and I will be moving to Swansea. The timing and the details need to be worked out. It will be a wrench to leave, it is even difficult thinking about it, but the sense of calm and excitement around the call feel right. We are grateful for the love and support we have received here that have helped us through many changes. Thank you, Simon.’
We wish them well as they continue to serve in a new area, which is not too far away from Pontypridd!
They will be greatly missed.
Thanks….
….from Homestart
We are so grateful for the donations they will make families very happy on Christmas morning. The party we held in the church was very successful with over 80 children seeing Santa for free. We wish you all a very merry Xmas.
….from Marilyn Edwards….Thank you to everyone for all the cards and good wishes I received on my birthday. Marilyn E
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Diary for the Week
Wednesday 21th St David’s Guild – 14.00 to15.30 (see below)
Carols and Cocktails at Clwb y Bont 7pm – All are welcome, bring your friends!
Thursday 22nd Carol Singing at Sainsbury’s at 6 pm (see below)
Saturday 24th Christmas Eve Communion at 4 pm (see below)
Sunday 25th Christmas Day All Age Celebration Service at 10.30 am (see below)
St David’s Guild
Last week’s guild meeting was cancelled for safety reasons, fortunately, Sue Walkling was happy to transfer to this week so we look forward to what she has planned that will entertain us (all will be revealed on Wednesday) -Sue will also bring along some tasty Christmas treats.
Carol Singing at Sainsbury’s 
Come and join us as we share the message of Christmas and collect for Christian Aid. We will be singing from 6 pm on Thursday 22nd December, please wear Christmas hats and Jumpers!
Christmas Eve
As we no longer meet at Church House our Christmas Eve Communion Service this year will be held
St David’s Uniting Church at the earlier time of 4 pm. We hope this earlier time will enable those who don’t like to be out late, to join in this special service, which will be led by Sue Walkling along with Simon.
Christmas Day
Our All-age Celebration Service at 10.30 am will have the theme of Messages and Traditions, it will be led by Michael Howells. Bring your toys or present to show us!
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Christmas Appeal ~ a reminder
It’s not too late to contribute. Gift Envelopes are on the table – our chosen charities this year Llamau, which supports homeless young people, and Christian Aid, to help fight global poverty, if you gift aid, please put your name on the back. The appeal will close on 31st December!
Christmas Cards
The Christmas Greetings board, where cards to ALL our church friends can be pinned, and card sorter in place. The greetings board will remain in place until the New Year. A list of the people who have sent us greeting will be put in the Newsletter on January 8th.
Please will everyone check the card sorter TODAY and take cards for yourselves or for people you live near if they are unable to be at the service.
Recycle your Christmas Cards
RCT has a competition for schools encouraging children to collect as many cards and envelopes as possible by 31st January to become Christmas card recycling champions. We ask that you cut off any stamps first as we can send them to Amnesty International. A box will be available in the New Year.
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Future Services
January 1st 10.45 Rev Simon Walkling
January 8th 10.30 Zoom Service with Rev Ray Vincent also a service in church at 10.45
January 15th 10.45 21st Church Anniversary Service – Time to celebrate
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A Thought for Christmas
Christmas is more than a time of festivities, family and friends;
it is a season of generosity, gladness and gratitude.
William Arthur Ward