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
28th November 2021
The First Sunday in advent! This year, during Advent we’ll be reflecting on what the Christmas story has to say about many contemporary issues – from peace to the pandemic.
It is a tradition in St David’s that the first Sunday in Advent is Amnesty Sunday. When we start the new church year with a service which focuses on justice, solidarity, and hope – especially at a time when all three can seem in short supply.
So we begin the year with a cry for justice as we consider ‘What does Christmas have to say about human rights?’
For those not able to attend the service it is also being live streamed.
Link for Live Stream – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1ftWuXHexnfFdo1FKwXBZA
At 6.00pm all are welcome to join our Zoom story-telling communion service
– ‘waiting and surprises’
Whether you’ve got a story about surprises, a whooper about waiting, or would rather simply come along and listen to others tell their tales, all are invited to a sacred time of stories and sacrament.
Link for ZOOM: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89461145366?pwd=S3ExNTVjdGVGdXlGVlNQc2k3eldudz09
Good News!
For the first time since services have resumed, we are very pleased to say that coffee will be served in the hall following today’s morning service! Those staying are asked to sit at the tables, (no more than 6 per table) and wait to be served while you enjoy being able to catch up with friends.
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Church Family and Pastoral News
We include this in the news sheet to inform our prayers.
- We keep Alison, formerly Tomkins, in our prayers as she says a final farewell to her brother Charles at 12.15pm on November 30th at Glyntaf. Charles and Alison were part of the St David’s PCW family.
- Janet Williams’ husband’s funeral is Friday 3rd December at 12.45 at Glyntaf. Numbers are restricted at Glyntaf so it will be a small family funeral with no fuss which is what Clive wanted.
- Colleen is still suffering from the fall she had in April 2020, she has an appointment in December when hopefully they’ll be able to find a way of making her pain free.
- We continue to think of those waiting for results – especially Chris and Dorothy. also Jayne who will be joining the list for a possible knee replacement
Birthdays this week
Just one birthday this week that we are aware of! It’s the editor’s birthday on Thursday 2nd December – Marcia will hopefully be celebrating in the sun with friends!
Thanks
Janet Williams has asked that her thanks be passed on to the folk at St David’s for their prayers and messages she has received in recent days.
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Dates for your diary
Monday 29th 10.30am Craft and Chat at Castle Square
Next Sunday 10.45am Iestyn will lead worship at St David’s
11.00am Phil will lead worship at Castle Square
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St David’s Christmas Appeal information
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 https://moneyformadagascar.org/
Gifts for Home-Start who support families through challenging times and Mill Street Hostel (Pobl) for the homeless can be brought to church on Sunday December 5th. Please bring gifts in bags clearly labelled separate bags.
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Reform Magazine
After several years of being the church distributor of Reform magazine, I am now calling it a day. My thanks go to all subscribers over the years that have shown great support of this fantastic magazine. If you are on the distribution list, you may subscribe in your own right direct from Reform Magazine at exactly the same cost of £29.50 for 10 issues, beginning with the February 2022 issue.
I have found the easiest way to subscribe is via the telephone service on 01371 851 886. They are always very helpful and make subscribing to Reform a very easy process. Other methods of subscribing can be found at www.reform-magazine.co.uk/subscribe
I commend Reform not only to existing subscribers but to anyone else who is interested in reading the freshest, most challenging and most enriching Christian magazine. Cerys
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Community Saints
St. David’s Uniting Church’s ‘Community Saints’ project is up and running.
Do you know of anyone from our wider community who has made a difference locally, that you could nominate for an award? Forms can be picked up from the church at Gelliwastad Road or online at: https://www.stdavidsuniting.org.uk/projects/community-saints/
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Advent Lighting
Knowing that some members are still anxious about returning to in-church worship, each week, one member will lead our advent lighting from their home as we light our candles in the church too. This week’s home-lighter is the wonderful Hettie Bullock. She – and all our lighters – will be sharing the below liturgy as they light the candles. You may choose to use it in your homes too:
As we light out advent candles in our homes and churches, we remember that;
though scattered, we are all woven together in the extravagant love of God.
May we keep the Christ-light shining, wherever we are.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, is coming into the world.
Come, Saviour Jesus!
[The candles are lit]
Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
A light no darkness can ever put out. Amen.
As we step into advent, there are many things which might be causing us anxiety alongside advent expectations. Here, John Henson reminds us of the true things we might expect – love, hope and trust. If you have a poem or passage that you’ve written – or that you think would be good to share – please contact Marcia. by email or if you do not have email ask a friend to send it!
GRIM EXPECTATIONS IN THE UK
Big store trollies depend on lorries.
Shouldn’t that fill us with loads of worries?
Christmas the traditional season of excess,
and now we are fearing all kinds of distress?
What if the fruit and veg don’t arrive?
How on earth will we ever survive?
What if the on-line fails to deliver
turkey and beef, bacon and liver?
What if the shelves quickly go bare,
no plum pudding to be found anywhere?
What use smart waving flags for our nation
if the fruit of our pride is rising inflation?
What if again the rivers overflow,
or comes ‘Beast from the East’ with coldest snow?
The first Christmas family found no gaff to rest,
yet guided by God things worked for the best.
But then they didn’t expect too much.
Enough for them love, and hope, and trust.
(John Henson 17/11/21)
A Thought for the Week
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Martin Luther King Jr.