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
5th December 2021
The Second Sunday in advent! This week, 10.45 at St. David’s Uniting Church we are reflecting on ’What’s Christmas got to say about…children?!’ as Iestyn leads our ‘Gift Sunday’ service, when we bring our gifts for the children supported by Homestart and for residents at the Mill Street Hostel.
At Castle Square at 11am we are blessed to have Rev Ray Vincent head up our service of Holy Communion as Phil is leading worship for the URC Youth Exec near Birmingham this weekend.
Tea and coffee will be served after the St David’s service, but no biscuits for the time being. Remember it will be table service only with 6 to a table. Enjoy!! Volunteers are needed! Speak to Liz or Catherine.
For those not able to attend the service it is also being live streamed.
Link for Live Stream – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1ftWuXHexnfFdo1FKwXBZA
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Church Family and Pastoral News
We include this in the news sheet to inform our prayers.
- We think of Sharon‘s friend, Brian, who has had a stroke, and of Sharon in her concern for him.
- We are sorry to hear that Mike, Helen and Jayden have all tested positive for Covid. They will be out of isolation soon.
- Madeline and Ron’s granddaughter has been in hospital undergoing tests but is feeling better.
- We remember Gwenllian who has had a fall but is recovering well.
- Dorothy is reconciled with the fact that walking up and down hills is not allowed anymore…she is happy that she can walk on the flat. That is her consultant’s advice!
Birthdays this week
This week’s Birthdays are Thursday 9th December- Jean Davies and Marilyn Edwards and Saturday 11th December- Sue Walkling. Enjoy your birthday ladies!
Good News
We are delighted to hear that Loreen is home from hospital. She is very pleased to be back in her own bed!
We wish her well as she continues her recovery.
Thanks…..
….from Marcia. ‘Thank you to everyone who sent messages via Facebook, WhatsApp. email and phone. Also, the cards, including one from the church, that found their way into Brian’s suitcase to be opened on the day! They were much appreciated! I was able to celebrate in style with Brian and our Irish friends in a local Tapas Bar. Thank you! Marcia
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Dates for your diary
Monday 6th 10.30am Craft and Chat at Castle Square
Saturday 11th All are welcome to a screening of ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’, this festive favourite will be screened at Gelliwastad Road at 2pm. The film will finish around 4:15pm, when we’re all invited to stay for a post-credits cuppa and festive treat.
Sunday 12th 10:45am – Zoom service and later on YouTube. ‘What’s Christmas got to say about…refugees and rulers?’ Join us as Phil reflects on what the nativity story has to say about our relationship with refugees and rulers today. Come ready to share a tale about what character you’ve ever played in a nativity play.
Sunday 12th 4pm – Gelliwastad Road. ‘What’s Christmas got to say about…peace?’ Phil leads this more contemplative service as we share Communion and question whatever happened to ‘Peace On Earth’?
Sunday 12th 5pm – 6pm 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 our welcome – refreshments provided.
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Omicron
As rules are tightened in England and our First Minister calls for further precautions in Wales, the elders of both churches will be revisiting risk assessments in the coming days. We hope our Christmas services and events will be able to go ahead as planned but it is possible that changes will have to be made as we remember that our call to love our neighbours as ourselves includes the duty to keep them – and us – safe. Please check upcoming newsletters for further updates and look after yourselves!
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Community Saints
Is a neighbour or friend sharing some Christmas cheer to those around them? Why not consider nominating them for a Community Saint award? Forms can be collected at Gelliwastad Road or online at https://www.stdavidsuniting.org.uk/projects/community-saints/
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St David’s Christmas Appeal information
Today we have brought our gifts for Homestart and the Mill Street Hostel. Monetary gifts will be received until the end of the month. 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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Tea, Coffee and Handmade Cards
Tea and coffee will be served after services of the 1st and 4th services each month – on these Sundays, cards
will be on a table in the church with an honesty box. Large cards are £2 and small are £1.50. Colleen has been very busy, there is a great selection – It’s well worth taking a look!
Thought for the week
Close the doors of hate and open the doors of love all over the world… Henry Van Dyke