Crosscanonby St. John the Evangelist Church

Allonby Crosscanonby Dearham – Anglican Epiphany Sunday 7th January

Now that Mary has left us and is preparing to enjoy her well earned retirement the sharing of information within our section of the new parish is beginning. This week it will be bare bones information because no system for disseminating information has been put in place. For services each church will be responsible for their own selection of hymns etc so the words for these will not be attached to this weekly sheet.

I will post this sheet weekly on the Allonby Crosscanonby Dearham – Anglican page. Church Wardens, if you have any items for inclusion in the weeks diary section could you please email it to me by Wednesday of the week before as I would like to post the weekly sheet on Thursday, or Friday at the latest. When it is posted to face book I will also send it out to the current emailing list that Mary used. If you normally receive an email and do not over the next couple of weeks please email me [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])and I will check to make sure you are listed correctly. For those who received a printed copy of the weekly sheet each of the churches will need to arrange some one to print and deliver. Please speak to your church wardens if you would like to continue to receive the weekly notices this way.

Epiphany Sunday or The Baptism of the Lord - 7thJanuary

9am Allonby Holy Connunion 10.30 am Dearham Morning Worship 11 am Crosscanonby Holy Communion

Readings Isaiah 60:1-6 Ephesians 3:1-12 Matthew 2:1-12 or [Acts 19:1-7](https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=60) [Mark 1:4-11](https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=60)

The Week Ahead

Monday/Tuesday The Boy’s Brigade and Girl’s Association meet in Dearham. Please pray for them

Tuesday 9th 4pm Mission Community Evening Prayer. Ask Richard Pratt

Thursday 11th 9 – 11am Coffee Stop in Dearham Village Hall. All welcome.

Next Sunday 14th Jan [Second Sunday after the Epiphany](https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=61)

The Venerable Richard Pratt in responsible for our new parish until he retires at the end of March. If you need to contact him his email is [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

Every Blessing

Neil Perkinson.

Year B - Epiphany - Second Sunday after the Epiphany : Revised Common Lectionary Full text of the Revised Common Lectionary readings for Year B - Epiphany - Second Sunday after the Epiphany

INCLUDES IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT HOW THINGS WILL LOOK MOVING FORWARD, FOLLOWING MARY’S RETIREMENT TOMORROW!

My dear friends,

Well here we are almost at the end of our time together, for from the start of 2024, I will be beginning my retirement. I am so very, very sad to move away from you all as I begin a new, more relaxed life in Lancashire. It is also the start of something new for the churches and people of Allonby, Crosscanonby and Dearham and I pray that God will soon send just the right person to lead you forward into all that He has planned for you. There will be new folk to meet, get to know and work with as you walk and explore faith together with the people from Aspatria, Hayton and Gilcrux – there will be a new leader to get to know who I pray will be real blessing to you all and to the communities around you. I hope you will welcome these new opportunities with open arms and find yourselves filled with more and more of God’s love, hope, joy and goodness. It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve you all here – I have loved my time among you and it has been a real privilege to walk alongside you in some of the happiest and saddest times possible. I know that I will miss you greatly but the very special place you all hold in my heart will always be there. Thank you for all you have given, shared and been to me – thank you for your acceptance and for the love and happiness you have given to me. I thank God for every one of you from the very bottom of my heart. Love always, Mary # # #

As I retire I can assure you all that you will always be in my heart and I will continue to pray for you regularly. I know that the pattern of services here will remain the same for now – there will be services at 9am each week in Allonby Church (Communion will be celebrated on 1st and 3rdSundays with Morning Worship on 2nd and 4th Sundays) – the services will continue at 10.30am in Dearham (Communion Services will be celebrated on 2nd and 4th Sundays with Morning Worship on the 1st Sunday and a Methodist-led service on 3rdSundays) – at Crosscanonby at 11.00am each week the pattern will be the same as at Allonby (Communion will be celebrated on 1st and 3rdSundays with Morning Worship on 2nd and 4th Sundays). When there are 5th Sundays there will be a benefice-wide service. Cover is already sorted for the next few months and will continue to be arranged until a new priest is appointed.

If you need help, advice or need to talk to someone then please contact either The Venerable Richard Pratt, who has oversight for our parishes for the time being, on 07 788 728 508 or one of our churchwardens – Pam Jones and Jan Potter for Christ Church, Allonby; Anna Bagley for St John the Evangelist, Crosscanonby; Pauline Shearing or Linda Szydlowski for St. Mungo’s, Dearham. ___________________________________________________________________________________

Worship Services for Sunday 31stDecember 2023 – 1st Sunday of Christmas (White)

Sunday 31st December 2023 – 1st Sunday of Christmas (White)

10.00am – Benefice Service in Allonby Church (Mary’s Retirement Service) – All are warmly welcome

Readings: Galatians 4: 4 - 7 + Luke 2: 15 – 21.

Services can also be found on Premier Christian Radio – these are on channel 725 on your Smart TV/Freeview. There will be a Church of England live service at 9.00am on the Church of England website – click ‘online services’.

Prayers for 1st Sunday of Christmas:

Almighty God, who wonderfully created us in your own image and yet more wonderfully restored us through your Son Jesus Christ: grant that, as he came to share in our humanity, so may we share the life of his divinity; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. AMEN

God in Trinity, eternal unity of perfect love: gather the nations to be one family and draw us into your holy life through the birth of Emmanuel, our Lord Jesus Christ. AMEN

Post Communion Prayer:

Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son shared at Nazareth the life of an earthly home: help your Church to live as one family, united in love and obedience, and bring us all at last to our home in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN

Cumbria God for All Prayers:

God for all, you reached out into the world in your Son Jesus Christ. Help us to reach out in faith and love and witness to all. God for all, you send your Holy Spirit to empower and gift your Church. By your Spirit help us grow in unity, grow as followers of Jesus Christ and grow your kingdom in Cumbria and in this world. AMEN

Living Lord, as we offer to you our common life, refresh our vision that we may know your will and seek to follow in all your ways. May we follow daily as your disciples, care deeply for one another in community, speak boldly your gospel words of love, and tread gently as faithful stewards of your goodness. We ask this in the power of your holy name, as Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer of our lives, today and for ever. AMEN

NOTICES AND PRAYERS FOR THE WEEK AHEAD:

Pray Jesus Christ, The Prince of Peace will touch our world with His lasting peace – pray for understanding, compassion and a desire for lasting peace to grow in the troubled Middle East, between Russia and Ukraine - pray for all those whose lives are being torn apart in both wars, pray for the leaders of all the nations as they desperately seek for solutions, pray that they may be inspired by the Holy Spirit who brings peace, wisdom and hope to all. Pray for all those who are caught up in other wars and violence across the world - for the on-going conflicts in Sudan, Syria, Ethiopia, and Yemen - pray for all people to find safe places of welcome and care in the midst of violence and pain. Pray also for all those from various countries in the world who have been forced to leave their homes through fear or because of disasters.

Pray for all who live within our communities, for our congregations, our families and our friends, and for our young people. Pray for the staff, helpers and pupils at all schools in our area as they enjoy the remaining moments of their holidays – may they find strength, energy, inspiration and hope for all that lies ahead. Pray especially for the members and leaders of our BB/GA Company – pray that God will continue to enrich and bless them all with his peace and love. Give special thanks for all of our officers, leaders and helpers and continue to pray that God will guide and help us to find more people who are willing to help out and lead within our company.

Pray for all who continue to find this time very difficult as they face life without the physical presence of someone they love. Pray for all who mourn and grieve, pray too for those who are coping with painful personal situations, ill health and problems.

Pray that we may go on showing God’s unending love and goodness in all we do and say. Ask our loving God to watch over us all - that we will be kept well and safe and that God’s presence will surround, inspire and fill us continually.

Notices for the week ahead:

Tuesday – 4.00pm Mission Community Prayer – ask Richard Pratt for joining details.

Thursday – 9.00am – 11.00am Coffee Stop in Dearham Village Hall. Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy a chat and share coffee, tea and cake in a warm place.

Sunday 7th January 2024 – Epiphany Sunday (White)

9.00am – Holy Communion in Allonby Church

10.30am - Morning Worship in Dearham Church

11.00am – Holy Communion In Crosscanonby Church

Readings: Isaiah 60: 1 – 6; Ephesians 3: 1 – 12; Matthew 2: 1 – 12.

This comes with my immense gratitude for your friendship and support over 26 years, with my prayers, my very best wishes, and as always with my deep love,

Mary xx

My dear friends,

I send you all my love and best wishes and I hope you are all happy and well. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need to talk or need some help – I will be glad to do all I can to support you. May I also wish you all a happy and peace-filled Christmas and a new year crammed full of wonderful events and opportunities.

I know that many of you, like myself, are uncertain of what the future will hold for each of us and our parishes after my retirement in a few days time. I am reminded that Mary, the mother of Jesus, must have struggled in a similar way when the angel announced that she was to be the one chosen to give birth to God’s Son. From that moment everything changed for her – she must have been scared to face the future; worried about how those around her would respond to her wonderful yet devastating news. She would have realised that her life would never be the same again and yet I imagine that she was excited and more than a little daunted by all that lay ahead. Through it all she responded to God’s message with obedience and a willingness to follow God’s call to her – she trusted God with all heart and I pray that you and I will also trust our God to help, guide lead and love us through all that lies ahead.

As I prepare to retire I can assure you all that you will always remain in my heart and I will continue to pray for you regularly. We already know that the person appointed to replace me will have more parishes to look after – Allonby, Crosscanonby and Dearham will join with the parishes of Aspatria, Hayton and Gilcrux. Of course when the new priest is appointed they will, no doubt, change things in some ways but I hope and pray that you will find this exciting and inspiring. I can assure you that our pattern of services will remain the same for now – there will be services at 9am each week in Allonby Church (Communion will be celebrated on 1st and 3rdSundays with Morning Worship on 2nd and 4th Sundays) – the services will continue at 10.30am in Dearham ( Communion Services will be celebrated on 2nd and 4th Sundays with Morning Worship on the 1st Sunday and a Methodist-led service on 3rdSundays) – at Crosscanonby at 11.00am each week the pattern will be the same as at Allonby (Communion will be celebrated on 1st and 3rdSundays with Morning Worship on 2nd and 4th Sundays). When there are 5th Sundays there will be a benefice-wide service. Cover is already sorted for the next few months and will continue to be arranged until a new priest is appointed.

It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve you all here – I have loved my time among you and it has been a real priviledge to walk alongside you in some of the happiest and saddest times possible. I know that I will miss you greatly but the place you all hold in my heart will continue. Thank you for all you have given, shared and been to me – thank you for your acceptance and for the love you have given to me. I thank God for every one of you from the very bottom of my heart. Love always, Mary # # # ___________________________________________________________________________________

Worship Services for Sunday 24thDecember 2023 – 4th Sunday of Advent/Christmas Eve (Purple/White)

Sunday 24th December 2023 – 4th Sunday of Advent (Purple) + Christmas Eve (White)

10.00am – Benefice Communion in Allonby Church for 4th Sunday of Advent – Readings: Romans 16: 25 – 27 + Luke 1: 26 – 38.

2.00pm - Christingle and Crib Service at Crosscanonby – Reading – Luke 2: 1 - 7

4.00pm – Crib Service at Dearham Church – Reading – Luke 2: 1 - 7

11.15pm - Benefice Midnight Communion in Crosscanonby Church - Readings: Isaiah 9: 2 - 7; + Luke 2: 1 –20.

Monday 25th December 2023 – Christmas Day (White)

10.00am – Christmas Family Communion at Allonby Church

10.00am – Christmas Family Communion at Dearham Church Readings: Titus 3: 4 – 7; Luke 2: 8 – 20/ John 1: 1 – 14.

Services can also be found on Premier Christian Radio – these are on channel 725 on your Smart TV/Freeview. There will be a Church of England live service at 9.00am on the Church of England website – click ‘online services’.

Prayers for Christmas Eve:

Almighty God, you make us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of your Son Jesus Christ: grant that, as we joyfully receive him as our redeemer, so we may with sure confidence behold him when he shall come to be our judge; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. AMEN

Post Communion Prayer:

Eternal God, for whom we wait, you have fed us with the bread of eternal life: keep us ever watchful, that we may be ready to stand before the Son of Man, Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN

Prayers for Christmas Day:

Almighty God, you have given us your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin: grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

Post-Communion Prayer:

God our Father, whose Word has come among us in the Holy Child of Bethlehem: may the light of faith illumine our hearts and shine in our words and deeds; through him who is Christ the Lord. AMEN

Cumbria God for All Prayers:

God for all, you reached out into the world in your Son Jesus Christ. Help us to reach out in faith and love and witness to all. God for all, you send your Holy Spirit to empower and gift your Church. By your Spirit help us grow in unity, grow as followers of Jesus Christ and grow your kingdom in Cumbria and in this world. AMEN

Living Lord, as we offer to you our common life, refresh our vision that we may know your will and seek to follow in all your ways. May we follow daily as your disciples, care deeply for one another in community, speak boldly your gospel words of love, and tread gently as faithful stewards of your goodness. We ask this in the power of your holy name, as Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer of our lives, today and for ever. AMEN

NOTICES AND PRAYERS FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: Pray Jesus Christ, The Prince of Peace will touch our world with His lasting peace – pray for understanding, compassion and a desire for lasting peace to grow in the troubled Middle East, between Russia and Ukraine - pray for all those whose lives are being torn apart in both wars, pray for the leaders of all the nations as they desperately seek for solutions, pray that they may be inspired by the Holy Spirit who brings peace, wisdom and hope to all. Pray for all those who are caught up in other wars and violence across the world - for the on-going conflicts in Sudan, Syria, Ethiopia, and Yemen - pray for all people to find safe places of welcome and care in the midst of violence and pain. Pray also for all those from various countries in the world who have been forced to leave their homes through fear or because of disasters.

Pray for all who live within our communities, for our congregations, and for our young people. Pray for the staff, helpers and pupils at all schools in our area as they enjoy these holidays. Pray especially for the members and leaders of our BB/GA Company – pray that God will continue to enrich and bless them all with your peace and love. Give special thanks for all of our officers, leaders and helpers and continue to pray that God will guide and help us to find more people who are willing to help out and lead within our company.

Pray for all who continue to find this time very difficult as they face life without the physical presence of someone they love. Pray for all who mourn and grieve, pray too for those who are coping with painful personal situations, ill health and problems.

Pray that we may go on showing God’s unending love and goodness in all we do and say. Ask our loving God to watch over us all - that we will be kept well and safe and that God’s presence will surround, inspire and fill us continually.

Notices for the week ahead:

Thursday – 9.00am – 11.00am Coffee Stop in Dearham Village Hall. Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy a chat and share coffee, tea and cake in a warm place.

Sunday 31st December 2023 – 1st Sunday of Christmas (White)

10.00am – Benefice Service in Allonby Church (Mary’s Retirement Service) – All are warmly welcome

Readings: Galatians 4: 4 - 7 + Luke 2: 15 – 21.

This comes, as always, with my prayers, my very best wishes, and with my deep love,

Mary xx

Christingle and Crib Service
Christmas Eve at Crosscanonby
2pm

My dear friends,

I send you all my love and best wishes and I hope you are all happy and well. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need to talk or need some help – I will be glad to do all I can to support you.

Prayer – ‘in Advent we wait for you’

In Advent we wait for you: God the maker, Jesus the storyteller, Holy Spirit of life.

In Advent we cry to you: God of justice, Jesus of Bethlehem, Holy Spirit of hope.

In Advent we long for you. You, God, are our love, our warmth, our light. AMEN

(Written by Ruth Burgess and included in the book ‘Winter’ – edited by Ruth Burgess – published by the Iona Community – Wild Goose Publications.) ___________________________________________________________________________________

Worship Services for Sunday 17thDecember 2023 – 3rd Sunday of Advent (Purple)

Sunday 17th December 2023 – 3rd Sunday of Advent (Purple)

NO 9.00am Service in Allonby Church Today – see 4.00pm

10.30am – Methodist-Led Worship in Dearham Church

11.00am – Holy Communion at Crosscanonby Church

4.00pm – Carol + Christingle Service in Allonby Church – All are welcome. The Church will be open for people to come and look at the decorations and quietly reflect from 2.00pm.

6.00pm – Carol Service in Dearham Church – Everyone is welcome.

Readings: Isaiah 61: 1 – 4 + 8 - 11; John 1: 6 – 8 + 19 - 28.

Services can also be found on Premier Christian Radio – these are on channel 725 on your Smart TV/Freeview. There will be a Church of England live service at 9.00am on the Church of England website – click ‘online services’.

Prayers for 3rd Sunday of Advent:

O Lord Jesus Christ, who at your first coming sent your messenger to prepare your way before you: grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready your way by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at your second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in your sight; for you are alive and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

God for whom we watch and wait, you sent John the Baptist to prepare the way of your Son: give us courage to speak the truth, to hunger for justice, and to suffer for the cause of right, with Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN

Post Communion Prayer:

We give you thanks, O Lord, for these heavenly gifts; kindle in us the fire of your Spirit that when your Christ comes again we may shine as lights before his face; who is alive and reigns now and for ever. AMEN

Cumbria God for All Prayers:

God for all, you reached out into the world in your Son Jesus Christ. Help us to reach out in faith and love and witness to all. God for all, you send your Holy Spirit to empower and gift your Church. By your Spirit help us grow in unity, grow as followers of Jesus Christ and grow your kingdom in Cumbria and in this world. AMEN

Living Lord, as we offer to you our common life, refresh our vision that we may know your will and seek to follow in all your ways. May we follow daily as your disciples, care deeply for one another in community, speak boldly your gospel words of love, and tread gently as faithful stewards of your goodness. We ask this in the power of your holy name, as Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer of our lives, today and for ever. AMEN

NOTICES AND PRAYERS FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: Continue to pray for The Prince of Peace to touch our world with His lasting peace – pray for understanding, compassion and a desire for lasting peace to grow in the troubled Middle East, between Russia and Ukraine - pray for all those whose lives are being torn apart in both wars, pray for the leaders of all the nations as they desperately seek for solutions, pray that they may be inspired by the Holy Spirit who brings peace, wisdom and hope to all. Pray for all those who are caught up in other wars and violence across the world - for the on-going conflicts in Sudan, Syria, Ethiopia, and Yemen - pray for all people to find safe places of welcome and care in the midst of violence and pain. Pray also for all those from various countries in the world who have been forced to leave their homes through fear or because of disasters.

Pray for all who live within our communities, for our congregations, and for our young people. Pray for the staff, helpers and pupils at all schools in our area as they begin the holidays. Pray especially for the members and leaders of our BB/GA Company – pray that God will continue to enrich and bless them all. Give special thanks for all of our officers, leaders and helpers and continue to pray that God will guide and help us to find more people who are willing to help out and lead within our company.

Pray for all who continue to find this time very difficult as they face life without the physical presence of someone they love. Pray for all who mourn and grieve, pray too for those who are coping with painful personal situations, ill health and problems.

Pray that we may go on showing God’s unending love and goodness in all we do and say. Ask our loving God to watch over us all - that we will be kept well and safe and that God’s presence will surround, inspire and fill us continually.

Notices for the week ahead:

Tuesday – 4.00pm – Mission Community Evening Prayer meets on Zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86561172398?pwd=RUkwOFc5bkw5bWhvc1pZZXVSRkFFZz09 Meeting ID: 865 6117 2398 Password: 488791

Thursday – 9.00am – 11.00am Coffee Stop in Dearham Village Hall. Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy a chat and share coffee, tea and cake in a warm place.

Saturday – 10.00am Christingle making at Crosscanonby Church

Sunday 24th December 2023 – 4th Sunday of Advent (Purple) + Christmas Eve (White)

10.00am – Benefice Communion in Allonby Church for 4thSunday of Advent – Readings: Romans 16: 25 – 27 + Luke 1: 26 – 38.

2.00pm - Christingle and Crib Service at Crosscanonby – Reading – Luke 2: 1 - 7

4.00pm – Crib Service at Dearham Church – Reading – Luke 2: 1 - 7

11.15pm - Benefice Midnight Communion in Crosscanonby Church - Readings: Isaiah 9: 2 - 7; + Luke 2: 1 –20.

Monday 25th December 2023 – Christmas Day (White)

10.00am – Christmas Family Communion at Allonby Church 10.00am – Christmas Family Communion at Dearham Church

Readings: Titus 3: 4 – 7; Luke 2: 8 – 20/ John 1: 1 – 14.

This comes, as always, with my prayers, my very best wishes, and with my deep love,

Mary xx

Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars across mobile, desktop, and room systems. Zoom Rooms is the original software-based conference room solution used around the world in board, confer...

Join the children singing round the Christmas tree

My dear friends,

I send you all my love and best wishes and I hope you are all happy and well. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need to talk or need some help – I will be glad to do all I can to support you.

Prayer – ‘in Advent we wait for you’

In Advent we wait for you: God the maker, Jesus the storyteller, Holy Spirit of life.

In Advent we cry to you: God of justice, Jesus of Bethlehem, Holy Spirit of hope.

In Advent we long for you. You, God, are our love, our warmth, our light. AMEN

(Written by Ruth Burgess and included in the book ‘Winter’ – edited by Ruth Burgess – published by the Iona Community – Wild Goose Publications.) ___________________________________________________________________________________

Worship Services for Sunday 10thDecember 2023 – 2nd Sunday of Advent (Purple)

Sunday 10th December 2023 – 2nd Sunday of Advent (Purple)

9.00am – Morning Worship in Allonby Church

NO 10.30am Service in Dearham Church Today – see 3.00pm

11.00am – Morning Worship at Crosscanonby Church

1.00pm – Holy Baptism in Crosscanonby Church

3.00pm – Christingle Service in Dearham Church – Everyone is welcome.

3.00pm – Carols by Candlelight in Crosscanonby Community Centre – All are welcome.

Readings: Isaiah 40: 1 – 11; 2 Peter 1: 3 – 15a; Mark 1: 1 – 8.

Services can also be found on Premier Christian Radio – these are on channel 725 on your Smart TV/Freeview. There will be a Church of England live service at 9.00am on the Church of England website – click ‘online services’.

Prayers for 2nd Sunday of Advent:

O Lord, raise up, we pray, your power and come among us, and with great might succour us; that whereas, through our sins and wickedness we are grievously hindered in running the race that is set before us, your bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit, be honour and glory, now and for ever. AMEN

Almighty God, purify our hearts and minds, that when your Son Jesus Christ comes again as judge and saviour we may be ready to receive him, who is our Lord and our God. AMEN

Post Communion Prayer:

Father in heaven, who sent your Son to redeem the world and will send him again to be our judge: give us grace so to imitate him in the humility and purity of his first coming that, when he comes again, we may be ready to greet him with joyful love and firm faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN

Cumbria God for All Prayers:

God for all, you reached out into the world in your Son Jesus Christ. Help us to reach out in faith and love and witness to all. God for all, you send your Holy Spirit to empower and gift your Church. By your Spirit help us grow in unity, grow as followers of Jesus Christ and grow your kingdom in Cumbria and in this world. AMEN

Living Lord, as we offer to you our common life, refresh our vision that we may know your will and seek to follow in all your ways. May we follow daily as your disciples, care deeply for one another in community, speak boldly your gospel words of love, and tread gently as faithful stewards of your goodness. We ask this in the power of your holy name, as Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer of our lives, today and for ever. AMEN

NOTICES AND PRAYERS FOR THE WEEK AHEAD:

Please pray for real and lasting peace to touch this world. Pray for a real desire for lasting peace between Israel and Gaza to be found. Continue to pray for understanding, compassion and a desire for lasting peace to grow between Russia and Ukraine - pray for all those whose lives are being torn apart in both wars, pray for the leaders of all the nations as they desperately seek for solutions, pray that they may be inspired by the Holy Spirit who brings peace, wisdom and hope to all. Pray for all those who are caught up in other wars and violence across the world - for the on-going conflicts in Sudan, Syria, Ethiopia, Yemen and the Middle East - pray for all people to find safe places of welcome and care in the midst of violence and pain. Pray also for all those from various countries in the world who have been forced to leave their homes through fear or because of disasters.

Pray for all who live within our communities, for our congregations, and for our young people. Pray for the staff, helpers and pupils at all schools in our area. Pray especially for the members and leaders of our BB/GA Company – pray that God will continue to enrich and bless them all. Give special thanks for all of our officers, leaders and helpers and continue to pray that God will guide and help us to find more people who are willing to help out and lead within our company.

Pray for all who continue to find this time very difficult as they face life without the physical presence of someone they love. Pray for all who mourn and grieve, pray too for those who are coping with painful personal situations, ill health and problems.

Pray that we may go on showing God’s unending love and goodness in all we do and say. Ask our loving God to watch over us all - that we will be kept well and safe and that God’s presence will surround, inspire and fill us continually.

Notices for the week ahead:

Monday – 9.30am Carol Service in Dearham Church for Years 5 + 6 from Dearham School

Tuesday – 4.00pm – Mission Community Evening Prayer meets on Zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86561172398?pwd=RUkwOFc5bkw5bWhvc1pZZXVSRkFFZz09 Meeting ID: 865 6117 2398 Password: 488791

Wednesday – 10.00am Years 1 and 2 into Dearham Church

10.30am Funeral in Crosscanonby Church

Thursday – 9.00am – 11.00am Coffee Stop in Dearham Village Hall. Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy a chat and share coffee, tea and cake in a warm place.

Sunday 17th December 2023 – 3rd Sunday of Advent (Purple)

NO 9.00am Service in Allonby Church Today – see 4.00pm

10.30am – Methodist-Led Worship in Dearham Church

11.00am – Holy Communion at Crosscanonby Church

4.00pm – Carol + Christingle Service in Allonby Church – All are welcome. The Church will be open for people to come and look at the decorations and quietly reflect from 2.00pm.

6.00pm – Carol Service in Dearham Church – Everyone is welcome.

Readings: Isaiah 61: 1 – 4 + 8 - 11; John 1: 6 – 8 + 19 - 28.

This comes, as always, with my prayers, my very best wishes, and with my deep love, Mary xx

Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars across mobile, desktop, and room systems. Zoom Rooms is the original software-based conference room solution used around the world in board, confer...