Weekly Notices - 12th January 2025
Welcome back to those of you who have been away over Christmas; and a very Happy New Year to you all, once again, from your staff team.
As we look back on the festivities and fun of our Christmas celebrations, we are reminded this week of the Baptism of our Christ-child way out by the River Jordan, surrounded by what seems to have been hundreds of John the Baptist’s followers.
It is poignant that we remember this occasion just as we enter full swing into 2025! As many of you return to work or school, Jesus’ Baptism is a timely reminder of how God looks upon us and the Grace He always holds us in.
My prayer is that the stories of Christmas and Jesus’ Baptism will be the fuel we need as we walk this coming year together. We look ahead to a year of bigger and better things in our parish; the challenge facing each of us is to be able to work together to achieve those things. Let this year be a time when we listen to one another, pray with each other, embrace each other’s goals and work together for the glory of God.
May each of us be baptized anew to grow and extends God’s work here on the hills.
God bless St Aug’s ~ Your Friend and Vicar, Kofe
Vicar Kofe
This Sunday’s service (12th January)
Theme: ‘The Baptism of the Lord’
Sentence: ‘The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’ Luke 3:22
Collect:
Almighty God,
you anointed Jesus at his baptism with the Holy Spirit,
and revealed him as your own beloved Son;
grant that we who are baptised into his name
may give our lives to your service, and be found worthy of our calling;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Readings: Acts 8: 14 - 17 and Luke 3: 15 – 17, 21 -22
Parish News
Please note that our 10am Combined Service next Sunday, 19th January, will be led by Russell and our 11am band, with Ciru preaching.
All are warmly invited to come and experience, once again, our “11Sharp” Communion worship style as we deeply contemplate changes (if any) to our Sunday morning
format.
We will not be holding our regular mid-week Wednesday morning service during January. However, if you feel you need Home Communion and /or prayer, please let Rev. Kofe know. She is happy to come and share with you.
Our People, Our Place
Do keep those wonderful “Our People, Our Place” profiles rolling in!
Diocesan Prayer Community - Reminder
The Diocesan Prayer Community has been operating since March this year. This Community identifies the issues which challenge our Diocese (and parish!) and join each other in praying for those issues.
Do consider signing up to pray with others from other parishes. You will receive regular updates and forms of encouragement from our Archdeacon of Regeneration & Mission, and it only takes a few minutes of our time each day or week.
Please let the Vicar know if you’re interested.
Helpful info
Giving
Groups
It’s easy to connect and get involved with some great social and faith-focused groups that meet regularly across the parish. You can find out about all our regular groups on our Groups page. If you have any questions, just click the contact button to connect with the group’s organiser.
Need prayer?
We’d love to pray for you. See the ‘Prayer Support’ section on the Help & Support page for more information on how we can help with your prayer needs. There are confidential and anonymous options available.