Weekly Notices - 8th Dec 2024
The Advent Wreath & Candles
The First Sunday of Advent heralded the beginning of the liturgical year and marked the start of the Advent season. It is a time of anticipation and preparation, as believers embark on a spiritual journey leading up to the celebration of Christ's birth. The theme of HOPE permeated this first Sunday, symbolized by the lighting of the first candle on the Advent wreath.
The Second Sunday of Advent holds profound significance as it continues the spiritual journey of anticipation and preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. This pivotal Sunday builds upon the theme of Hope established last week and introduces the element of PEACE. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, the Second Sunday of Advent invites believers to embrace a spirit of inner peace as we embrace the anticipation of Christ's birth.
As the Advent wreath is adorned with the lighting of the third candle, we are enveloped in the radiant glow of joyous anticipation. This Sunday serves as a vibrant interlude, inviting believers to pause and revel in the profound JOY that emanates from the imminent arrival of the Savior. Amidst the solemnity of the Advent season, this Sunday serves as a resplendent oasis, beckoning believers to embrace the transformative power of joy.
The Fourth Sunday of Advent, the final beacon of anticipation before the joyous celebration of Christmas, holds profound significance as it culminates the spiritual journey of preparation and expectation. This pivotal Sunday introduces the theme of LOVE, symbolized by the lighting of the fourth and final candle on the Advent wreath.
These 4 candles, plus the Christmas Candle (to be lit at Christmas) sit within our Advent wreath, a circular garland of evergreen branches representing ETERNITY.
May God always bless St Aug’s ~ Your Friend and Vicar, Kofe
Vicar Kofe
This Sunday’s service (8th Dec)
Theme: ‘Prepare a way for the Lord’’
Sentence: ‘By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.’ Luke 1:78-79
Collect:
Praise and honour to you living God
for John the Baptist,
and for all those voices crying in the wilderness
who prepare your way.
May we listen when a prophet speaks your word,
and obey;
for the sake of Jesus Christ our Redeemer.
Amen
Readings: Philippians 1: 3-11 and Luke 3: 1-6
Parish News
Please consider bringing a present to place under our Christmas Tree for those less fortunate this Christmas.
(These presents will be taken to the City Mission for distribution.)
The City Mission prefer that you don’t wrap the present, and if needed, to label them for the intended age-range and gender. Thank you!
Annual Day of Giving;
Your Vestry would like to ask that you please prayerfully consider a contribution, over and above what you regularly give.
Please spend a few moments reading and digesting our Treasurer’s write-up. We desperately need our roof repairs done, and are in dire need of funds to carry this out.
Our People, Our Place
Do keep those wonderful “Our People, Our Place” profiles rolling in!
Loki and Friends Play Verdi
Our organist Loki and friends (on trumpets) play a short snippet of the Grand March from the opera Aida by Verdi on 18 August 2024
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.
St Aug’s & Beyond…
Handel’s MESSIAH Saturday 7 December, 7.30pm Christchurch Town Hall with the CSO
Dr John Linker Music Director
Sarah Jane Rennie Soprano
Margot Button Mezzo Soprano
Patrick Power ONZM Tenor
Samuel McKeever Bass
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.