Dear People & Friends of St. Clement’s,

This coming Sunday is the one Sunday each year, when we have TWO services at St Clement’s, rather than just one. So let me tell you about both of them!

Sunday 18th December at 11.00 – Sung Eucharist for the Fourth Sunday of Advent

Our Gospel reading, Matthew 1. 18-25, is the account of the Annunciation of the birth of Jesus to Joseph in a dream. It is an account far less well-known than the Annunciation to Mary, recorded by St Luke in his Gospel. In particular, there is the clear instruction that the baby that Mary is carrying in her womb, is to be called Jesus, ‘for he will save his people from their sins’. Our Old Testament reading, Isaiah 7. 10-16, tells of a child being born who will be called Immanuel, ‘God is with us’, which Matthew sees as being fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. In between, we will hear the opening verses of St Paul’s letter to the Romans – Romans 1. 1-7, where Paul speaks of Jesus Christ – that he is the Messiah, as well as calling him Son of God, emphasising his divinity.

On Sunday morning, we shall be joined by the Old Blundellians Choir, under their Musical Director Andrew Barlow. They are a group of former students of Blundells School in Devon, UK, several of whom have forged careers in professional music. Andrew is their former music master, recently retired. They will sing Kyrie, Sanctus, Benedictus and Agnus Dei to a setting written by Andrew Barlow and support our congregational singing, as well as providing an Introit, (so come on time to hear it :-) ), and an anthem during the administration of Communion.

During the service, I will be baptising baby NAME. There will not be parallel Children’s Ministry – the children can enjoy witnessing the baptism – but following worship, there will be Coffee Hour in the hall on the third floor of Klimentská 18.

Sunday 18th December at 18.30 – A Service of Lessons & Carols for Christmas

We shall again be joined by the Old Blundellians Choir, under their Musical Director. They will be singing several choir carols, as well as supporting our congregational carols. It should be a musical treat, as well as a wonderful preparation for the celebration of Christmas the following weekend and a great opportunity to invite your irregular worshipping or non-worshipping friends ;-)

We still need help with seasonal refreshments, following the service. Gordon Truefitt is going to provide mulled wine, together with a non-alcoholic hot fruit drink. But we need people who would be willing to provide some appropriate seasonal nibbles. If you can do this, please email Gordon, gordontruefitt(at)yahoo(dot)co(dot)uk , with cc to me, chaplain(at)anglican(dot)cz , by Friday evening, saying what you are going to bring. This then allows time for Gordon & I to sort out what is still missing!

Three final things for this week…..

The sermon from last Sunday by Rev’d Nathanial, is available to both listen to and read, on our Church website. Just follow this link:

Copies of the brand new Winter edition of our Diocesan Magazine ‘The European Anglican’ will be available free to take away at both Sunday services.

Likewise our St Clement’s Christmas Cards will once more be available for sale. A pack of ten cards with envelopes sells for CZK 200 with all profits going to support the work of St Clement’s.

See you on Sunday – Twice!

Best wishes

Ricky