Dear Worshippers and Friends of St. Clement’s,
We had a great Pre-Christmas celebration by the Youth and the Children’s Ministry last Sunday. Thanks to all the young people of the church and David Hellam and to everyone who made last Sunday so special and brought delicious food for Lunch. Our Advent Meditation series is also over now and I hope those who attended it last Tuesday thoroughly enjoyed it. Coming to this week, I hope to see many of you this evening for ‘The People in Need Carols‘ starting at 18.00 and then on Sunday..
Sunday 16th December starting at 11.00 – Sung Eucharist for the Third Sunday of Advent
In the Gospel Reading, this Sunday, we hear John’s preaching of a “baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,” and his proclamation that he is merely a messenger preparing the way for the coming Messiah, given in Luke 3. 7-18. The supporting readings are Zephaniah 3. 14-20 which is a Song of Joy and Restoration and Philippians 4. 4-7 which reminds us that ‘The Lord is near’ as we draw close to Christmas and prepare for His second coming. Our preacher will be Licensed Reader John Noonan. There will be no Children’s Ministry until 30th December 2018 but Children are welcome to attend the service and, as usual, babies and toddlers will have a playmat available at the back of the church.
And in the evening…
Sunday 16th December starting at 18.30 – Service of Nine Lessons and Carols
An opportunity to hear again the good news of the birth of Jesus Christ and join in singing the traditional Christmas Carols. I look forward to seeing many of you for this special service. Your family and friends are welcome to join. There will be seasonal refreshments after the service.
Barbara Payne is the refreshment coordinator for this service so if you would like to bring some nibbles or drinks please get in touch with her which would make preparation a bit easier for her.
Then on Monday..
Monday 17th December starting at 16.30 – Carolling around the Town
We start carol singing at the British Embassy, then go to the Sue Ryder Charity shop at Štěpánská and we sing at last at the Café Louvre. A number of people have already been in touch with me to be a part of this. However, if you are interested in joining and haven’t been able to speak/write to me, please let me know soon so that we can update the numbers to our hosts at the three locations.
Other important things..
My sermon text from last Sunday is available to read on the church website by following the link http://susanaj10.sg-host.com//sermons/.
On Monday 24th December starting at 23.30 there will be Midnight Eucharist for Christmas and on Tuesday 25th December starting at 11.00 there will be our main Christmas service.
A pack of ten Christmas Cards along with envelopes, will again, be available at the back of the church in return for a donation of 200 CZK. This year we have as many as three different designs available. Consider buying these special cards which you will find are lovely to send to your people near and far.
If it was/is your birthday or wedding anniversary or any other special occasion last week or the coming week, we would be happy to share your joy and pray for you. You are invited to send to me the details by email to this address.
Yours in His Service,
Nathanial