Dear Worshippers and Friends of St. Clement’s,
Please read the entire weekly message carefully..
Thanks to our preacher last Sunday Licensed Reader John Noonan for speaking to us through the Word of God and to everyone who came for our regular worship service in the morning and the service of nine lessons and carols in the evening.
Then on Monday, fourteen of us went Carolling around the town and sang at various locations including the British Embassy, Sue Ryder at Stepanska and Cafe Louvre. We were warmly welcomed at each of these locations and many people who heard the carols told us how much they enjoyed it. My thanks to everyone who made it possible.
For those of you who will be in Prague for Christmas and haven’t left for visiting family and friends in home countries a reminder of our upcoming services..
Sunday 23rd December starting at 11.00 – Sung Eucharist for the Fourth Sunday of Advent
The Gospel Reading is Luke 1. 39-45 where we read about “A Blessed Visitation” when Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth. The supporting readings are Micah 5.2-5a where we find that Prophet Micah foretells the birth of Christ; a part of which is quoted later by Herod’s scribe upon the arrival of Magi to find the king in Bethelehem and Canticle Magnificat or the Song of Mary in which Mary declares the greatness of and finding delight in God.
Following worship, there will be Coffee Hour in the hall on the third floor of Klimentska 18.
Monday 24th December starting at 23.30 – Christmas Midnight Eucharist
At this service, our Gospel reading will be Psalm 85, Zechariah 2 and Revelation 1.1-8. I hope many of you are able to come for this service.
Then on..
Tuesday 25th December starting at 11.00 – Christmas Day Family Eucharist
The Gospel reading for this service is John 1.1-14 a wonderful prologue to the Gospel of John, explains theologically what we celebrate at Christmas – The Word became flesh. The supporting Old Testament reading is Isaiah 52.7-10 written long before the advent of the Christ child, bears witness of God as saviour and reminds us that while the incarnation is most certainly something new, God as saviour is not new but a part of who God is – something that had already been praised for centuries. The New Testament Reading is Hebrews 1.1-4 which tells us that God’s Final Word is His son bringing forth the uniqueness and ultimate authority of Jesus Christ.
There will not be Coffee Hour following our worship, to let you all get home to enjoy your Christmas dinner.
After worship on Christmas Day morning, I shall be taking leave till 4th January 2018. In my absence, Rev’d Ricky Yates will be preacher and celebrant on Sunday 30th December 2018 at our regular Sunday worship service. In my absence if you have any urgent pastoral concern please get in touch with me through phone or with the churchwardens and we will do our best to help you.
Other important things..
Bishop Robert’s Christmas message is up on the Youtube. Here is the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVOh3nV2_DM.
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.
This will be my last ‘Weekly Message’ for 2018. Therefore may I wish you all
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Yours in His Service,
Nathanial