Dear Worshippers and Friends of St. Clement’s
Many thanks to Gismunde, Sally, Noella and Aditi for leading the Children’s Ministry last Sunday in David’s absence.
This coming Sunday is Advent Sunday, marking the beginning of the Church or Christian Year. We shall, as we do each year, benefit by having a wonderful Advent Ring hanging behind the altar, provided for us by our host Českobratrská církve evangelická congregation, with the first candle lit. This Advent Sunday, we move from Year C to Year A in our three year cycle of Lectionary readings. What this means is that over the next twelve months, on most Sundays, our Gospel reading will be taken from the Gospel of Matthew. Advent only occasionally starts on 1st December . Therefore do plan to join us for worship this Sunday, as we begin, through the Advent season, to prepare ourselves to celebrate once more, the coming of Christ into our world.
Sunday 1st December at 11.00 hrs.– Sung Eucharist for Advent Sunday
Matthew 24. 36-44 is our Gospel reading whichis part of a much larger passage, usually called the Olivet discourse, which discusses both events that transpired in the first century A.D. and those which as of yet have not come to pass.The supporting readings are Isaiah 2. 1-5 which end with a call to ‘let us walk in the light of the LORD!’ and Romans 13. 11-14, where St. Paul gives a call -‘Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armour of light’,.
The Hymns are:-O come, O come, Emmanuel Veni Emmanuel; Hark! a herald voice is calling Merton; Wake, O wake! with tidings thrilling Wachet auf; and Lo, he comes with clouds descending Helmsley
There will be parallel Children’s Ministryand following worship, Coffee Hour in the hall on the third floor of Klimentská 18.
Make every effort to join us on…
Tuesday 3rd December from 18.00 hrs. to 20.00 hrs – Bible Study in the hall on the first floor of Klimentska 18
This Tuesday there will be Bible Study on the Prophets especially focusing on the prophets who mention Jesus’ birth. Please make every effort to be a part of the Bible Study. A simple meal will be made available making it easier for those of you who come directly from work to participate without worrying about a meal when you get back home. I would be grateful if you could drop a line and mention any dietary restriction(s), making it easier for me to arrange. However, do not hesitate to join if you decide at the last moment. It is an opportunity to meet new people, deepen relationships and learn from the Word of God. If the ground floor door of Klimentská 18 is locked, press the bell marked Sborový Kancelář & you will be buzzed in!
Other important things..
My sermon from last Sunday is available on the church website. To read follow the link http://susanaj10.sg-host.com//24th-november-2019-christ-the-king-revd-nathanial/.
Christmas Cards with English text with all proceeds going towards supporting St. Clement’s and including our web address, are available for sale at the back of Church. There are three different designs and are only CZK 200 for a pack of 10.
Early Notices: Whilst many of our regular congregation return to their countries of origin over Christmas & New Year, some of you remain in Prague for some or all of this time. The various Carol Services & services at Christmas itself, are perfect opportunities to invite family and friends to come to worship with you! Start thinking now about who you might invite.
Sunday 8th December after our worship service in Prague, we hold worship service in Brno starting at 17.00. This will be our last service for 2019 with our people there and the only service before Christmas. Like last two years, I invite our people from Prague congregation to join me for the same. If you are interested, please reply to this message or speak to me on Sunday.
Friday 13th December at 18.00 hrs there will be ‘Charity Carols‘ in the church hosted by the same people who for many years have kindly organized it in collaboration with us to support a good cause/organization. Please note that the choir has updated me that they begin at 18.00 and not 17.30 like it was initially planned.
Sunday 15th December after our worship service there will be Pre-Christmas Celebration by Youth and Children’s Ministry as well as the Bake Sale. For more information either talk to me or to David Hellam.
Tuesday 17th December we would be Carolling around the town like last year. Thanks to The British Ambassador H.E. Nick Archer, we start at the British Embassy at 16.30 hrs and then various other places. If you are keen to spread the good news of Saviour’s birth with many people, this is an opportunity. You don’t have to be a great singer to take part in this! Everyone is welcome. But, I need to know if you would participate as I must pass on your names to the embassy beforehand.
The Service of Nine Lessons and Carols and the Holy Communion will be held on Sunday 22nd December starting at 11.00.
The Christmas Midnight Eucharist will be held on Tuesday 24th December starting at 23:30 hrs. and Christmas Day Family Eucharist will be held on Wednesday 25th December starting at 11.00.
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 replying to this email.
Yours in His Service,
Nathanial
