Reports for December

Sunday 25 December, it was the turn of Princes Risborough to be the focus of our Circuit Prayers

Dear All
I love the idea of the 'Reverse Advent Calendar'. What an excellent way to focus our minds not only on the approaching excitement of Jesus coming amongst us in glory and humility, but also reminding us of our Christian obligations to those less fortunate than ourselves. There are lots of wonderful things going on in Princes Risborough, do please support them in all they do with your prayers this Sunday.
Pete

Mike writes:

We have been getting ready for Christmas.
At the end of November Churches Together in Risborough (CTR) had a stall at the Town Switching on of the Christmas Lights and held a joint Advent service the following day, which some of our congregation attended.
We held a Saturday coffee morning in early December which attracted a number of people passing to pop in for a drink and chat.
In the afternoon on 18th December we held our Carol Service, led by our minister Rev. Keith Edwards. Then afterwards we enjoyed a short time of fellowship while tucking into mince pies.
Throughout Advent a number of our congregation have been taking part in a reverse Advent calendar, putting aside an item of food each day to be sent to the Wycombe-based foodbank 'One Can Trust'.
We would like to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year and we are very much hoping for a peaceful 2023.
Mike

Sunday 18th December was the turn of North Marston to be the focus of our Circuit Prayers.

Dear All

North Marston is a long-standing example of what can be achieved when Christians from different denominations work together. The Church and Chapel both continue to be used and the website gives much up-to-date information on a real range of activities that will definitely include something for everyone. There is a wide variety of teaching and prayer meetings, coffee mornings, lunches, Nativity and Carol services, not forgetting Messy Church for the younger age (and those not so young who enjoy getting covered in glue!).
Do remember the good work being carried out here and pray for all those, both young and not so young, who work tirelessly to ensure all within earshot hear the good news of the gospel of Jesus.
Pete

Sunday, 11 December, was the turn of Haddenham to be the focus of our Circuit Prayers.

Dear All
You can sense in Keith's words below, a growing anticipation of the approaching festivities as we journey together through Advent, because firmly included in that mix of excitement and anticipation is the desire to boldly insist that the reality of the season is not glossed over and forgotten in all the celebrations. Amidst the hot soup lunches and the Nativity Board Games, the story of that baby who means so much to a hungry world will shine through. Please pray for the lovely folk at Haddenham in your prayers this Sunday.
Pete

Keith writes:

We are in Advent and preparing for our Christmas services.
This Friday, 9th. we are holding our Churches Together In Haddenham Carol Service in the village hall, starting at 7pm. This is our annual ecumenical service and this year it is our turn to take the lead. Keith Edwards is taking the service. We will be entertained by a choir from the County First School in the village and the event will be closed with a dramatic performance by the Haddenham Mummers, a local drama group who attend local functions to raise money for charity. Refreshments will be served and all are welcome.
Our Church is being used as one of the locations for warm spaces, a CTIH initiative providing a heated venue and serving hot drinks and soup lunches between 10-4pm every Tuesday, in conjunction with our weekly coffee morning event.
We are planning a Christmas party at our fortnightly Small World toddler group with songs and games, and will present each toddler with a gift of a nativity board game.
In addition we are holding our annual Carol Service at 3pm on Sunday, 18th December. All are welcome.
As we prepare to immerse ourselves in the Christmas season, let us try to remember the real gift of hope that the arrival of Jesus brings.
With every good wish for Christmas.

Keith Wallace.

4th December the Church at Fairford Leys was remembered