Dear Church Family

Welcome to my final e-news for the year!

As we approach the final days of Advent, I want to take a moment to reflect on the hope and joy that has marked this season in our church. It has been a time of anticipation and celebration, and I’m thrilled to share with you some recent highlights and upcoming events.

Advent: A Time of Preparation and Hope
The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds not just to the celebration of our Lord’s birth but also to His second coming at the end of time. Advent is not about speculating the timing of our Lord’s return; it is about being alert and ready. It is about quieting and disciplining our hearts for the joy of Christmas and for the full joy that surely will be ours when Christ comes again.

This Sunday marks the conclusion of our Advent journey, and I encourage you all to take a moment to reflect on the hope, peace, joy, and love that this season brings. As we enter the final stretch, let’s continue to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ in a spirit of prayer, gratitude, and expectancy.

I’d like to let you know that I will be taking the weekend off. Rev Terry Terrill will be preaching at both the 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM services, and Rev Bob Barnes will be celebrating Communion at the 9:00 AM service. Please join me in welcoming these two wonderful ministers as they lead us in worship.

Recent Events
The last few weeks have been filled with opportunities to come together as a church family as well as to reach out to the wider community.

Messy Church: Over 60 people joined us for a fun and creative time at Messy Church on 1st December, where we celebrated the Christmas story through crafts, songs, and fellowship. It was a joy to see families coming together, and a beautiful reminder of the light of Christ shining in our community.
Carols Service: Our Carols Service on the 8th was a true celebration of the season, attended by over 80 people! It was a joyful evening of singing, worship and fellowship, and we were so pleased to see both familiar faces and newcomers join us in this beautiful service.
Church Picnic: Last Sunday’s church picnic was a great opportunity for fellowship and fun. The food, games, and time spent together were a true testament to the strong sense of community in our church.
Year-End Gatherings: As we look toward the close of the year, many of our ministry groups and programs are wrapping up for the season. From Bible study groups to youth and children’s ministries, it’s been a year of spiritual growth, support and encouragement. We are grateful for the leaders and volunteers who have given so generously of their time and energy to make these ministries meaningful and impactful.

Upcoming Christmas Services
I am excited to invite you to our upcoming Christmas services:

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: Join us on Tuesday, 24th December at 9:00 PM for a beautiful Candlelight CommunionService, a time to reflect on the birth of our Savior and experience the quiet beauty of Christmas Eve.
Christmas Day Family Service: On Wednesday, 25th December, at 10:00 AM, we will celebrate the joy of Christmas morning together in a family-friendly service. We encourage you to bring your loved ones and friends as we celebrate together the birth of our Saviour.

Pastoral Care Ministry Update
I am excited to share some updates regarding our Pastoral Care Ministry. First, I am pleased to welcome Margaret Conway, Dalise McGhie and Jenni Bowers who have recently joined the Pastoral Care Team for the 9AM Congregation. Their hearts for service and dedication to our church family are a real blessing, and we look forward to the impact they will make in caring for our church family. Additionally, I am thrilled to announce that Ellen Anderson has been appointed as the Coordinator for Pastoral Care for the 11AM Congregation. Ellen brings a wealth of experience and compassion to this role, and I’m grateful for her willingness to serve in this important ministry. We are also actively looking for individuals who have a heart for pastoral care to join Ellen on the team. If you feel called to serve in this ministry, I encourage you to reach out to Ellen directly for more information or to express your interest. Thank you all for your continued support and prayers for the Pastoral Care Ministry. We are so grateful for each person who serves and helps to care for our church family.

A Christmas Call to Prayer for Those in Need
During this season of celebration, we want to lift up our brothers and sisters in Christ who are facing serious illness or navigating life-changing decisions. Let us remember in prayer those among us who need healing, comfort and guidance. I encourage each of you to take time this Christmas season to pray specifically for these needs within our church family.

Annual Leave
I will be on annual leave from 10–26 January 2025. This time will allow me to rest, recharge, and spend quality time with my family. I am looking forward to this opportunity and appreciate your understanding during this period. For any urgent matters during this time, please feel free to ring the Church Office or reach out to the Wardens who will be available to assist you.

Looking Ahead
As we move into the New Year we are excited for what God has in store for us as a church. We look forward to continued growth, new opportunities for ministry, and a closer walk with our Lord. Thank you for being such an integral part of our church community this year. May you experience God’s peace and joy this Christmas season, and may His light guide and strengthen you in the year ahead.

20 December 2024

Dear Church Family

Welcome to my final e-news for the year!

As we approach the final days of Advent, I want to take a moment to reflect on the hope and joy that has marked this season in our church. It has been a time of anticipation and celebration, and I’m thrilled to share with you some recent highlights and upcoming events.

Recent Events
The last few weeks have been filled with opportunities to come together as a church family as well as to reach out to the wider community.

Messy Church: Over 60 people joined us for a fun and creative time at Messy Church on 1st December, where we celebrated the Christmas story through crafts, songs, and fellowship. It was a joy to see families coming together, and a beautiful reminder of the light of Christ shining in our community.

Carols Service: Our Carols Service on the 8th was a true celebration of the season, attended by over 80 people! It was a joyful evening of singing, worship and fellowship, and we were so pleased to see both familiar faces and newcomers join us in this beautiful service.

Church Picnic: Last Sunday’s church picnic was a great opportunity for fellowship and fun. The food, games, and time spent together were a true testament to the strong sense of community in our church.

Upcoming Christmas Services
I am excited to invite you to our upcoming Christmas services:

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: Join us on Tuesday, 24th December at 9:00 PM for a beautiful Candlelight CommunionService, a time to reflect on the birth of our Savior and experience the quiet beauty of Christmas Eve.

Christmas Day Family Service: On Wednesday, 25th December, at 10:00 AM, we will celebrate the joy of Christmas morning together in a family-friendly service. We encourage you to bring your loved ones and friends as we celebrate together the birth of our Saviour.

Wishing you all a blessed Christmas and a joyful New Year!

In Christ’s love
Deo

Rev Dr Deo Vistar
Vicar

20 December 2024

Dear Church Family

Welcome to my final e-news for the year!

As we approach the final days of Advent, I want to take a moment to reflect on the hope and joy that has marked this season in our church. It has been a time of anticipation and celebration, and I’m thrilled to share with you some recent highlights and upcoming events.

Recent EventsThe last few weeks have been filled with opportunities to come together as a church family as well as to reach out to the wider community.

Messy Church: Over 60 people joined us for a fun and creative time at Messy Church on 1st December, where we celebrated the Christmas story through crafts, songs, and fellowship. It was a joy to see families coming together, and a beautiful reminder of the light of Christ shining in our community.

Carols Service: Our Carols Service on the 8th was a true celebration of the season, attended by over 80 people! It was a joyful evening of singing, worship and fellowship, and we were so pleased to see both familiar faces and newcomers join us in this beautiful service.

Church Picnic: Last Sunday’s church picnic was a great opportunity for fellowship and fun. The food, games, and time spent together were a true testament to the strong sense of community in our church.

Upcoming Christmas ServicesI am excited to invite you to our upcoming Christmas services:

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: Join us on Tuesday, 24th December at 9:00 PM for a beautiful Candlelight CommunionService, a time to reflect on the birth of our Savior and experience the quiet beauty of Christmas Eve.

Christmas Day Family Service: On Wednesday, 25th December, at 10:00 AM, we will celebrate the joy of Christmas morning together in a family-friendly service. We encourage you to bring your loved ones and friends as we celebrate together the birth of our Saviour.

Wishing you all a blessed Christmas and a joyful New Year!

In Christ’s loveDeo

Rev Dr Deo VistarVicar

Recent Events
The last few weeks have been filled with opportunities to come together as a church family as well as to reach out to the wider community.

Upcoming Christmas Services
I am excited to invite you to our upcoming Christmas services:

In Christ’s love
Deo

Rev Dr Deo Vistar
Vicar