Despite last Sunday's wet, grey and numbingly cold conditions outside, the 10am Parish Eucharist went on ahead with the good news that during the after-service time for a hot cuppa in the Chapter House, there would be the presentation of cheques to two charities from donations raised during the September Country Fayre. A very grateful representative from Water Aid responded with a big 'thank you', explaining the necessity for an ongoing public response to its needs and aims. Unfortunately the representative from Noah which concerns itself with providing shelter and housing for the homeless and vulnerable, was unable to reach us on the day but nonetheless, this charity will soon be the recipient of a very useful cheque as well. This came as a gratifying reminder that our annual Country Fayre continues to be a major platform for our outreach mission both locally and much further afield.
Beforehand, during the service, the second Advent candle was duly lit and upon completion of this symbolic spreading of light over the four Sundays preceding Christmas, the four candles demonstrating the Christlike virtues of 'hope, love, joy and peace' will have been proclaimed. Also during the worship, a special Advent Song - light the advent candle - was sung by both choir and us in the pews. Reader Rosemary's homily further focussed on this beautiful season where perhaps we are given the opportunity to ponder its purpose and significance. Perhaps this is best navigated through places of solitude and quiet. Often it seems when we study the Holy Bible, reference is made about 'going into the wilderness to grapple with pressing issues'. Mention of the word 'wilderness' can conjure up pictures of a hostile and arid sort of landscape with more than a hint of the presence of menace. Yet, the wilderness provides an opportunity for introspection and prayer and where we can receive more clarity to our thoughts and actions. John the Baptist, that great messenger for the coming of our Messiah, the Saviour of the Jewish nation as promised in the Hebrew Bible. Jesus himself sought out the wilderness to be tested and to be close to the Father. Hence, Advent is a time and place, so to speak, to prepare for Christmas and the actual birth of Christ.
Remember that from Mondays to Saturdays, the church is usually open from 9 to 4 for private prayer - wilderness moments - and where any visitor can linger in the foyer to read the notices and pew sheet news. Elsewhere, for those who can, please visit our comprehensive website at any time.
Throughout this Advent Season, St Andrew's is ready for a lot of sharing of the Good News. On Sunday, 15th December, there is 10am Parish Eucharist; Monday, 16th, 6pm Carols on the Lawn, Thursday, 19th, 6pm Carols at Kings Reach; Saturday, 21st, 10:30am, Nativity Tableau on Market Square, Sunday, 22nd, 6pm, Nine Lessons and Carols in church, 24th, Christmas Eve, 6pm Crib Service and then, 11: 30pm, Midnight Mass. Wednesday, 25th, Christmas Day, 10:am Parish Eucharist.