Last Sunday, 4th January, marked Christmas 2 and the Feast of Epiphany, when St Andrew's Church celebrated two morning services of worship. For the first of these two, a small group of worshippers braved the extremely bitter conditions to share together Holy Communion Order Two, while outside it was noted that a full and soft yellow moon glowed in the half light from a grey-blue cloudless sky. Later on, there was a low and brilliantly dazzling sun which gave no heat but nonetheless lifted the spirits.
In her homily, Reader Rosemary made mention of the fact that Epiphany celebrates the coming of Christ, a time for the giving of significant gifts and that this Feast is all inclusive where Gentiles were as much a part as well as the Jewish World at that time. This is particularly the case in Catholic Europe where particularly in Spain, people applaud the processions in the streets. Back to the roots of these things, the arrival of the Magi put Herod into a rage. After seeing the Christ Child, that seems to be it for these 'wise men'; we cease to know any more about these visitors from afar. We can still follow our star, so to speak, as they did, and God listens to us and is with us every step of the way. God is wishing us to know him better even though the journey might be slow.
This Saturday, 10th January, there is Coffee Shop from 10 to 12noon with Warm Spaces. On Sunday, 11th January, as well as morning Eucharist, there is Sunday ' 6 and looking further into the year, on Sunday, 1st February, there is at 3pm, the Christingle Service.
The author of these reports on the life and mission around St Andrew's is taking a three month 'break' and the next piece will be in 13 weeks time. Don't despair, the activities within the church will still happen and please keep an eye on our website in order to know what's going on. If you wish to visit and learn more, you are certainly most welcome. . Happy New Year!