Thursday 10 December 2020

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

We usually have a nativity play in church on one of the Sundays in December and this is very much appreciated by the whole church family. Sadly, this year we have not been able to do such a nativity play in person. However, we have put together an online nativity play, for this coming Sunday, 13th December. This will be put on the website by Saturday evening.

The production of this play has been a major project. It includes 28 children, together with parents and other helpers, totalling around 60 people in all! It is beautifully done and I am sure you will all appreciate it. I thank all the children who have recorded readings, prayers and music and those who have drawn pictures. Also, a big thank you especially to Tricia who organised it, and to Marc and Kathy Patton for their technical skills in putting it all together. Please do watch it and share it with family and friends.

Bible Studies
The next online Bible study will be on Tuesday 15th December, 7-8.15pm. It will be our final session on Philippians. Contact Helen for the Zoom link.
Please let me know if you are hoping to attend.

The Men's Group will meet at 5pm on Sunday 20th December.

Christmas Services
We are still waiting for Canton Bern to decide the number of people who are permitted to attend live services over Christmas. I will let you know as soon as I can. Whatever the situation with live services, our services will be put online. Sadly no singing is permitted in any live services, but you can sing as loud as you like at home when you join in with the online services!

There will be an online nine lessons and carols service, which will be put on the website sometime around 21st or 22nd December - when it is is ready! I will give you an exact date next week.

The Christingle Service for children and their families will be 4pm, Christmas Eve, via Zoom. I will send more details about this to the families during this coming week.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services will be put online as well as also (hopefully) being held in church for small numbers.

Advent Reflection: Preparing the way of the Lord
During Advent, we remember those who prepared the way for the coming of Christ. Let us also pray that we might prepare our own hearts to receive Christ and follow along his way.

Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
and teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all day long.
  Psalm 25.4-5

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
  John 14.6

With love in Christ,
Helen