Dear friends,

It was good to start Advent this morning and to hear about the Alpha Day focussing on the Holy Spirt yesterday. If you missed either service (or would just like to listen again), you can find all our Sermons on our website.

Our 'Follow The Star' booklets arrived in Church yesterday. Please do take and use them each day as you focus on Advent reflections.

This morning, Eunice Thompson was checked out by Paramedics and was able to go straight home. Please pray for Eunice this week as she recovers.

Next Sunday, I’ve asked Ian Dowling to share briefly about being a Christian in politics. Ian is the Lib Dem candidate in our constituency and regularly worships with us.

For those who can make it, do see if you can attend the Hustings this week, notably at Pudsey Parish Church this Tuesday 3rd at 7:30pm, and at St James' the Great next Saturday 7th at 7:30pm. This is a great opportunity to hear what different candidates have to say to make an informed choice.
We are all called to pray for and be involved in the political process, whatever our views on politics are.

Dave Edwards spoke this morning about getting Dads to do some shopping with their daughters this Christmas.
He has created this notice, and also written below:

This is a special shopping trip for Dads and Daughters sometime between now and 14th December. Each selects a gift for the other, we're suggesting up to the value of £10. Dads could also take their daughters for a breakfast, tea & cake, or lunch in a cafe, pub, or restaurant.
The aim is to go shopping and spend some fun time together that will become a great memory.

We'll all then celebrate this important relationship as a community in 2 weeks time with a 'bring & show your gifts' part to the service on Sunday 15th December. Dads and Daughters must wear or bring their gifts, no matter what it is! Funny, silly, thoughtful, practical or sentimental.

This event comes off the back of the Parenting Course session on Love Languages and is part of our Christmas preparations.
We've had Dads n Lads Football, so now it's time to have something for daughters! Dads and Daughters of all ages can get involved - so grown up ladies, this includes you too!

Single Mums, you could ask someone you trust, and your daughter knows, like their grandad or a family friend. Because of the way life and families are, this event won't be for everyone, we are aware of that.
We'd ask you to see our intention in this event and support it by encouraging those that can take part, to do so. Thank you.

Whilst this is meant as a bit of fun, there is a serious side to what we are suggesting. Social media can put real pressure on our girls. Plus, with mental health issues on the increase, this is just one way to make an important statement about the incredible value of girls and ladies in our community. It's also a way to make memories. Special memories give us roots that are important in life.

Next Saturday 7th, Messy Christmas is taking place at 3pm in Church for all families. Click here to learn more.

I hope you all have our programme for the coming weeks over Advent.
The only new event this year is the 'Carols & Barrels' at The Thornhill on Sunday 15th at 7:30pm. Our other services and events are similar to last year.
Please click here to view them all.

Best wishes, 
Phil.