What are we thankful for? A common question in churches, at least, in ours.
That’s as it should be – at the heart of our worship here in Calverley is the Eucharist, an ancient word for communion which literally means ‘thanksgiving'. Last week, at the beginning of the services, we took a moment to ask each other that question, and it was heart-warming to see people sharing the things for which they were grateful. Gratitude to God and for each other is at the heart of our worship and community, as well the heart of a joy-filled life.

This week we also refreshed how we pray for each other. We took time to pray for each other as individuals in the service, and we’ll do that for time to time over the year. I know many of us have carried those we prayed for through our weeks. We also started our intercessions list – if there is something or someone you would like prayer for, you can write their name on a tag and hang it on our prayer tree, and every month we will put together a list, include all those individuals in our public intercessions, and make the list available for you to pray at home. (Do ask people first if you want to add them to the list!)

I have noticed, after all this extra time devoted to prayer, both the doing and the sorting, that I have been drawn to pray with and for people in surprising ways after ‘coincidental’ meetings, which has been such a blessing and privilege. It seems that the more we pray, the more we want to pray, the more opportunities we see to pray; all in a virtuous spiral.

If we can include your prayer requests in our weekly prayers at church, please email the [email protected], and of course if you ever want me to pray for or with you, I’m right here.

God Bless,
Rob

Sunday 11th December
This week is the Third Sunday of Advent, lighting the next candle on the Advent wreath we reflect upon John the Baptist, who proclaimed the Saviour.
Services are at 9:15am & 11am, and we welcome Sue Ward preaching.
Coffee & Biscuits are served between the services, please stay/come early for a chat and if you can B.Y.O.M!

We're grateful to all those who brought a gift for Leeds Women’s Aid last week.
It’s not too late if you would like to contribute as we will be accepting gifts again in both services on Sunday. Please ensure gifts are new/un-used and un-wrapped.

Christmas Services
You should already have received details about this year’s Christmas services.
If not, grab a leaflet or two from church or click here to view online.
Feel free to pass to family and friends, and why not invite them to a service and share the true meaning of Christmas? Please note this year we are only requiring bookings for the Christingle services on Saturday 17th at 4pm and Sunday 18th at 11am. Therefore, if you usually attend the 11am service on a Sunday, you will need to book.
Please contact the [email protected] to reserve your place.
For all other services listed, just turn up!

Walking Nativity (Wednesday 21st December, 4pm)
Beginning at 4pm by the Cenotaph in Calverley Park, join Mary & Joseph as they journey around Calverley and watch the story of the first Christmas unfold. There’ll be Shepherds, Kings, and Angels with music and carols to sing.
Get into the spirit of the season and dress up, not forgetting to bring a torch to light your way. At the end of the journey, mulled wine & minced pies will be served in church.

Prayers
Please pray for the family of Jean Calver who died recently, following a fall at her Nursing Home. Jean was 88 and lived in Calverley to be near her two daughters Sandra & Wendy at which time she attended St. Wilfrid’s until she re-married (became Jean Townend) and moved out of Calverley.
Her funeral will be at Rawdon Crematorium on Thursday 15th December at 3:15 pm and afterwards in the Thornhill Arms.

Please also remember Rita Woodhead in your prayers. Rita has lived in the village for many years and in the past has worshipped at St. Wilfrid’s as well as working with young people at Priesthorpe School. Now in her advancing years she is still young at heart and has a supportive family around her, but health issues are coming to the fore. Please hold Rita in your prayers.

Looking Ahead
You can look forward to an Evening Worship Service, a Youth drop-in session, Teaching on Ruth, a new way with intercessions, and more.
Details to follow in the New Year.

Want to get more involved with church?
Please speak to Rev'd Rob or contact the [email protected]

Please send any items for our weekly newsy email to
[email protected]