What are your festive traditions, I wonder? I’m re-examining some of ours.
I think I have to include watching Elf and Die Hard, the two classic modern Christmas movies. It won’t include a complicated dinner (Lasagne for us this year, and I’m so happy!). I have no idea yet how we do family presents at the vicarage, there’s no good window. I’m not sure about presents – I try to eschew the commercialisation of it all, but I also know I’m happiest when I get beer, whisky, chocolate, socks, a book, and an hour to read one while absorbing and wearing the others!

But underneath all of that, wherever I’ve been, Christmas has usually been about being with people I loved, about embracing a certain level of chaos, about not knowing what time it was, about enjoying the frivolous or extravagant food and drink and presents, about telling jokes and laughing however bad they are. It is, more than most days of the year, a day when I am present to myself, and to those I am with, and the joy and memories we are making.

I try, in the most of all that, to remember Jesus and be present with God, knowing he delights in us whatever we do on his birthday. Going to church helps. Saying grace too. Whether or not I remember, I know that he does...

I hope and pray your Christmas is blessing to you, whatever shape it is, wherever you are. God Bless, and Happy Birthday Jesus!
Rob

(See you next year! - There won’t be a Newsy Email next week)

7pm Carols by Candlelight: Final Choir Rehearsal!
There is an additional final rehearsal tomorrow evening (Friday 23rd).
Please be in church ready to start at 4:30pm. Church will be open from 4pm.

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?

Sunday 1st January 2023
We have one service on New Year’s Day at 11am - Sue Ward & Paul Hartley will be leading us in a quiet and contemplative communion service.
You are welcome to join us, and we look forward to seeing you.

Lay Eucharistic Ministry Training
A two hour in-person course will take place in church on Sunday 22nd January, 1-3pm, to enable lay people to feel confident about administering the sacraments (consecrated bread and wine) during a service of Holy Communion.
For more information and to book, please click here. 
If you will be attending straight after a service, please bring some lunch.

Lifts to Church
We have a couple of people in Rodley who would appreciate a lift to church for the 9:15am Sunday service and to the T.A.G group on a Tuesday Afternoon.
If you can help, please contact Revd. Rob.

Bring & Share Lunch
As a church, it’s good to meet and eat together. We’ve not done it for a while, so we have one planned for after the services on Sunday 29th January.
Save the date and watch out for more details!

Calverley Comfort Zone
As the weather is still chilly, don’t forget Calverley Comfort Zone is open every Thursday, 11am-2:30pm at the Methodist Church. They're offering soup and a roll, tea, coffee, & biscuits, plus a range of activities.
Open to all, please make use of it.

Bradford North Foodbank
Please continue to bring your food donations to church.
The foodbank is a lifesaver and your support is helping to change lives.

Want to get more involved with Church?
We are looking for volunteers! Could you be in Team Warden? The next Wedding Verger? Or The Keeper of the Sheep? If you're interested, please have a word with Revd. Rob.

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