The Bear Essentials
For the weeks beginning Sunday 22 & 29 December 2024
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6
CHRISTMAS NOTICES
Christingle Service - THIS SATURDAY 3:30pm @ Giffin Square, Deptford.
NO Sunday Morning or Evening Service - Services return back on 5 January 2025, midday service at the Ascension and evening service at Evelyn.
Women's Bible study break - The Women's Bible study will meet Tuesday 24 December and then return on Tuesday 7 January 2025.
Carol service at St Luke's - Paul and Emily would love to invite everyone to the Carol Service at St Luke's Holloway, N7 9JE. Carols, mulled wine and minced pies! For more information contact Emily Adlington.
A SEASON OF WAITING: A REFLECTION
"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Romans 12:12
During this pause in our regular meeting, we are encouraged to lean into the spirit of this time of year. The days are shorter, the nights are colder. It's a season of going inward as we prepare for another cycle round the sun. It's a time of gratitude for all that we have and of joy that God incarnate came to bring life, life to its fullest!
But as we reflect upon the year that was and the one that's not yet, we can feel the weight of grief, of all kinds, that these reflections bring.
The birth of a baby in a manger is the perfect image of how we can hold joy and grief together, and that neither are extinguished by the presence of the other. At this time, as a community, we carry all the moments of joy and of painful loss that we have jouneyed through together and individually and we ask God to be Emmanuel again.
We would like to particularly mark the acute challenge it is to celebrate all the achievements and miraclous provision with Bear House and the building project without diminishing the deep longing to return to our home. And we acknowledge, with never-ending gratitude, all those who week in, week out help make all that the Bear is happen even when the future continues to be so uncertain.
But through this, because of this, we endeavour to rejoice in hope and be patient in tribulation by keeping constant in prayer.
If you would like to join or continue to keep The Bear in your prayers, there is an open invition to early morning prayer on zoom every 7-7:30 Monday to Friday.
CONTACTS
The Bear Church Instagram - follow at @thebearchurch
The Bear WhatsApp Broadcast Group - for weekly updates and more (but not much more), add The Bear Church 07707 524977 to your contacts, then message the number and ask to join the group.
Safeguarding - the email address for our Designated Safeguarding Lead is safeguarding@thebear.tv
Giving - is part of our worship. Please see the recent email for a financial update. For any money-related questions, contact Tracy at finance@thebear.tv
Contact Larry at info@thebear.tv if you want to run a classified ad. Please note that these are included as a courtesy and do not necessarily reflect The Bear Leadership or employees' views or beliefs.