JESUS - COMMUNITY - CREATIVITY ๐ SPECIAL HOLIDAY ISSUE ๐
14th December 2025 - 3rd January 2026
WHATโS ON
SUNDAY 14th December
CHRISTINGLE ๐ : The Bear : 3:30pm
SUNDAY 21st December
Carol & Nativity service ๐ถ : The Ascension : 12nn
Evening worship : Evelyn Community Centre : 6pm (meal + worship, food prep @ 4pm)
SUNDAY 28th December
NO SERVICE
SUNDAY 4th January
Morning worship : Ascension : 12nn (prayer @ 11:15)
NO EVENING SERVICE
THROUGH-OUT THE WEEK
Early morning prayer : zoom : 7am Mon-Fri
IN OUR COMMUNITY
To continue on our journey with Advent, our Christingle service will look at the theme of Hope and follow on with the next instalment of the Magnificat.
He had performed mighty deeds with his arm;
He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
But has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
But has sent the rich away empty.
Luke 1:51-52
Excerpt from I Am Mary by Carol Howard Merritt:
"If a poor teenager from Nazareth could be favoured by God, if a lowly servant could be blessed, then this divine upending must extend to all people. The oppressed would be lifted up, the exploited would be exalted, and the hungry would be filled - for God's love is revolutionary."
For our Carol & Nativity service the theme is Peace and will finish off Mary's song.
He has helped his servant Israel,
Remembering to be merciful
To Abraham and his descendants forever,
Just as he promised our ancestors.
Luke 1:53-55
And to conclude, an excerpt from Rev M Barclay's modern interpretation of the Magnificat:
Through exiles and enslavement,
famines and wars,
hurricanes and gun violence,
God is a companion in loss,
a deliverer from evil,
a lover whose touch restores.
This is the promise They made
to my ancestors,
to me,
to all the creatures and creations,
now and yet coming,
and in this promise,
I find my strength.
Come, Great Healer,
and be with us.
CLASSIFIEDS
Salvation Army Toy Appeal: The Salvation Army are holding their annual Christmas Toy Appeal, helping to provide toys for children across Lewisham borough who would otherwise go without. The need for help has increased, so please take time to read the attached information to see if you might be able to help. If you would like any further information you can email Karl.Carpenter@salvationarmy.org.uk.
Christmas time: Last week Tanya shared so openly in her talk on how Christmas can be difficult for some. If you find this time of year difficult, The Samaritans are a non-judgemental space to be heard, they will "help you work through what's on your mind." If you need advice or specialist support for a specific issue, such as a bereavement or domestic abuse, they have put together a list of specialist organisations, including their contact details, which you may find helpful.
Someone who Can with a Van: we have been offered a sofa for Bear House and need someone with a van to transport it from Lewisham. If you can help, please email bex@thebear.tv.