‘The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighbourhood’
(John 1.14, The Message)
Dear Friends
We are into that crazy season of mad white van drivers, Die Hard discussions, Brussel sprout persecution and credit card overload.
‘Down to such a world as this’ He came. The Son of God enters this mess and noise of human making to show us, his creation, how to live and to open the way back to the Father.
This is no screaming from heaven; or banging of a door and storming out; of ordering someone else to do the dirty work; or sitting back and ordering online. God came to sort things out in a world that God had created. God in human form. God incarnate. Love embodied.
I hope and pray that our Christmas services & events can communicate something of this wonder and compassion and by the grace of the Holy Spirit we will all get beyond religious words to encounter ‘Emmanuel.’ Come Lord Jesus!
Last minute Christmas Mission ideas & resources
-Flood your village centre with Knitted Christmas angels…
-Posada -pass the holy family figures around your community
-Invite a friend to watch a Christmas carol service with your family…
-Flash mob choir
-Christmas parcels to those in need
-Special invite to a hot Christmas dinner at church for those who don’t have family; are struggling financially etc…
-Send Christmas cards -make them particular & local than too general or particular
-Bless your postie!
-Advent Windows -can you get 24 people put a display in their house window representing one of the Christmas story characters or objects?
https://www.edenprojectcommunities.com/ideas/create-magical-advent-windows
-Invite your neighbours round for mince pies…
-Make a Christmas window display
- At Christmas sharing faith… https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/resources/five-ways-to-start-gospel-conversations/
Find attached a wee selection of Christmas blessings I’ve quickly compiled.
The Gaelic Christmas Animation Video is now available in both Gaelic & English
Telling about God’s gift to us in Jesus.
Available FREE for use at home, in school, in community and in churches.
Along with the video is a Lego schema for children to use. Together with Teachers Notes that aligns the resource with the Curriculum of Excellence, Curriculum.
https://gochattervideos.com/lego-christmas-story-church.../
The resource has been fully funded, by the Gaelic Committee, Church of Scotland and Bord an Gaidhlig.
And…
at our Christmas services which are often the busiest our church will get all year…
-are we ready to welcome? be generous? and do we have something that we can invite people to in the New Year? An Enquirers course about Christian faith / a community project / to join a gospel choir…?
Communications -Presbytery Website
https://lothianandborderspresbytery.org.uk/
We are delighted to announce that the presbytery website is now live.
Look for tools such as the presbytery calendar for upcoming meetings and events. Certain forms can be directly downloaded and stories shared.
This will mean that we are into the snagging stage and there may well be things missing or not right. Please be patient but do have a look.
Caroline Kirk our presbytery administrator is the webmaster. ckirk@churchofscotland.org.uk
Latest Video -Penicuik Youth Group
Listen to young people talk about what their Christian faith means to them. Notice how thoughtfully Ann & Andrew facilitate the group. They are hoping to use the new Youth Alpha materials in the new year.
Sanctuary First News
Sanctuary First, the digital mission group set up by Albert Bogle has changed the way it is structured and supported. For more see
https://www.sanctuaryfirst.org.uk/news/thus-far-the-lord-has-helped-us
Blythswood Care
Many of you will know Blythswood Care as a Scottish charity who co-ordinate a Christmas shoebox appeal. Paul Aleggo, their church engagement officer for our area of Scotland recently visited one of our churches on a Sunday and gave a great presentation of the work that Blythswood do. You can contact Paul on paul.algeo@blythswood.org
Presbytery Zoominar Tuesday January 28th 7-8pm
Join us online to hear from the CoS Zero Carbon & Eco-Congregation team on measures to take to reduce emissions from our buildings.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81898256287?pwd=0rlhRWsE05dkbK3FynRX1ESnBaAgWQ.1
Meeting ID: 818 9825 6287
Passcode: 882815
And finally
Presbytery Prayer calendar
Week beginning Sunday December 15th
Ormiston linked with Pencaitland
We remember in prayer this week the leadership and all involved in the life of this community.
We seek your encouragement and blessing for the Prayer, Bible Study and Youth Groups. We also pray for the Guild’s community outreach and for changes that will help us be more inclusive and focussed in service.
OTHER RESOURCES
Message from Linking lives UK
“Please find enclosed information and feedback on our Good Conversation training for volunteers and our Going Deeper Conversation Toolkit.
I have also attached a copy of information/resources/supports I have collated which might be helpful.
Please contact me if you have any questions or want to know more about how we can support you.”
Attached
Webinars
https://ascend.churchofscotland.org.uk/events/intergenerate-uk-webinar/
Rev. Peter J. Wood
Mission Officer for Lothian & Borders Presbytery