Werrington Parish Church

December 11th Advent Window

George

THE HIDDEN WAY
"It is hard to believe that God would reveal his divine presence to us in the self-emptying, humble way of the man from Nazareth. So much in me seeks influence, power, success, and popularity. But the way of Jesus is the way of hiddenness, powerlessness, and littleness. It does not seem a very appealing way. Yet when I enter into true, deep communion with Jesus, I will find that it is this small way that leads to real peace and joy." From 'You Are The Beloved' by Henri J M Nouwen
Have you embraced the Hidden Way Nouwen describes? Ask Jesus to gently show you the way of His life that leads to peace with God!!!! ... See more

December 10th Advent Window

December 9th Advent Window

December 8th Advent Window

George

A TIME FOR DEEPENING
"The period before Christmas has that remarkable quality of joy that seems to touch not only Christians but all who live in our society. . .
But Advent is not only a period of joy. It is also a time when those who are lonely feel lonelier than during other periods of the year. During this time many people try to commit suicide or are hospitalized with severe depression. Those who have hope feel much joy and desire to give. Those who have no hope feel more depressed than ever and are often thrown back on their lonely selves in despair.
When a person is surrounded by a loving, supportive community, Advent and Christmas seem pure joy. But let me not forget my lonely moments because it does not take much to make that loneliness reappear. . . When Jesus was loneliest, he gave most. That realization should help to deepen my commitment to service and let my desire to give become independent of my actual experience of joy. Only a deepening of my life in Christ will make that possible." From 'You Are The Beloved' by Henri J M Nouwen.
Are you deepening your relationship with Christ in this Advent season? call upon Him and push through the loneliness and despair knowing Jesus is with you. Allow His presence to help you serve and give to others finding JOY in giving of yourself. We are having a Service called Blue Christmas at St. John's in Werrington for people who struggle with Christmas Sunday December 23rd at 6:30 pm!!!!! ... See more

December 7th Advent Window

George

Dear Friends,

I wonder are you counting the days to Christmas. Do you worry about the Christmas holiday? Some are anxious about whether everything will be done? Others fear the visit of friends and family? And still others are concerned about what next year will bring? May I encourage you to come to God and pray with me about Christmas this year? Put thoughts of Brexit behind you and the turkey and presents to one side and come and talk to God. Let me suggest 10 things to help you focus your prayers this Christmas:

1. Thank God for the precious and best Christmas gift, his Son, Jesus Christ.
2. Ask God to help you in the run up to Christmas, so that you can point others to the greatest gift of hope this Christmas … Jesus Christ!
3. Pray over the gifts you will give this Christmas, that they maybe expressions of love from you to those around you!
5. Ask God to make this a special Christmas where you will once again be excited by the first coming of Christ into the world.
6. Pray that your local church will see and know that Jesus Christ is Lord and the true reason for the season.
7. Ask God that his peace would come to our world and it would begin with you.
8. Pray that your heart will be filled with love and thankfulness for all the good things God has given you.
9. Ask God to show you how you can help those who maybe alone this Christmas.
10. Pray about your giving this Christmas, recalling that Christ gave sacrificially and without holding back so that we may know the joy of giving.

“May you, your family and friends have a happy Christmas and wonderful New Year!”

Love and prayers

I have copied this from a colleague. Peter Breckwold.
Important thoughts for Christmas.

In Christ
George Rogers ... See more

December 6th Advent Window

George

LOOKING FORWARD BY LOOKING BACK
"The expectation of Advent is anchored in the event of God's incarnation. The more I come in touch with what happened in the past, the more I come in touch with what is to come. The Gospel not only reminds me of what took place but also of what will take place. In the contemplation of Christ's first coming, I can discover the signs of his second coming. By looking back in meditation, I can look forward in expectation. By reflection, I can project; by conserving the memory of Christ's birth, I can progress to the fulfillment of his kingdom. I am struck by the fact that the prophets speaking about the future of Israel always kept reminding their people of God's great works in the past. They could look forward with confidence because they could look backward with awe to Yahweh's great deeds." From 'You Are The Beloved' by Henri J M Nouwen.
Do you know God's faithfulness in the past and present? Will you then trust Him for the future? Ask Jesus to help you look back and celebrate and then look forward in anticipation!!!! ... See more