ST. PHILIP’S E-NEWSLETTER
26 NOVEMBER 2010
COMMENTS FROM THE EDITOR
Yesterday was a big day for our cousins across the pond:
Thanksgiving!
THOUGHT
The quote last week prompted some interesting responses. ‘Simplicity is complexity resolved’ said Constantin Brancusi, the Romanian sculptor.
One person wrote back with this comment, which hangs above his desk: ‘if things seem simple, you’re not looking hard enough’.
I then wondered if we could summarise St P’s purpose in one simple sentence. Here are some responses:
‘To bring souls to the kingdom.’
‘To make us all a people of compassion in God’s world’.
‘To reach out to all showing the love of Jesus’.
‘To share the love.’
Peter Nielson, a Church of Scotland minister, does a great deal of work encouraging churches to think through mission. He once asked numerous scholars to summarise their views on the purpose of the church. Though much ink was spilled (note spelling) he said it could be put succinctly:
‘Follow me’.
That is what we are called to do.
That is what we are to encourage others to do.
Discuss.
WORSHIP
Lots going on this Sunday, which is the First Sunday of Advent.
The Choir will sing ‘Ave Maria’ as well as ‘Never Weather Beaten Sail’.
There will be a baptism.
Roseanne Fraser will talk about Zambia.
And if the technology works out, YouTube???
Peace begins with a smile. Mother Teresa
________
Introit the Choir
‘Ave Maria’ (Arcadelt)
Rejoice, Mary, the Lord is with you.
Blessed are you among women
and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Welcome
Opening Collect (said together)
Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness and put on the armour of light,now in the time of this mortal life, in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility; that on the last day, when he shall come again in this glorious majesty to judge both the living and he dead, we may rise to the life of immortal; through him who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Hymn 509 Jesus calls us!
Baptism of Niamh Helen Aldis
Hymn 796 The Lord bless you and keep you
Talking Together
Hymn 279 Make way
Readings Psalm 122 and Luke 10:25-37
Offering
Anthem ‘Never Weather-Beaten Sail’
Prayer & Lord’s Prayer
Hymn 83 I rejoiced when I heard them say
Zambia Roseanne Fraser
Reflection
Prayers for Others
Hymn 277 Hark the glad sound!
Blessing
EVENTS
Lots going on at St. P’s and at our sister churches too!!!
Saturday 27 November
Messy Church: Games, crafts, songs and meal, all focussed around apples and advent. Join us in the main hall: 3.30pm-6pm.
Sunday 28 November
Ø Tea and Coffee: Please do join us for tea and coffee after the 11am service and we appreciate your patience as we set up tables and chairs. There will also be a Fair Trade Stall in the hall after the 11am service selling Christmas Cards, jewellery and small gifts.
Ø Baking Stall First Sunday of the Month: As well as donations of baking, help is needed to set up and serve. Please speak to Angela Stewart if you can help.
Ø Fresh Start – A Cooker for Christmas Appeal: A leaflet giving details of the Cooker for Christmas Appeal and how to make a donation are included with the order of service this morning. Donation should be sent direct to Fresh Start. For more information please speak to Chris Galbraith.
Ø The Christmas Cards are ready for collection for delivery to the Parish.
Ø Choir Practice after the 11am service this morning.
Ø Book Club meets at 7.30pm in the Dalriada to discuss ‘Dissolution’ by C J Sansom. All are welcome to come along and join in the discussion.
Ø Guide Coffee Evening: Many thanks to everyone who supported the Guide Coffee evening. £112 was raised for Richmond’s Hope Bereavement services.
Ø Nativity Carols today at St Andrew’s Square at 4pm followed by an ‘Christ for All Nations’ Advent Service at Greenside Parish Church at 6.30pm with contributions from the international churches in Edinburgh and district. All are welcome
Ø St Columba’s Hospice Calendars are available this morning from Lilian Warwick priced £4.95 or contact Lilian. There is also a selection of Christmas Cards for sale for St Columba’s Hospice.
Ø Have You Got the Xmas Factor? Its time to organise the Family Christmas Sing-along again. Last year we had a great time. Singing carols, a quiz, shortbread, mince pies, etc. If you have the urge to entertain us at this jolly event, please contact Poppy (aka Simon Cowell). Due the high number of talented people in our church, only one act per family! Sunday, 19th December 2010 from 6.30pm.
Ø Shopping for the Homeless: The Grassmarket Community, who help the homeless in Edinburgh, have asked if people would be willing to add a bit extra to their shopping basket. Stock cubes, sugar, lentils, salt and pepper are always needed.
Ø Fundraising Penny Tubes are available today for your small change. Please take one. Full tubes can be returned to the basket in the vestibule and a new one taken to start filling again! The penny total has now leapt to £1,211 – slightly up on this time last year!
Monday, 29th November 2010
Ø The Prayer Group The Prayer Group meets at 9.45 in the Baird Hall. Prayer Request Boxes have been placed on both sides of the vestibule. All are welcome to join us.
Ø The Coffee Club meets at 10am in the Session Room. Everyone is welcome to join us. For more information please contact Pat Knox on 669 3765.
Ø The Guild meets at 7.30pm and we will be joined by Rev Tom Gordon speaking about his latest book. This is an open meeting and everyone is welcome to join us. For more information please contact Mary Christie on 669 3262.
Tuesday, 30th November 2010
Ø The Parables of Jesus – Wise sayings to live your life by, or descriptions of the Kingdom of God? Discussion Group on Tuesdays, each week, from 2pm – 3pm and 7.30pm – 8.30pm in the Baird Hall. This week we will explore the parable of ‘The Good Samaritan’.
Ø St Andrew’s Day Service will be held in St Cuthbert’s Church, Lothian Road at 2pm on 30th November 2010. The Very Rev Bill Hewitt will give the address and the choir of St George’s School will take park. All are welcome.
Ø Films At St Philip’s are showing ‘Unforgiven’ at 7.30pm in the Baird Hall. Everyone is welcome to come along and watch the movie and join in the discussion afterwards.
Wednesday, 1st December 2010
Ø Advent talks will be held at St James’ Church on Wednesday evenings commencing on 24th November at 7.30pm. Speakers from different faith communities will be leading the discussions.
Friday, 3rd December 2010
Ø ‘Christmas with Octave’ You are invited to an evening of carols, songs, poems and fun with Octave on Friday, 3rd December 2010 at 7.30pm at St Philips. Tickets are available from Annette Morrison priced £5 for adults and £2.50 for children. All proceeds to the Church Talents fundraising.
Saturday, 4th December 2010
Ø Young Woman’s Group Christmas Fayre takes place on Saturday 4th December from 10am – 12 noon with Children’s Crafts, Home Baking Stall, Tombola, Stocking Fillers, Face Painting and Tattoos and tea and coffee with mince pies. Any donations for tombola and raffles prizes would be appreciated and can be handed in on the morning of the Fayre. If anyone would like to run a stall please contact Gillian McNeill on 665 0184.
Ø The Walking Groups joint Christmas walk is along the Walter of Leith finishing with a meal at ‘Compass’, Queen Charlotte Street, Leith. The cost of the meal is £18.95 – please give names and a £5 deposit to Louise Simpson.
Ø Christmas Fayre at St James’s Church, Rosefield Place on Saturday, 4th December from 10-1. For more information go to www.stjamesparishchurch.org.
Sunday, 5th December 2010
Ø Organ Recital , with clarsach and other music, will take place at the Old Parish Church, Bellfield Street on Sunday, 5th December at 6.30pm. Refreshments will be served. No tickets required but donations appreciated.
Sunday, 12th December 2010
Ø Christmas Baking Stall: There will be a Christmas Baking Stall after the 11am service on Sunday, 12th November 2010. There will be Christmas Cakes, black bun and tablet for sale.
Ø Christian Aid Carol Service will take place at St Philip’s at 7.30pm with Kathy Galloway, Head of Christian Aid Scotland. All are welcome.
JOKE
For those of you who are organised…
It was early in December and the judge was in a good mood: holidays were on their way.
A man appears in the dock.
‘What’s the charge against you?’, asks the judge.
‘I was caught doing my Christmas shopping very early,’ replied the man.
‘That doesn’t seem like an offence to me!’ exclaimed the judge. ‘What do you mean by “very early”?’
‘The shop wasn’t open yet.’
Have a good weekend!!!
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