Stewart Weaver

Here it is: the last e-newsletter of the year!

Into your intray has whizzed almost 52 editions

of information, jokes and thoughts,

all to keep you in touch with St. Philip’s and

its dynamic, award-winning minister!

Which award is that, you ask?

The newly created Pulitzermanbookernobelgoldenbootcaluttacup Award for Creation from Nothing.

How appropriate.

Another snippet from your editor’s theological flavour of the month, Hans Urs von Balthasar (since he’s Swiss, should it be chocolate?).

This Sunday is Sunday 1 January and your minister will undoubtedly bring down fire and brimstone on all those slug-a-beds who happen to be taking a Sunday off.

(Public Announcement: The previously recorded sermon will be presented on the AV system because the minister will be indisposed).

God is all and the world exists only by virtue of and in this all.

Almighty God,

to whom all hearts are open,

all desires known,

and from whom no secrets are hidden:

cleanse the thoughts of our hearts

by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,

that we may perfectly love you

and worthily magnify your holy name;

through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Fill your hearts

In the bulb there is a flower

Readings Sandra Binnie

Abraham and Lot separate Genesis 13:1-18

Time for all things Ecclesiastes 3:1-13

How excellent in all the earth

Naming Jesus Luke 2:15-21

Leader: Lord in your love

Lord, for the years

Ø     Tea and Coffee will be served in the main hall after the 11am service this morning. Please join us.

Ø     The Magazine: There is no January edition of the church magazine. Contributions are invited by Sunday 22 January for the February edition. These should be emailed to pmidonaldson@blueyonder.co.uk, put in the magazine pigeonhole or handed to Pam or Ross Donaldson in church.

Ø     Shopping for the Homeless and Freshstart: 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, self raising flour, salt and pepper are always needed as well as sugar, tea and coffee.  A separate box has been added for cleaning materials for Freshstart.  Freshstart always need cleaning materials particularly basic items such as blue cleaning cloths, scouring pads and cleaning products.  In addition to this they are always looking for household items and at the moment they are particularly short of tumblers, single duvets, cutlery (mainly table knives and teaspoons) and pillows.  Donations of these items can be left in the Flower Room.

Ø     Fundraising Penny Tubes are available today for your small change.  Please take one.  Full tubes can be returned to the basket on the shelf at the back of the church and a new one taken to start filling again!  The penny total is creeping up and has now reached £884!

Christian Aid Burns Supper: The annual Burns Supper takes place on Sat. 21 January at the Old Parish.  The Immortal Memory will be provided by Rev. Richard Frazer of Greyfriar’s Church and the Toast to the Lassies by Rev. Dane Sherrad of Luss  Parish Church .  Tickets £12.50 from Winnie Davis.

An appropriate joke for New Year’s?  But, is it true?