Advent is a time of looking forward with hope, but how can the birth of a baby in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago give us hope today? At Christmas we remember the vulnerability, insignificance and humility of God’s entry into the human sphere. We recall how God identified with the ordinariness of human life and made it holy. Advent is an opportunity to prepare to make Christmas holy. A holy Christmas is one in which we make room for Jesus, God’s son. This Advent you are invited to make room for daily Bible readings and prayer (see Advent Book recommendation) or ‘host’ the Posada characters, or attend one of the Advent services on 3rd December.
Alternatively, you might want to set aside time to stop amidst the hustle and bustle to think about your hopes and fears for the future. The events of Christmas prompt us to believe that God is still very interested in being a part of our everyday lives. On Sunday 12th November, the Bishop of Willesden confirmed 10 people who wish to commit to following Christ. Three of the adults confirmed, attended Start! in the Summer and found it to be a really helpful way to examine the Christian faith. A new course of six Wednesday evening sessions begins on 10th January at 8 p.m. in the Rectory – please give me a ring if you would like to attend.
Blessings,
Adrian
Baptisms
Oct. 15th Nicola Sowden
Alice Noad
22nd Joshua Goode
William Goodwin
28th Duncan Mallett
Eleanor Mallett
Weddings
Oct 21st Craig Nolan Davies and Helen Louise Collins
Service of Blessing after a Civil Marriage ceremony
Oct. 28th Paul and Rachel Mallett
Cremations at Breakspear Crematoriums
Oct. 20th William (Bill) Albert Barnard, aged 87
24th Vera Louise Molly Findlay, aged 89
26th Doris Vera Grove, aged 80 (After service in St Giles’ Church)
31st Frank James Elliott Higgs, aged 78
FROM THE URC INTERIM MODERATOR
I read a newspaper article recently on ‘The bonus bonanza’ in the City. It included the following comments: ‘Bonus day, one might expect would be akin to being a child at Christmas .. the sheer joy … Not so. The day on which bankers are told how much they have ‘trousered’ can be a dark and embittered time.’ (Guardian 4th November 2006 page 27).
This is the most recent of many items I have read which highlight the truth that beyond the level of living comfortably, wealth does not bring happiness. Money can be like all other drugs, highly addictive and creating the craving for ever greater amounts. Wealth can cause envy and dissatisfaction, and can sour and destroy relationships. The evidence is widespread and yet most of us still find it hard to believe.
Christmas is approaching with its strangely twin-track character. At one level there is the intensely materialistic celebration: eating and drinking to excess; buying, giving and receiving more and more expensive presents; and the stress of last minute shopping. At the other level is the story of the baby born in a stable and cradled in a manger; the story of parents on limited means who became refugees through no fault of their own; the story of remarkable events that were first witnessed by humble shepherds and then by some wise men who took the trouble to read the signs of the times and discover what they meant.
God comes to us, not in wealth, power, and status, but in simplicity, vulnerability, and love. Real peace and joy are to be found through the grace of God. This is the eternal message, which is as true today as it was over two thousand years ago. It is true every day, but the Christmas story brings it to us with startling freshness. I pray that you will be richly blessed with the peace and joy that God gives to all who will receive him.
Yours in Christ.
Tony
N.B. We very much thank Tony for his articles throughout 2006. This is his final contribution as the Revd. Bernie Collins is soon to be inducted as Minister at Ickenham U.R.C. See below
INDUCTION OF NEW U.R.C. MINISTER
January 6th 2007 is a very important date for Ickenham U.R.C. as on that day it holds its Induction Service for the Reverend Bernie Collins.
Many of you know that the Church has been without a minister for three years and so it is with great delight that we welcome Bernie.
The U.R.C. elects, democratically, a new minister by inviting members to vote after the candidate has taken a service and met with them socially. Our church meeting was held in September and members agreed, unanimously, to ask the Reverend Collins to be our minister.
We look forward to working with him and to do our best to uphold our mission statement. In this we aim,
- to help people to become Christians
- to worship God together
- to grow in faith and spiritual life
- to serve others in Christ’s name.
During November the U.R.C. held a London Summit that focused on how our churches need to restructure themselves in order to become more effective and vibrant in the 21st century.
Bernie will introduce himself in the February 2007 edition of ICN. In the meantime, may the joy and peace of Christmas be with you always.
Wendy Williams (Church Secretary)
Once we get to the 1st of December, it’s much easier to calculate the number of shopping days before Christmas, so I’m sure I don’t need to remind you exactly how many! There’s still time to purchase cards and presents, turkey and stuffing. But being properly prepared for Christmas depends on what you are hoping for. I’m sure there are younger members of the community who have great hopes for what might be inside the gift-wrapping. Others might be hoping for an enjoyable family party, but I expect there are some who will find Christmas harder because it will evoke more painful memories. Perhaps you’re hoping for a greater understanding of the meaning of Christmas or a closer experience of God.