We have reached the third Sunday in Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday. On this Sunday we have a break from our penitential Advent mood to Rejoice (Gaudete is the Latin word for rejoice) in the imminent coming of Our Lord at Christmas. The Candle on the Advent wreath is pink, and the vestments worn by Father Stephen were also pink as a mark of the mood of rejoicing. We had a special reason for rejoicing as part of our Eucharist today included the baptism of Sebastian, the newest member of our Church Family. 

In his sermon, Father Stephen told us of John the Baptist coming to tell us about the coming of Jesus. He was a herald, or perhaps in today's way of thinking a 'warm up act'!! John prepared the way, and smoothed the path before Jesus, just as we hope to smooth the path for Sebastian by bringing him to Baptism.

During Communion the Choir sang a Plainsong setting of the Office Hymn 'O heavenly Word from God on high'

 After the service the Sunday School held a coffee morning and sweet sale in the Church Hall, this was a lovely event, made special by the children singing carols as we drank our coffee and ate the delicious cakes they had made.

Next Sunday at 6:00pm we are having our 9 Lessons and Carols do come along!!