01 December 2015
08:49 | 
Posted by
LesleyB |
The first day of the new church year, Advent Sunday. Our 10 am Eucharist opened with the choir singing the 'Matin Responsory' by Palestrina. The solemn season of Advent, looking forwards to Christmas is a time of quiet contemplation. The first candle of the Advent ring was lit and the service began. In his sermon Father Stephen told us that time and patience were required to be ready for Our Lord. Modern society wants everything now. Impatience is a modern phenomenon. Advent is all about waiting, focusing our minds on the second coming and judgement. "Oh come quickly" we sing in an advent hymn, but do we really mean it? The prophet Isaiah looked for the coming like a watchman - looking from afar and looking out for a sign. Advent is a time of anticipation, when every tear is wiped away, salvation, death destroyed forever.Forgiveness was at hand for the Jews if they would repent. Not a remote angry God but a loving brother - "I will give you rest".
In the Afternoon we had our now traditional making of advent wreaths and tea. This lovely event took place in the Church Hall, where we gathered to assemble our own Advent Rings, to take home and light a candle each Sunday until Christmas all materials were provided, and a fantastic choice of 'greenery' to add to the ring! After everyone had finished their ring they were all placed on the central tables and the first candle lit, We gathered around and Father Stephen blessed the rings. We then were treated to a splendid tea, many thanks to Anwyl who organised the rings and prepared them, and all who contributed greenery, and to the tea team, Anne and Marilyn. This lovely event marks the beginning of our Advent preparations.
