From P. J.: Scripture helps us defend our faith. The apostle Peter instructs believers to be ready with an answer for our hope and faith in Jesus. Scripture also helps form our character. Paul makes it clear that the Word of God is alive, active, and pierces our souls. And since God’s Word is so powerful, we should commit some passages to heart so God can work in and through us
December 15th – Habakkuk 1:5. Then the Lord said to the people, “Keep watching the nations around you, and you will be astonished at what you see. I am going to do something that you will not believe when you hear about it."
This week’s Kingswood Foodbank needs are anything Christmassy. Thank you very much.
Chris Knight has spent some considerable time giving the cooker a much needed clean: thank you Chris.
“This Christmas, there will be lights, parties, bright trees and even nativity scenes while the world continues to wage war. And what will remain after the war? Ruins, thousands of children without education, countless innocent victims, and lots of money in the pockets of arms dealers. God weeps for a world that has not understood the way of peace.” Who said this and when? Pope Francis in 2015: nothing has changed in 10 years.
The BB have prepared KMC’s Christmas Card for everyone to sign and make a donation to Crisis, the Homeless Charity. The card will be in the Church this Sunday and next.
In the 19th Century, lots of new carols were written by the church and many of them are the carols we all know today. Ordinary people sang carols in their homes, often to their favourite folk tunes, while in church more formal, professional choirs sang sophisticated Christmas music. Many people couldn't read or write, so they learnt their carols by heart. This meant that some of the oldest carols have been lost or forgotten because they weren't written down. But, luckily, many of them did survive and were printed in carol books so that we have them to sing today.
It was in the 4th century that Christmas was celebrated on 25th December. The modern image of Santa Claus in red clothes became popular mainly because of Coca-Cola adverts in the 1930s. Jingle Bells was originally written for Thanksgiving in the USA, not Christmas. The tallest Christmas tree ever recorded was 221ft
Lectionary 14th to 20th December. Isaiah 35.1-10; Luke 1.46b-55 (Magnificat); James 5.7-10; Matthew 11.2-11. Come, Jesus, and fill us with joy. Isaiah presents a beautiful image of a time of restoration and joy for God’s people. The dry and barren wilderness will bloom, waters will break forth, God’s people will be healed and God will create a safe highway for his people to return home. For many, this is a particularly joyful time of year. On this Gaudete or rejoicing Sunday, the Old Testament reading offers us a joyous vision of renewal while the Gospel centres on joy being given in a place of questioning or despair. As we explore these, we think about how we may be bearers as well as receivers of the Lord’s joy.
There is no service here on Christmas Day. Potterswood have a service at 10am.
The Methodist Church in Britain has launched its national Advent and Christmas campaign with its first-ever outdoor advertising promotion. Throughout the first two weeks of December, posters carrying the theme 'Gifted' and the strapline 'You are a gift. Made with love', will appear on bus stops, roadside displays and other high-footfall locations. The campaign encourages passers-by to reflect on the ways they bring light to others at this time of year – whether through generosity, service hospitality or simple presence.
At the New Room, your last chance to see the exhibition “Leadership on a Journey”. This celebrates the rich diversity within the Methodist Church, shedding light on stories that are often overlooked and highlighting an inclusive vision of leadership. On loan from Wesley’s Chapel and the Museum of Methodism in London, the display explores the history of diversity in the Methodist Church, including narratives of migration to Britain and a focus on the varied and vibrant nature of Methodist leadership in Britain today. The exhibition ends on 24th December.
The purpose of Kingswood Methodist Church is to respond to God's Love in Christ and to live out that love in God's world.