Dearest friends,
I’m very much looking forward to our Holy Habits course this Thursday.
Last week I told you about the first week – bodily prayer, why we cross ourselves, and why that’s important.
Next week (14th) we’ll be talking about Gratitude. Gratitude is a tough old habit, but it is a habit we learn.
It’s important that we don’t confuse gratitude with joy, or happiness – or indeed happiness with joy! No, gratitude is a spiritual discipline that has deep roots in scripture and in various Christian traditions.
There are ways that we can pray, we can act, that encourage us to think in positive ways. That help us see the gifts of God around us.
We often end up training ourselves to be negative, but with a little effort we can create a new habit of Gratitude.
Gratitude is more than a mental exercise, more than a formula of words. We cannot be satisfied to make a mental note of things which God has done for us and then perfunctorily thank Him for favours received. To be grateful is to recognize the love of God in everything He has given us—and He has given us everything.
Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence is grace, for it brings with us immense graces from Him.
Gratitude therefore takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to new wonder, and to praise of the goodness of God.
The grateful person knows that God is good, not by hearsay but by experience. And that is what makes all the difference… Gratitude is therefore the heart of the Christian life.
Fr. Matthew
Notices
Remembrance Services
In a slight change to previous years there will be a remembrance service in both parishes on the 10th November starting at 10:45am outside both churches.
Lions Message Tubes
Did you know that the Lions have created something called ‘Message in a bottle’? It’s a super scheme designed to help those who are vulnerable – it contains notes that paramedics or other emergency services may need if they visit your home. The kit comes with stickers, the ‘bottle’, and some notes. You can get them in both churches. Thanks so much to Lyn for making these available to us.
No Parish Lunch This Sunday
There will be no parish lunch at St. Luke’s on Sunday 10th November.
Table Top Sale
Don’t forget the table top sale at Wickham Hall on Saturday 16th. There’s always a great selection of goodies and it’s a great opportunity for a coffee, cake, and natter.
Christmas Fayre, St. Luke’s
Donations of raffle prizes etc. are needed for the Christmas Fayre. Please contact Claire Baker with any questions.
The Rev’d Dr. Chris Moore
On the 1st December we’ll be joined by the Rev’d Dr. Chris Moore for an afternoon lecture on the Gospel of Mark. A time travellers guide to Mark will really open up the gospel in a new light. Refreshments will be served. 3pm, St. Luke’s.
Sunday 10th November
32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
10:45am – Sung Parish Mass, St. John’s
10:45am – Sung Mass, St. Luke’s
Divine Office Psalter Week 4, 3 Before Advent
November
7th, 14th, 21st, 28th – Holy Habits [SL] 7pm
10th – Remembrance Service [SL & SJ] 10:45am
14th – St. John’s PCC, 5pm, Wickham Hall
16th – Table Top Sale [SJ] 10am-12pm
Basic Safeguarding Training, 11am, Wickham Hall
20th – Social Committee Meeting [SL] 6:30pm
30th – Advent Carols [SJ] 6pm
Further Safeguarding Training, 11am, Wickham Hall
December
1st – A Time Travellers Guide to Mark [SL] 3pm
4th – St. Luke’s PCC, 7pm, Church Hall
7th – Christmas Fayre [SL]
8th – Mayor’s Civic Service [SL] 3pm
11th – Over 60s Christmas Concert [SJ] 2pm
15th – December Parish Lunch [SL]
19th – Cantemos Carol Concert [SJ] 7pm
22nd – Christmas Carols [SL] 4m
Nine Lessons and Carols [SJ] 7pm
24th – Live Nativity [SL] 4pm
1st Mass of Christmas [SJ] 8pm
Midnight Mass [SL] 11:30pm
25th – Christmas Day Mass [SL & SJ] 10am
29th – Joint Mass at St. John’s 10am with dedication of Holy
Family Chapel
Christingle Services at both churches TBC