Dear Brothers and Sisters

The ‘big day’ is almost upon us. Some of us will be able to meet up for worship, some will be worshipping at home. Many of us will be spending the day alone or with very few of our family and friends around us. Let’s hold each other in our hearts and prayers over the next few days. 10 years ago I was in Afghanistan. Many of the young men and women I served with then are back in Kabul just now and will be working far from their homes and families this Christmas. Spare a prayer for them and their families and all those serving our country.

Christmas Day is often the time of year when our churches are packed. This year this will not be possible. We need to make sure that we allow enough space in our buildings to allow us all to be at a safe distance from each other. So, if you are planning to attend church on Christmas Day please contact the appropriate Churchwarden to let them know. (Blubberhouses: Pat Anderson on 01943 880284 or Cheri Beaumont on 01943 465977. Denton: Ann Chadwick on 01943 600604. Farnley: Peter Goodwin on 01943 969953. Leathley: Liz Webster on 01943 468376 or Terry Bramall on 07802877799.)

Comfort and Joy booklets will be available to take home this weekend. Please take them and use them at home over the Christmas period and give some to your neighbours

I will be on holiday from 26th December (St. Stephen’s Day!) until 2nd January. During that period, I won’t be checking emails but can be reached on the Vicarage phone (01943 513340) in an emergency. The next bulletin after this one will be on 3rd January.

I am famously bad at sending Christmas cards. Each year I have good intentions that never resolve into action! Thank you so much for all your cards and good wishes. If I don’t see you on the day, may you have a very peaceful and blessed Christmas and, as we say ‘up North’ a Guid New Year to ane an’ a an’ mony may ye see.’

Sunday’s Readings

A Reading from the letter to the Romans

Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory for ever! Amen.                                                     (16:25-27)

The Gospel according to Luke

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.’ But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.’ Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.                                                                                                                 (1:26-38)

Services for Christmas Day                         

  • Denton                             9.30am
  • Blubberhouses               9.30am
  • Farnley                            9.30am
  • Leathley                           10am

Sunday 27th December                                 

  • Fewston                           11am

Sunday 3rd January                                      

  • Weston                            9.30am
  • Leathley                            11am
  • Fewston                          2.30pm

Please remember in your prayers: All those who will be alone this Christmas and those separated from their families. The homeless and those who will go hungry. Those who will be working, especially those working in our hospitals and care homes. The sick and their families; Jane and John Charman, Sue Kidd. For all those who mourn, especially the family of Rosemary Row.

God bless you all.                       

Stephen