Carols in the Park this year bordered on the miraculous. From 40-50mph winds to a stillness that let the candles quietly burn and create the magical atmosphere that makes the afternoon so magical.

How many came? No idea – 300-400 at least but we think they enjoyed it! Have a look at the photos!

Thanks to so many people:

1. Crossroads and the Town Council for their funding and the use of the Park
2. The stewards – we had more this year than I have ever seen
3. Meltham and Meltham Mills Band who after a tiring weekend, including playing at Morrison’s, were up to their excellent best
4. Meltham Community Choir – first outing and well received!
5. The schools for their excellent readers and the choir – thanks to the heads, parents and teachers that came to support them
6. Patrice and Sarah for sorting out the mulled wine and to all those who brought mince pies
7. Anne Halstead drafted in to First aid
8. Vanessa and Debbie Still for counting the pennies that brought in £237.32 to St Georges Crypt
9. Steve Aspland without whom there would have been no power or sound – such a picture of calm!

Not forgetting, Simon “Twinkling Fingers” Ball and his singers, Richard Whiteley whose compering gets better every year, the readers, St James Church for the use of the building, the many people who took round the mince pies and the tidiers up afterwards, Rev Maureen and John for the use of their electricity(!) – the list is endless.

It was quite a weekend. The inaugural Carols in the Pub on Friday night had the participants drooling! And Saturday at St Barts went brilliantly or so I’m told!

Praise God!

Nigel

Genesis 22:1-19 – Abraham and Isaac

God of Abraham and God of Isaac,

who said “I desire mercy, not sacrifice”,*

give us power to grasp how wide and long,

how high and deep is your love for all your children,

that rooted and established in Christ,

we may be enabled to offer you all that we are

and all that we have, within the all surpassing love

of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

GL (*Hosea 6.6)

Genesis Chapters 12 and 15 – God’s promise to Abraham and Sarah.

Almighty and everlasting,

increase in us your gift of faith

that, forsaking what lies behind

and reaching out to that which is before,

we may run the way of your commandments

and win the crown of everlasting joy;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord.

Collect of the Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity.

At the recent DCC meeting for St James’ it was agreed that we would have a collection to support the Jigsaw Christmas parties.  This will take place at St James’ on the Family Communion service this Sunday 6th Dec.  Alternatively, if you would like to donate, please contact Chris Ryan.

Genesis Chapters 6,7 and 9 – God’s promise to Noah.

Righteous and living God, constant and faithful,

you love mercy and hate injustice,

in the colours of the rainbow

you make known your eternal covenant love for your creation.

Stir us from apathy and ignorance

to desire all that you will for your creation;

that prepares the way for the coming Kingdom

of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

(GL)

Pew Sheet -6th December

Genesis 3:1-19 – Adam and Eve’s fall from grace.

Creator God, your love for your children knows no limits,

though we turn away from you when we fall into sin,

by your grace we know the joy of your forgiveness,

and by your power, give us the will to forgive

through the saving grace of your Son, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

(Adapted from the 2nd addition of Jesse’s Tree, a journey through Advent with Embrace the Middle East)

Genesis 1:26-31 – The Creation of the World

Lord Jesus Christ,

By taking human flesh you sanctified material things to be a means of your grace; grant us wisdom in our attitude to all that we have, and a generous heart in the use of the resources entrusted to us, that by faithful stewardship we may glorify you. Amen.

(Adapted from a prayer from the C of E Central Board of Finance, the Archbishop’s Council)