December 2007

VICAR: The Revd. Martin Fredriksen Tel: 694109

PARISH OFFICE (Mondays to Fridays 9.30am - Noon) Tel: 697641

FROM THE VICAR: Birthdays are one of those occasions when we are allowed to indulge ourselves just a little and where the attention of those closest, focuses just on us for a short time – perhaps a cake, a special meal and the odd present or two comes our way. We are placed in a position of honour. I wonder whether the Queen with her two ‘birthdays’ gets twice as much as anyone else?

However large or small the celebration may be, I very much doubt that we would spend four hectic months preparing for it and perhaps as much time after it, paying off the cost. The individual whose birthday it is, would be very surprised to be totally ignored – yet seeing everyone else spending huge sums of money, only to pass presents to each other and for him to receive absolutely nothing.

Yet, isn’t this exactly how the great majority of the population celebrate Christmas? All the excesses go on with us and around us, yet comparatively so few look to the one whose birthday we are celebrating.

Christmas is to do with the Birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ – and only that. Attendance at some form of worship over this season honours the one ‘who is God and Lord of all.’ There are many opportunities for this at St.John’s, where you can be assured of a warm welcome – not just at this special season, but all the year round.

Do come to join with us because one day, all the material trappings will disappear for ever and without the Lord Jesus, there will be nothing left!

Martin Fredriksen.

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2012 - January

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2008 - January, February, March, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

2007 - January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December