Sunday 29th November 2020 – Advent Sunday All Saints Church, Childwall
READ: Mark 13:24/37 – “24 “But in those days, following that distress,“‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; 25 the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’ 26 “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.28 “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 29 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. 30 Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. 32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. 34 It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. 35 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”
REFLECT: As you look at the world around you – Coronavirus – global warming – wars and terrorism – nuclear proliferation in the Third World – what do you feel about its future? It would be easy to be completely pessimistic and despondent, imagining that the world is heading towards total oblivion. On the face of it today’s Gospel reading appears to add weight to that viewpoint as Jesus talks about cosmological meltdown having earlier in Mark 13 spoken about wars, natural disasters, persecution, betrayal by family members and more! But, actually, Jesus isn’t speaking about the end of the world, but rather the end of the world as we currently know it! Jesus is, in fact, speaking of a point in the future, at a date and time unknown, when He will return [Jesus’ Second Coming] and bring the promised Kingdom of God to fulfillment, ushering in a new Heaven and a new earth [Revelation 21:1]. Jesus tells His followers not to waste time and energy speculating about the date rather to stay alert, working, waiting and watching so that they are ready for ‘the Day of the Lord’ whenever it may come, whether in their/our lifetimes or beyond. Evangelist Tony Campolo put it like this, ‘“I’ve no idea when Jesus is coming back. I’m on the Welcoming Committee, not the Planning Committee!”
So, the more important question is not ‘When will it happen?’, but ‘Are we going to be ready to welcome Him? Most people, even many Christians, do not believe in Jesus’ Second Coming nor, indeed, in the Judgement which will be part of it, and of which Jesus has spoken in several of the Parables we have read/considered in recent weeks, but Jesus was quite clear that His Second Coming will be the culmination of history as we know it. Some would say that if it was going to happen it would have happened by now, but Peter, addressing just this unbelieving attitude writes, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise …… He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance …… live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.” [2 Peter 3:10/12].
RESPOND: How do you react to Jesus’ teaching about His Second Coming and judgement? Do you believe it or are you sceptical? Does it influence the way you live? If so, how? If you do believe, is your response one of love and gratitude or fear? Is this teaching a spur to our personal witness by word and deed?
PRAY: A Collect for Advent Sunday – ‘Almighty God, as your kingdom dawns, turn us from the darkness of sin to the light of holiness, that we may be ready to meet you in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.’
Post Communion Prayer for Advent Sunday – O Lord our God, make us watchful and keep us faithful
as we await the coming of your Son our Lord; that, when he shall appear, he may not find us sleeping in sin, but active in his service and joyful in his praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Rev. Bill Forster[Associate Minister]
Dear Friends,
Church Services – In line with Government legislation our Church Building is currently closed for ALL services until further notice. The only exception that is allowed are Funeral services in church with a maximum attendance of 30 people all socially distanced. With the National Lockdown finishing on 2nd December and Liverpool going into tier 2 a decision will be made about the possible reopening of church. The decision will be communicated clearly via our weekly sheet, website and all other means.
Church Services Online – You can access our Church Services online every week on our Church website. www.allsaintschildwall.org.uk
Rock Club Online Now!– Our youth and children’s worker Gypsey has developed online activities for Pebbles, Rock Club & Boulders. These can be accessed on our website: https://www.allsaintschildwall.org.uk/online-rock-club/
If you would like to be kept informed and receive specific emails detailing our Youth & Children’s Worship please can you let us know by emailing gypsey.allsaintschildwall@gmail.com
Evening Prayer – From this Sunday 29th November, the Readers will be hosting a weekly service of Evening Prayer on Zoom. During lockdown, we have not been able to enjoy Evening Prayer which for many of us was a wonderful way to end a Sunday. Even when we were able to open for morning services, due to the Covid security measures, we were unable to offer an evening service. A number of us are enjoying Morning Prayer via Zoom on a Monday and Friday mornings which Helen introduced when she joined us.
Using the Zoom facility, the Readers have agreed to host Evening Prayer each Sunday @ 6.00pm beginning next Sunday (Advent Sunday) 29thNovember. The liturgy and the readings will all appear on the screen and there will be a short reflection on the New Testament passage which has been set for the day.
Please join us. Garry Critchley
Meeting ID: 789 873 7449 Passcode: Newsman1
For further details please contact me at garry.critchley@gmail.com 0151 722 9643
Ordinand to start at All Saints – Adeyinka Olushonde – Adeyinka is currently studying at St Mellitus College in our Diocese as an Ordinand. He is starting a 3 year placement with us this month.
Adeyinka writes: My name is Adeyinka Olushonde and I am a father of two children, a husband, brother and a son. I come from a large and complex family that is spread across the globe. I have worked in a number of fields both Christian and secular, visited and worked in many countries and am interested in many things.
I like food (cooking and eating), singing (all styles of music), cycling (preferably not in traffic), football (both playing and watching), dog-walking and fencing.
Please pray for Adeyinka and his family as he joins us at All Saints for the next 3 years.
Living in Isolation – C of E website – On the church of England website there are some excellent resources. At this time of increased restrictions affecting who we can be with and where we can go we can feel increasingly isolated. Please can I encourage you to have a look at the Church of England website and their reflection and resources called ‘Living in Isolation’.
This is an extract with the link to the page below. It is easy to say, “You are not alone; God is with you.” It is not easy to live with isolation from the warmth of human company. However, isolation is not really, or only, about how many other people are in the room or house with us. It has more to do with who is in our hearts and minds, and how we may reach beyond the confines of rooms and homes to connect with those we love. https://www.churchofengland.org/faith-action/mental-health-resources/supporting-good-mental-health/day-one-living-isolation
Christmas Message – Patricia and John Britland Horne wish everyone a very happy Christmas and 2021. We support Guide Dogs for the Blind, so we hope you will excuse the lack of a Christmas card!
Weekly News – If you are aware of anyone who is not receiving all the weekly news that we are sending out please ask them to send me their email address so I can add them to our master email list.
All Saints Playgroup – Please support the work of All Saints Playgroup by purchasing a ‘Real Christmas Eve Box’ this year. the kits contain; The real message, goodies, reindeer food and a letter from Santa himself! They cost just £5:00 each. To order contact allsaintsplaygroup1@hotmail.co.uk. Or visit the playgroup facebook page https://www.facebook.com/All-Saints-Playgroup-107894217747755 for more information on this and other ways to get involved.
Release International is one of All Saints World Mission Partners. It does an exceptional work throughout the world. Release International is an inter-denominational Christian ministry working through local church partners in more than 25 countries, helping persecuted Christians prayerfully, pastorally and practically. Their ministry is based on Hebrews 13 v 3: ‘Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.’
Bear Grylls Chief Scout said “Release International is a truly humbling and inspiring charity, seeking out, supporting and protecting some of the bravest and most vulnerable men, women and children who are being persecuted for their faith. Your support means so much. Thank You.”
Please visit their website to learn about their ministry and to be able to pray for them.
https://releaseinternational.org/ Many thanks Delia Owen.
16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence is a global campaign. This year it takes place from 25th November (International Day for the elimination of violence against women) to 10th December (International Human Rights Day). In the UK, Mothers’ Union and Tearfund are just two of many organisations involved in the campaign. National Domestic Violence Helpline (UK):- 0808 2000 247
For more information and/or prayers for the 16 Days please contact Sue Watterson (Mothers Union branch leader) suewatterson@hotmail.co.uk Tel: 428 8406 mob:07707901279
Boys’ Brigade
75th anniversary badges
The Boys’ Brigade are celebrating 75 years at All Saints’ and, to mark this milestone,the guys have had a commemorative badge struck.
If you’d like to get hold
of one (…because it’s never too
early to think about Christmas
presents!), be sure to check
out the flyer or email the team:
35Liverpool@boys-brigade.org.uk
Bake-Off – The Deanery Connect Bake-Off last Sunday evening was a great success with a good number of young people attending from All Saints. The gingerbread creations that the young people created were incredible and a lot of fun and fellowship was had in the process.
Parish Christmas Postcard – We have not be able to deliver our Parish newsletter Contact this year.
If you normally deliver Contact and are willing and able to deliver a Christmas postcard during December to your usual delivery road please will you let Ruth Scott know: office.allsaintschildwall@gmail.com
NEW – FELLOWSHIP GROUP – It has been difficult to connect with other members of the church family during these challenging times. The national guidelines encourage us not to stay and talk when attending church, masks make it difficult to see and hear each other and small group meetings in homes are not allowed. One of the ways some small groups have found helpful to connect is via zoom. If you are not part of a small group and would like to get to know other members of the church please consider joining us.
The aim is to grow in faith and friendship with a small group of people using zoom. The first group will be held at 8pm every Monday, commencing 30th November. If you would like to take part please contact Mary Harrison. mary.harrison32@virginmedia.com
Access to church hall – If you are a key holder and need access to the church hall for resources or equipment for your organisation please will you speak to Peter Kefford and book your time in with him.
It would be helpful to do this on a Friday afternoon as our All Saints Playgroup will not be in again until Monday morning and we need to keep the building Covid secure. Thank you very much. Andrew
Deanery 24-7 Advent PRAYER – During the first week in December, Liverpool South Deanery will be contributing to the 24-7 prayer movement. We will be praying for the Light of Christ to impact our world. The main focus is to welcome the Presence of God into our lives in worship. We aim to do this by praying continuously, as a community, for a whole week. If you can spare half an hour, between 29th and November and the 6th of December, please sign up to cover a slot. Unfortunately, we cannot meet in person to pray together, however, there is no limit to the number of people who can sign up for each slot. Pray alone, pray as a household, join a friend on the phone or gather as a group on Zoom. Prayer resources will be available from the Liverpool South Deanery website www.liverpoolsouthdeanery.org.uk/prayer You can sign up for your slot in the Virtual Prayer Room here https://www.24-7prayer.com/signup/cb46c4 Join the movement transforming the world through prayer, mission & justice.
Advance Notice – CHRISTINGLE AT HOME – Join us on Sunday, December the 13th at 4 pm for our Christingle at home service in aid of the Children’s Society. Christingle is traditionally one of our best-attended services and we are not going to let the fact that we can’t gather in person stop us celebrating Jesus Christ as the Light of the World! Sign up early to receive your free Christingle pack, with everything you need to make your Christingles at home. Just add an orange!
Contact gypsey.allsaintschildwall@gmail.com to register your interest. We will be meeting on zoom to make our Christingles together and have fun learning about their meaning. Once our Christingles are ready, we will be able to join people all over the country worshipping God through the National Christingle Service. Donations to the Children’s Society can be made through our church’s online giving page
The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it! (John 1:15)
Weekly Prayer requests – If you would like other members of our church family to pray for you or a family member, please send me their names for this sheet, please ask permission from the person. Please pray for the bereaved family and friends of Alan McClelland who has sadly died.
Pastoral visiting – Current Government guidelines mean that we cannot visit people and go inside their homes or sit out in their gardens for a chat. Any face to face visiting will have to happen from the front gate, and with the colder and wetter weather will need to be brief so people don’t get cold. If you would value a chat or know anyone who would also appreciate a chat please let Helen or me know, our phone numbers and email addresses are at the bottom of this sheet, Thank You.
WEEKLY PRAYER MEETING – Weekly prayer meeting Thursday 6.30pm on Zoom. Why not join a group of us at All Saints that pray regularly. It lasts 40 minutes, you can pray, sit and listen or just contemplate.
Zoom Meeting: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/79853782379?pwd=NEloclhRVEJST3RFeUdUVEowSWJRUT09
Meeting ID: 798 5378 2379 Password: 7VUQh6 Aidan Holmes
Zoom Sunday coffee – Every Sunday 11.15am for 40 mins – remember to bring your own coffee!
Zoom Coffee – every Sunday at 11.15am Meeting ID: 842 767 1496 Password: 4allsaints
With our prayers for you all at this time
Andrew Colmer – Vicar – Tel: 07305 842257 – vicar.allsaintschildwall@gmail.com
Helen Deegan – Curate – Tel: 07984 933467 – curate.allsaintschildwall@gmail.com
Gypsey Tait – Youth & Children’s Worker – Tel: 07961 793435 –gypsey.allsaintschildwall@gmail.com
Bill Forster – Associate Minister – william.forster1@btinternet.com
