Pew News 30 Nov 2025
Today is Advent Sunday. For many, you will be on your marks to start on those yummy chocolate Advent calendars and even be doing all Christmassy things – I’ve already had my first Christmas dinner!
But today the Church starts its’ New Year. Advent season is the four weeks before Christmas – it’s a time of expectation and preparation – where the Church prepares to celebrate the coming of Christ. Not just the birth of the baby Jesus, but the ‘Second Coming’. Each Sunday, of Advent, we will light a candle on the Advent Wreath, reflecting HOPE, PEACE, JOY AND LOVE, followed by the final candle – the ‘Christ Light’ on Christmas day.
It is all so easy to forget this important season of the church with the rest of society ‘doing’ Christmas activities.
How can we make space to spread the HOPE of Christ to those who have no hope. Can we may time to pray for PEACE where there is turmoil. Can we make a conscious effort to share the JOY of the Christmas - in a world that appears indifferent. And can we model God’s LOVE to those who really need to know that love.
FOR OUR PRAYERS
This week we pray especially for:
Cathy E, Ann J, Michelle R, Jim M, Annie G,
Hilary & Chris L, Sam C, Adrian & Jane, Dave & Nicky, Yancy T.
The prayer team continue to pray for all who have requested prayer.
To request prayer: email: prayer@sholing.church
The Parish Giving Scheme
A simple and efficient way to support your church regularly. The Parish Giving Scheme makes giving easy, secure, and tax-efficient - helping your gift go further and reducing administration for the parish. If you’d like to know more, please speak to Ben or Garry.
Today
Sun 30 Nov – 9.30am-12 noon
We need a large number of you to join us as we decorate the church and hall for the festive season! Everyone is welcome - many hands make light work.
CUPPA AT CHRISTMAS
We have 2 special Cuppas coming up.
Thurs 4 Dec (10-11.30am) – St Monica School will be visiting to sing Christmas songs for us.
Thurs 18 Dec (10am-12noon)– Christmas Cuppa with festive treats and carols.
CHOCOLATE TOMBOLA DONATIONS
Please continue to bring your chocolate donations into church. There is a box at the entrance.
Thank you to all those that have already donated.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE RECIPE?
As part of our 160th Anniversary celebrations next year, Julie has had the wonderful idea of creating a special Celebration Cookbook! We’d love to include your favourite recipes — family favourites, comfort food, or something passed down through the ages. Email julie56cousens@gmail.com or tel 07786 443550.
PAUSING LITTLE STEPS
Due to the works taking place in church and the limited space in the hall, we’ve decided to pause Little Steps while the church is out of use. The final session before the break will be our Christmas session on Wed 17 Dec.
SANTA GROTTO & CHRISTMAS FAYRE
Sat 13 Dec – 10am-2pm
Santa has sent word from the North Pole that his best elves have finished wrapping all the beautiful gifts for the children at our festive event. Remember, there is no need to book. Just turn up. All welcome!
Gifts for girls and boys of all ages. Just £5 per child.