Mary interrupted her plans and busy schedule to say “Yes” to God. Life was certainly never dull after that. We give thanks and come together to worship the life giving God who knows all our to-do lists, our longings, and meets us in this child, born for all the world.
South Stoke Coffee Morning The December Coffee Morning took place on the 11th. The children from South Stoke School came, once again, to sing Christmas Songs. The singing was really good and we all enjoyed their visit. The donations throughout the year came to £170 and this will be going to the Air Ambulance (children’s branch in Headington). A reminder that there will be no Coffee Morning in January. So the next one will be on the 4th Wednesday in February.
This week we are asked to pray
Prayers for the week from "Roots on the web" Heavenly Father, we pray today that we may know in our lives the quality of peace that Mary knew as she accepted God’s will. May we also rest serene in the knowledge that God has a plan for us and is guiding our lives. Our souls rejoice in you, O Lord, and we seek your peace in our hearts. Father, may your house be a haven of peace for those who struggle at this season; for those who slip in at quiet times when the carols are silent, because they long for the blessing of peace without the jollity; for those who lack the energy to rejoice because of bereavement or illness, but who desperately seek peace to still their souls and renew their strength. Our souls rejoice in you, O Lord, and we seek your peace in our hearts. Lord of all, we pray that all members of our community will feel included and involved in the events of this season; may the peace of the Christ-child enfold our neighbourhood and our villages. And we pray for peace in a world where so many wars and conflicts continue; may the warmongers fail, and the peacemakers prevail. Our souls rejoice in you, O Lord, and we seek your peace in our hearts. Heavenly Father, we pray for peace among people who may not get along with the company they are obliged to keep at Christmas. We pray for the peacekeepers, those who work hard to maintain the façade of family peace when it may be lacking. Father, please heal all divisions and let true peace be known among families and friends gathered round the table. As we ponder these thoughts, we pray for all who will be alone this Christmas, in a society in which extended families are fewer, and relationship breakdowns more numerous. May they know that you are with them and find peace in the knowledge of your presence. Our souls rejoice in you, O Lord, and we seek your peace in our hearts. Finally, Lord, we rejoice with Mary in the unfolding of your will for her, and for the world, in the birth of Jesus Christ. May we all know the peace of that moment when your love became flesh on earth, for every year we can replay the miracle in our hearts and minds. Come to us again in this season of hustle and bustle; revisit us with the true meaning of Christmas, so that we may know your peace, the peace that surpasses all understanding. Our souls rejoice in you, O Lord, and we seek your peace in our hearts. Amen.