Fun times

The Twelve Days of Christmas was never like this! Saturday provided us with lots of laughter at the antics of the small cast doing their quick changes into all their characters.

The poor Miss Elizabeth was quite distracted after all the strange gifts she received from Mr Edward.

It all ended happily ever after as good stories do, when she agreed to marry him.

Are you ready to come Carol Singing tomorrow night outside the Three Horseshoes? It starts at 6.30pm. All funds raised will go to help little Madison who is one year old and has severe medical problems. Come for the fun, to sing or come to help Madison. We hope to see you there, whatever the weather.

Getting ready for a busy week.

Tomorrow, Saturday 12th Dec. St Mary's will be hosting the Distraction Theatre's comical version of the Twelve Days of Christmas at 7.00pm. I hope you have your tickets ready. If not, please contact Chris on 853385 or Gill on 853278 asap! Get your chuckle muscles ready.

The 9.30am service on Sunday will be a little different as the layout of chairs will not yet have been moved from the night before.

After that you'll need to get your voice ready for Carol Singing at the Three Horseshoes on Tuesday, 15th at 6.30pm. Now the weather has turned much colder, you will need to dress warmly.

Later in the week all those belonging to the Uniformed Organisations e.g. Brownies, Guides etc. will be having their Carol Service on Thursday at 7.00pm.

Harry Carlton School, Year 7 will be having their Carol Service on Friday, 18th Dec. at 1.30pm.

Please note: The Coffee Morning WILL still go ahead on Friday morning, 18th Dec. before the school arrives.

Advent - Week Two

This week we celebrate the Prophets who foretold the birth of Jesus. The second purple candle was lit yesterday to remind us that Jesus was born in Bethlehem and that He was to be a King.

The Acorns will be getting excited as they will have their Christmas Party in St Mary's Hall tomorrow, Tuesday, 8th at 1.30pm.

St Mary's Hall Christmas lights are now being lit up each evening to join the church's Christmas tree and East Leake's lights.

*Don't forget to get your tickets for this Saturday's performance of the 'Twelve Days of Christmas' at St Mary's Church at 7.00pm. This is a fun filled evening suitable for lots of children and their families. Tickets cost £8 adults and £6 for children.

We have an urgent update from David and Dawn Curran: There was a terrorist attack in Lehore this evening, Monday, 7th Dec. They were in another part of the city at the time, but heard the explosions. They have asked for prayers for those affected, as it was targeted at a bazaar where there were many women and children at a busy time of day. We also pray that peace may come to this part of the world and that God will keep David and Dawn and their family safe.

What's on and when this weekend?

Tomorrow, Saturday 5th a band concert is being held at 7.00-8.30pm at St Mary's Church by Elizabeth Holland's pupils for their parents.

On Saturday, 5th, 10-12noon, a Christmas Fayre is being held at the Catholic Church to raise funds for 'Help For Heroes'. Sending gifts directly to our forces is not being encouraged because of dangerous logistics, so we can help and support them through this charity.

On Sunday, 6th December it is the second Sunday of Advent, celebrating the Prophets.

Services are Holy Communion at 8.00am and 9.30am as usual, followed by 'Let's Praise' our new informal service at 11.15am.

At 4.00pm it is Teatime Sunday in St Mary's Hall for all young families.

Please note that Sunday Sanctuary for young people has finished until after the New Year.

People have been very generous bringing tinned and packet foods and toiletries for the Rainbow Project and needy local people. Every little helps. Please continue to bring your contributions to the church either on Fridays during our coffee morning 10-12noon or on Sundays at service times.

An Advent Study Course 'Waiting for God' is running during Advent. Please pick up a flyer and let the Rector or Claire know if you plan to come, and bring your Bible. The first session was held this week on Tues. 1st December. The next one is next Tuesday 7.30-9.00pm at the Rectory.

A big thank you to all who made up Christmas 'Shoe Boxes' to give to needy children. 403 boxes were collected from the East Leake Churches Together, and were dedicated at a service at the Catholic Church last Sunday. This year the boxes are being sent to Romania.

The First Week of Advent

The church celebrates the first week of Advent when we remember the Patriarchs. The first candle on the Advent wreath was lit yesterday to remember the Old Testament Ancestors of Jesus. It has been called the Prophesy candle remembering that the coming of Jesus was prophesied hundreds of years before He was born. The candle is the royal colour of purple to depict His royalty as King of Kings.

We have been asked to use the following prayer as we prepare ourselves for His coming:

Heavenly Father,

In this season of Advent, as we watch and wait and pray for the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, and for his coming again in glory, please shine your light upon us.

Show us those things for which we need to seek your forgiveness, and give us a renewed vision for all that you want to do among us.

Help us to work with you, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to nurture and encourage each member of our Church family, to minister to those in need, and to reach out into our community in the love of the Lord Jesus. Amen.

Please refer to this prayer as we progress through Advent.

N.B. Metal Theft. Please be aware that many metal items are being stolen in the East Midlands at present, not just the lead from St Mary's. This could even be your metal garden furniture. The Police are gathering all information to catch these thieves and have asked us to to dial 999 if we see anything or anyone suspicious.

Sunday Advent Service at 10.00am!

This Sunday, 29th Nov. is the First Sunday in Advent.

Please note! There will be a United Benefice Service at St Mary's Church at 10.00am not 9.30am.

Other services that day will be: 8.00am Holy Communion at St Mary's

6.00pm United Benefice Advent Carols at Stanford on Soar Church.

Alert! Lead thieves are about again.

Unfortunately, St Mary's Church was once again targeted by lead thieves late last Thursday night.

Churches in the area have been alerted and we would ask everyone to report anything unusual happening around the church to the police, particularly late at night or early morning.

This theft comes at a difficult time when church finances are already struggling and there many other things to be done with the approach of Advent and Christmas. Your help would be much appreciated.

On a brighter note, please check out the forthcoming events on the right hand side of the blog, or you can find more details on our website. See the link on the right.