It's still Christmas!

Jesus has been born and we celebrate a number of things over the twelve days of Christmas. We hear of the people who were told about him and came to see him.

First were the shepherds, who couldn't wait to see for themselves what the Angel had told them.

Then came the Magi, the Wise Men from the East who came some time later after following the extra bright star to Bethlehem. This will be celebrated at Epiphany on Jan. 6th.

In the meantime, St Mary's continues to have various activities and services planned.

New Year's Eve party celebrations will be taking place too. Please contact Cora or Judith for details, or see Sunday's pew sheet.

On Friday, 1st Jan. according to our usual custom on New Year's Day, we shall have a 10.00am Holy Communion Service at East Leake and a special New Year Service at 12 noon at Stanford followed by a bring and share lunch. Everyone is welcome of course.

For the more active ones, the New Year's Day walk will take the well-tried route around Ruddington Park. Please meet outside the church at 11.00am. Please let Judith know if you will be attending the lunch afterwards at 16 De Ferrers.

Please note: On Sun. 3rd Jan. 4.00-5.30pm at St Mary's Church there will be a combined 'All Stars' and Teatime Sunday' Family Party for all children, their parents, grandparents and carers. Please come and join us.

A BIG THANK YOU to all those Mums and helpers who helped make the Advent Fun Afternoon such a success. Your help made all the difference!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!

A Joyful and Merry Christmas to everyone!

May we take this opportunity to wish everyone, especially those at St Mary's, the Benefice of churches and the South Notts. Cluster of churches and those of you who haven't yet joined us, a joyful Christmas as we attend our various churches this Christmas Eve to welcome the Christ child.

May you see the importance of His coming to show us how we are all forgiven our wrongdoing and our relationship with the all powerful God who loves us ALL is mended. Let's us go and praise Him today. See you there! Everyone is welcome and that means YOU! If you can't make it, join us in prayer at the same time. God knows who you are and your circumstances.

Wow!

Yesterday's Advent Fun Afternoon was very popular. Where did you all come from? It was wonderful to see so many children and their parents or carers. There were about 75 in all, which kept all the craft and refreshment ladies busy, helping them make decorated biscuits, glittery decorations, a tiny Nativity set. The church Christmas Tree looks beautiful now it's been decorated by the children too. It must have been thirsty and hungry work judging how much squash and cake disappeared! We hope you will all come back again for one or more of our Christmas Carol Services and any other service. See the times on the right for all services, or check out the website. We were pleased to meet Cora Fryer our new Outreach Worker on Sunday and again briefly at the Fun Afternoon. She's very busy at present moving house into East Leake from Warwick. There will be a special Teatime Sunday Party in the Hall on 3rd January at 4.00pm especially for young children and their parents and carers. Teatime Sunday meets every first Sunday in the month.

Count down to our Saviour's birth.

Since the beginning of December we have been hearing of how the angel, Gabriel visited Mary and gave her the good news that she was to have a baby, who would be the Son of God and called Jesus. He was also to be called Emmanuel, which means 'God with us', because Jesus is God in human form. Joseph and Mary have been travelling to Bethlehem to register for the census, which must have been very uncomfortable for Mary, especially when they discovered that there was nowhere for them to stay. The time is now coming closer for when they arrive and the baby is born, which we celebrate on Christmas Eve. Meanwhile, the shepherds are in for a big surprise, and the Wise Men have already started their journey following the bright star in the sky. Today at 2.00pm, our Christmas tree will be decorated by all the children at St Mary's at our Advent Fun Afternoon and they will also be making crafts and enjoying party games and food. We hope you will join us. It's not just for children! If you have missed doing some Carol Singing so far, why not go along to Derbyshire House on Station Road and bring a little cheer to the residents tonight at 6.30pm.

Third week of Advent

Last Sunday the third candle was lit for John the Baptist who was related to Jesus and who prepared the way for His arrival. He baptised people to wash away their sins, as we must ask God for forgiveness for ours. God sent His angels and ordinary people to spread the good news of Christ. On Sunday, the last one before Christmas, we light the pink and fourth candle for Mary, the Mother of Jesus. It is also known as the angels' candle, for those who came to tell of the Saviour's birth. This has been a week of carol services and parties and there's more to come too. On Monday, there will be an Advent Fun Afternoon for children and their families at 2.00-4.00pm at St Mary's. Now school has finished why not bring the children along for fun and games, and to decorate the church Christmas Tree? Carol Singing outside the Three Horseshoes turned out to be another cold weather pastime as it was last year. It was 1C degree this year! However, approximately 50 people braved the cold, dry weather to join us, and a collection was taken for one year old, Madison Sherwood, who needs full time carers. We wish all the best for Madison and her family.

Fun times

The Twelve Days of Christmas was never like this! On Saturday, Distraction Theatre 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.

A time of giving

We have just given of our time, our thoughts and our money to help those who have suffered as a result of war and their families. Now we move toward Advent, which means the coming or arrival of something or someone important. To all Christians everywhere it means the arrival of the most important person in our lives - our Lord Jesus Christ, who was God on earth in the form of man.

As God gave us His gift, Jesus, his most precious Son, so we continue to give in love to others -our time, our money and our gifts. In this financial crisis when people need help, who do most people call on? God. The church is suffering too, so please consider giving a gift to your church to continue His work working with YOU. It's REALLY important.

Our Ministry team and congregation are working very hard to organise all the special services and events during Advent and Christmas when we will be welcoming hundreds of people to St Mary's to participate in the happy celebrations. All of this work is done voluntarily and with a good heart for our Lord. We look forward to seeing you and hope that you will support St Mary's Church.

Help! Where do I start?

You will have noticed that the blog has been quiet for a while. This is because there is SO MUCH to tell you with the run up to Advent and Christmas. Currently, the website is being updated with all the services and events for not only St Mary's but the Benefice churches too. Our On-Line Calendar for the Church and the Hall are also being updated for a quick check to see what's going on and when.

There is a new page on the website just for all the Advent and Christmas events, but the blog will try and give you all the latest news and updates as usual. Please keep checking as more things are added.

If there is anyone out there who would like to assist in updating either the blog or the website, please contact Pat on 820094. Training will be given if needed, but be assured, it's very easy. All you need is a computer and time.

Thank you to all those who attended the Remembrance Day Service on the 8th November at the East Leake Memorial, who will know that the weather behaved itself, being dry and sunny. It's so important that we remember those who have lost their lives in the fight to keep us free. We also remember the families left behind who are also suffering.

The Charity Christmas Card & Coffee Morning raised over £200 for church funds. There are still some Christmas cards available from Chris, plus the Book of Poems with contents written by local people. It's well worth a read at £3.50 and raises funds for the Children's Society.

The Emmaus Course on Monday evenings is now about half way through and has been going well, even though there are some weeks which people are unable to attend due to other commitments. If you'd like to meet others informally to discuss what Christianity is all about and ask your questions (anonymously, if you prefer), why not sign up for the next one? We can all learn something from sharing with each other.

All Saints' Day and Halloween

The Church uses All Hallows' Eve, (Halloween) to prepare for All Hallows' Day, (All Saints' Day) on November 1st. Traditionally, a vigil was held when worshippers would prepare with fasting and prayers to celebrate the Saints.

There is a Songs of Praise Service at Rempstone at 6pm on Sunday 1st November and everyone is invited.

Compass Magazines. N.B. Compass Annual Subscription will be collected when your December issue is delivered at the end of November. The cost for 2010 is £2.80. If you don't already receive a copy and would like to, please let us know and we'll add you to our list. The monthly magazine gives the services and times for all the churches in our Benefice and news of church events.

Remembrance Day Parade and Service - Sunday, 8th November at 11.55am. This year the Parade and Service will be held in East Leake at the War Memorial opposite St Mary's Church. Please support the Poppy Appeal to help our Servicemen and women and to honour the memory of those who have given their lives in the service of their country.

PUT YOUR CLOCKS BACK TONIGHT!

Don't forget to change your clocks by turning them back one hour, preferably tonight, Saturday, or you'll be too late for church in the morning! Don't panic though, because you'll get an extra hour to wake up! This time of year is a time to think of others before you start planning your Christmas present shopping. We know there are plenty of people out there struggling to cope, but there are always more people in a worse situation. At least we have not suffered from disasters like some. Please give a thought to making someone else happy this Christmas. It will make you happy too. Please help our Christmas Shoe Box Appeal - 'Operation Christmas Child'. If you have a shoe box packed with lots of small goodies for a needy child, please bring it to church tomorrow or any day when there is a service. Please DO NOT leave it in the church if there is no-one to receive it, though. The deadline for receiving the gifts is November 22nd, so you have plenty of time. If you need details of what to include, there is information at the back of church, or check on http://www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk/.

Being together

During this week and next the schoolchildren and teachers will be taking a break, and parents will be juggling their work commitments and the opportunity to be with their children. Whether you're visiting museums or fun events, or just walking through the fields or parks, having fun with the dead leaves or collecting them, it's a chance to 'chill out' and enjoy each others' company.

On Sundays, and during the week we gather at church for the same reason - to be together, praise God and thank Him for all he's given us. If you haven't been for a while or are new to the area, come along on Wednesday's Service at 10am or Friday to the Coffee morning, or on Sunday, you'll get a warm welcome. In two weeks there will be a special Coffee morning combined with a Charity Christmas Card Event Nov 6th at 10am.

There are groups for children and young people, as well as plenty for the adults of all ages. We're a friendly bunch and love to meet new people. You may even meet someone who can help with your problems or even change your life! They call it 'networking'. Wherever you have been, you will always met genuine, helpful and friendly people at church.

Autumn preparations & we need YOU!

The frosty weather is on its way! The weekly churchyard rota of teams, have been getting the churchyard cleared up ready for winter. If you can spare an hour or two helping out it would be much appreciated as the leaves fall. Equipment is provided.

The Garden of Remembrance needs constant tidying up. This is always a very labour intensive job and we give our thanks to the few who tend their loved ones plaques who help us out by tidying up those adjacent.

Our rotas always need more volunteers to help maintain St Mary's: flowers, brass cleaning, cleaning, churchyard.

Those with particular skills are always in demand too e.g. electrical, plumbing, carpentry, DIY, organisers, admin & IT.

We also need members who would be willing to participate in the various services too: children's leaders, bellringers, readers, intercessions, and musicians to name but a few.

This week is Leicestershire schools Half Term starting on Monday, 19th Oct. Nottinghamshire Half Term starts one week later.

If you listen to the radio, have you tried Premier Christian Radio on DAB radios?

One World Week

St Mary's is part of the Churches Together group in the East Leake community. This next week they will meet for the One World Week Supper in St Mary's on Wednesday, 14th at 7.00pm. The speaker will be Diane Skerritt, the Diversity Officer for the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham, who will talk about the Rainbow Project, which works with refugees and asylum seekers. The One World Week Service will be held on Sunday, 18th October at the Baptist Church, East Leake at 6.00pm. St Mary's Mothers' Union will meet in St Mary's on Monday, 12th Oct at 2.15pm, when the speaker will be Revd Kim Goh.

If you haven't been able to attend one of the Harvest Services yet, there is still one more in our Benefice being held this Sunday, 11th Oct. at 6.00pm at West Leake Church. They'll be pleased to see you.

Please note: The Abbot Club boat trip has been cancelled until the Spring.

Tsunami, typhoon and earthquake.

Please remember in your prayers, those who have lost everything, their homes and many members of their family in the terrible tsunami in Samoa, typhoons in the Philippines and earthquakes in Sumatra. They need our help too, so please support the charities.

On Sunday Rempstone Church held their Harvest Service on a beautiful sunny day. We are fortunate that our harvests have been good this year, but we need some rain now as the soil is dust-dry.

This next weekend West Leake Church holds their Harvest Celebration.

St Mary's was host to a group of visiting bellringers on Saturday, so the bells you heard was not for a wedding this time. St Mary's has an enthusiastic Bellringing group who ring the bells in other churches too. They are always looking for new people to join them, so if you would like to learn, come along on Friday evenings at 7.00pm.

This week at St Mary's:

*Wednesday - Choir practice at 7.15pm

*Thursday - Music Group practice at 7.30pm

*Friday - Bellringing practice at 7.00pm

Please note: There is a new Jo Jingles group for mothers and toddlers now meeting in St Mary's Hall on Mondays at 1.45pm.

Celebrating older people!

Tomorrow, Friday there will be a special service at Southwell Minster at 2.45pm to celebrate older people and the service will be followed by afternoon tea. Funds are being raised to help children but we should treasure our older people too.

A barbecue was held last month to raise funds for the Toy Box Charity for street children overseas and £140 was raised. Everyone who attended enjoyed perfect weather that evening and had a good time with lots of good food. Many thanks to Colin and Brenda for arranging it.

Information about the annual Shoe Box Appeal is now available at the back of church. All you need is a shoe box to cover with Christmas wrapping paper and to fill it with small items to brighten a child's Christmas, who may not receive any other gifts.

The Abbot Club will be meeting tonight, 1st October at 8.00pm in the Nags Head Pub, and no doubt will be making last minute arrangements for their Canal Boat Trip on Saturday, 10th October.

Don't forget:

*Rempstone Church's Harvest Festival Service and tea at 3.00pm this Sunday.

*Sunday Sanctuary is back this Sunday too at 5.00pm in St Mary's Church.

60th Wedding Anniversary!

Two of our favourite members of St Mary's congregation, Gwen and Peter Edwards celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary last week and were presented with a card and a bouquet during yesterday's Harvest Thanksgiving Service. They are wished much happiness by everyone. As usual, the Thanksgiving Service was a crowded, happy event with donations of flowers, fruit and tinned goods for charity. Manor Farm Nursery were also kind enough to bring their collection of donations to the church, for which we thank them. Some donations will be taken to the sick and housebound parishioners and the remainder to the Friary Drop-in Centre for the homeless.

Harvest Thanksgiving Services

This Sunday, 27th Sept. St Mary's will be holding it's Harvest Thanksgiving Service at 9.30am. The flower arranging team will be working very hard on Saturday, 9.00-11.00am to decorate the church, so if you would like to either contribute flowers or go along to help, you will be very welcome. St Giles Church, Costock will also be holding their Harvest Thanksgiving Service at 3.00pm. Their Harvest Supper will be held on Monday evening at 7.00pm in their Village Hall. Bring your friends and neighbours to join in these happy services and thank God for all he has done for us. The sometimes rainy, sometimes sunny summer may have spoiled our holidays but it's provided a bumper harvest after all the farmers' hard work. The footpath to St Mary's has recently been repaired and resurfaced and was completed this morning in beautiful autumn sunshine. The main entrance to the church can now be used again, instead of the entrance on West Leake Rd. Next Monday 28th Sept. is the start of the Emmaus Course in St Mary's at 7.00pm. We've been warned not to have dessert after our meal before we come!

A pat on the back to all young people.

St Michael's Church, Sutton Bonington was packed full for the celebration of the Youth Ministry service yesterday. Approx. a dozen young people took part in the service with drama, dance and testimonies and a large number from the Cluster congregations turned up to support them.

Following the service, balloons were let off in celebration and everyone was treated to 'sausage sizzle' food. Some balloons needed a little encouragement to float up. Maybe we'll find out how far they travelled if you discover any of the cards attached. Keep your eyes peeled!

All those taking part are to be congratulated on their enthusiasm and pleasure at demonstrating what they do and what they've learned. Well done Lydia, the Youth Leader for all her hard work. God has truly blessed them.

This week St Mary's Women's Group will be meeting in the Hall at 8.00pm. The speaker will be Bob Neal and the topic is 'Bits and Bobs'.

Acorns will be in the church at 1.30pm on Tuesday, as the Hall is being used to set up for Stanford Church's Harvest Supper that evening.

Please Note: All classes held on Tuesday i.e. Twinkle Tots and Slimming World will NOT be held in the Hall as it is in use - see above.

On Friday, 25th Sept. a new Craft Class is starting at 9.15 - 11.15 am in the Hall. Come along if you are interested.

Cluster Service at Sutton Bonington

You are invited to St Michael's Church, Sutton Bonington this Sunday at 11.00am to celebrate the Youth Ministry. You will even get sausages for breakfast! There will be an 8.00am service but no 9.30am service at St Mary's that day.

Tomorrow, Saturday they will be decorating Stanford on Soar Church ready for the Harvest Service on Sunday. If you can help, please go along. Their Harvest Supper is being held in St Mary's Hall, East Leake on Tuesday, 22nd Sept.

Please note: We have been warned that lead thefts are once again taking place and to be vigilant. Our churches need you, in more ways than one!