Bulletin for the week beginning 4th December
Last Sunday was Advent Sunday, the start of the Church year. The season was started with a service of readings and carols for Advent with specially-formed parish choir. The four weeks of Advent are a time of preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth, and also a time when we think about his second coming. So there is joyful anticipation and prayerful meditation.
Each Wednesday during Advent at 6.00 pm in the church there will a short service of prayer following the themes of Advent, starting from this Wednesday 30th.
As part of our Advent celebration, we have prepared an online calendar which you can access using the link below every day during Advent.
Advent Calendar 2022 (myadvent.net)
Sunday 4th December – Second Sunday of Advent
09.00am: Holy Communion
10.30am: Parish Eucharist with Baptism of Max Standing
5.30pm: Place for Grace
Readings: Isaiah 11. 1 -10, Psalm 72. 1-7, 18-19, Romans 15. 4-13, Matthew 3.1-12 or Luke 21. 25-33?
Festivals, Saints Days and Commemorations
6th December - Nicolas, Bishop of Myra, c 326
7th December - Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, Teacher, 397
Ember Day
8th December - The Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
9th December - Ember Day
10th December - Ember Day
Monday 5th December
7.00pm: Discipleship Group/ Deepening Faith
Tuesday 6th December
10.00am: Albright’s Tots in St Andrew’s Hall
12.00pm: Time to Talk Tuesday
12.30pm: Parish Lunch club for Christmas
6.00pm: Advent Quiet Mediation (Every Wednesday of Advent)
Friday 9th December
10.00am: Holy Communion at Loganberry Lodge
10.45am: Prayer Walking – meet at hall
11.00am: St Mary’s School Christmas Service
3-6pm: Lakelands Primary School Fayre: Crafts and Carols
Sunday 11th December – Advent 3
09.00am: Holy communion
10.30am: Parish Eucharist
10.30am: Brights
3.00pm: Carol Service at St Teresa RC Church, Claremont Road
Colchester Foodbank
This winter is likely to be very difficult for many people and the demand on Foodbanks is increasing already. Please remember to donate what you can to our local one in Stanway so that they do not run short. They also appreciate cash donations.
Ukraine
We continue to pray for the people and nations of Ukraine and Russia. For peace and for the relief of suffering. The prayer tree will be remaining in the church until the conflict is over, and St. Albright’s is supporting the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal.
A Prayer for Ukraine
God of peace and justice,
we pray for the people of Ukraine today.
We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons.
We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow,
that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them.
We pray for those with power over war or peace,
for wisdom, discernment and compassion
to guide their decisions.
Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear,
that you would hold and protect them.
We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Amen
Archbishop Justin Welby, Archbishop Stephen Cottrell
Anyone wanting to help with hosting refugees? Chelmsford Diocese, working with Citizens UK, has already settled 53 individuals and/or families in Chelmsford Diocese. Host churches using the Communities for Ukraine scheme will need to be able to offer:
- the backing of your PCC standing committee (which we already have)
- accommodation in private homes for at least 6 months (could be up to 12 months)
- food, at least until Universal Credit payments are arranged
- a local team of at least five people to help your guests find work, transport, English language learning, childcare, assistance with paperwork and whatever else they need
- a commitment to pray regularly, publicly and privately for the refugees and for their home towns, villages and cities in Ukraine
- a public space such as a church hall or church with a kitchen where your guests can cook, socialise, invite others and celebrate their culture several times a week if they wish. We want our guests to be at home, and for many this includes an opportunity to be hospitable themselves.
Please let either Tony or Wendy know if you would like to host or be one of the team of five people.
Refugees in Marks Tey Hotel
We have been in communication with Marks Tey Church - Rev Ian Scott-Thompson and Andrew Waters (Church Warden) - together with Sue Wood from the Methodist Community, about a number of Afghan families who have been accommodated by Essex County Council in Marks Tey Hotel. We would like to work together with a number of other churches across Colchester to welcome and bless these new arrivals over Christmas. Sue and Andrew, together with Bridgeway Mission and Essex Integration, are organising a Christmas party for a large number of children who are there, and hoping to give each a gift. To this end they have asked ten churches if they would like to contribute. They are hoping that each church would raise £200. If 20 people give £10 each to the ‘Christmas for Refugees in Marks Tey’ appeal, we can give our donation (from St Albright’s and Church Without Walls) towards the Christmas gifts for a party on 8 December. For further information, ask Wendy.
Stanwell Hub
‘Time to Talk Tuesday' in Stanway Library continues every first and third Tuesday in the month from 12.00 to 1.30 pm. At our last meeting on 14th November, we were joined by people from Community 360, who were kind enough to give our Winter Warmer Resilience Packs to everyone. The next one will be this Tuesday, 6th December.
You can find details what is happening at Time to Talk Tuesday and other wellbeing matters on StanWell Hub Facebook page here.
If you would like to volunteer to help or come along, please let Rev. Wendy know.
ECO Church
In February, The Church of England's General Synod approved new legislation to help churches meet carbon reduction targets. The article link details what changes can be expected.
The PCC has adopted a seven-point plan to help to make the church carbon neutral in the years to come. The committed aim of the Church of England is to be carbon neutral by 2030. This will involve some changes to the way we do things, in particular the heating of the church building, and it will take time, but it is important that we embark upon this initiative. We have made a start already by using an electricity supplier that provides 100% renewable power and we shall shortly be making an audit of our energy use. Please pray for all these and for the PCC and wardens who are taking the lead. If you want to find out more there are some leaflets about this in church.
Stanway Environment Group
An important element of the church project is involving the wider community, and this has begun with the Stanway Environment Group - an informal gathering of people with ideas and practical solutions as to what we can do for the environment in Stanway. Get in touch with the office for more information.
A Place for Grace
Our new informal All Age worship service, ‘A Place for Grace’, takes place on the first Sunday of every month from 5.30 to 7.00 pm, with a meal and various activities. Everyone is welcome. The next one is this Sunday, 4th December.
Contact Rev. Anna for more details.
Discipleship Group/ Deepening Faith
An opportunity to learn more about our faith and the bible in a small group. This month we shall be looking at the book of the Acts of the Apostles and enjoying fellowship. It will take place on alternate Mondays, the next one will be this Monday, 5th December from 7.30 - 9.00pm at Rev. Wendy’s house. Everybody is welcome.
If you are interested and would like more information, please contact Rev Wendy.
Messy Church
A fun and novel service for all the family, involving activities and crafts every two months. The next one will be on 18th February 2023. Contact Jo for more information.
Children at St. Albright's
Brights
Normally on the second and fourth Sundays our Sunday School, Brights meets. Beginning with the congregation in church, children go out to the hall with their leaders for 40 minutes before joining their families for Holy Communion in church. This is an opportunity for the younger ones to have their own time of song, story and activity. There will be no Brights next Sunday as it’s Remembrance Sunday – Uniformed groups and children will be included in the 10.45am service. The next Brights will be this Sunday, 11th December.
Family Communion
On the third Sunday of the month, we all gather for a service of Holy Communion in church. Baptisms usually take place on this day too. The next Family communion will be on Sunday, 18th December when the Tots will be performing their nativity play.
Albright's Tots
A great playgroup for younger children which meets every Tuesday, except the 2nd Tuesday of the month, from 10.00 to 11.30 in the hall during term time.
Please contact Sarah Camp if you are interested.
Bruce’s Crew
Our gathering for young people usually takes place every second and fourth Monday of the month at Rev. Anna’s house from 6.30 to 8.00 pm. Snacks and drinks provided. As this last week was half term, the next one will be on Monday 12th December, for our Christmas Social outing. Come and find out why it’s called Bruce’s Crew!
If you would like more information, contact Claire, Rev. Anna or Jo.
Holy Communion at home
If you would like to receive Holy Communion at home, or if you know anyone who might, then please contact any member of the ministry team. There is also a Parish Pastoral Support Team whose members are able to visit, help and support those in particular need.
Thought for the Week written by members of the ministry team and others is available on the website and available here
Giving
It is now possible to donate to St. Albright's online. There is a dedicated page on the website to make giving much easier.
If you would like further details about how to give, and there are many ways to do so, then please contact any of the ministry team or churchwardens. We particularly welcome regular giving, however small, either using weekly envelopes or by standing order, and, if you are a taxpayer we can reclaim Gift Aid.
It is also possible to sponsor a day in the life of the church. You may wish to make a one-off donation in memory of someone or to celebrate a particular event. Please contact any of the ministry team or Churchwardens.
Flowers. If you would like to donate towards the cost of providing the beautiful flowers in church then please speak to any of the ministry team.
Opportunities to Volunteer
Bishop Guli, in her excellent book Cries for a Lost Homeland, reminds us that ‘At the core of our humanity is the recognition that to belong we need to feel we are contributing.’ p48. We have plenty of opportunities for people to get involved, contribute and belong, such as:
- Reading in Sunday Services (approximately once every two months)
- Leading intercessions (approximately once every two months)
- Welcoming people on a Sunday morning (sidesman duties)
- Becoming a Server
- Singing in the choir
- Cleaning the church as part of a team (once every two months)
- Being part of the hospitality team, serving refreshments (once every two months)
- Being part of hosting the Community coffee mornings (once a month)
- Helping to lead Brights with one of the clergy or staff (once every two months)
- Getting involved in one of our Pioneer ministries: Messy Church, StanWell Hub, Loganberry Lodge services, schools work, Place for Grace
If you are interested in exploring any of these roles, some of which need training, please speak to one of the ministry team.
For your prayers
Collect for second Sunday of Advent
O Lord , raise up, we pray, your power and come among us, and with great might succour us; that whereas, through our sins and wickedness we are grievously hindered in running the race that us set before us, your bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ your son our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit, be honour and glory, now and for ever.
We pray for our new King, HM King Charles III, our sovereign and supreme governor of the Church of England.
In our church community, please pray for:
Our churchwardens and PCC
All who help lead our worship – especially readers, intercessors, the choir, servers and sidespersons.
The ministry and pastoral teams as we seek to help those in particular need.
Those who care for the hall.
All those who are to be baptized: Thomas Smith, William Smith, Max Standing, Isla-Mae Ratcliffe, and Lorenzo Kochan.
Pray also for our continuing connection with baptism families.
All those who are to be married in St. Albright's in 2022 and who have had their banns called here.
Our outreach, particularly with young people and to the schools in the parish
Please pray for Messy Church and A place for Grace.
In the diocese of Chelmsford, please pray for the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt. Rev. Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, and for the Bishop of Colchester, the Rt. Rev Roger Morris. Please also pray for our Archdeacon, the Ven. Ruth Patten, and for all the other parishes in the Colchester Deanery. Our new Area Dean is the Rev. Erwin Lammens, vicar of Wivenhoe, and the Assistant Area Dean is the Rev. Hannah Cooper. Please pray for them as they take up their roles.
In the Anglican communion, please pray for our Archbishops, the Most Rev Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury and the Most Rev, Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York.
Please also pray for the Provincial Episcopal Visitors – The Rt Rev Norman Banks, Bishop of Richborough and the Bishop of Ebbsfleet (Currently vacant)
The diocese of Chelmsford has links with several overseas dioceses in the Anglican communion: in Kenya – Embu, Meru, Mbere and Marsabit; and the diocese of Trinidad and Tobago. There are also links with the diocese of Karlstad in Sweden and the Archdiocese of Lasi in Romania. Please pray for the bishops, clergy and people of these places.
In the wider Church, please pray for the Orthodox Patriarchate of Ukraine, for the Church in South Sudan and for all Christians persecuted for their faith.
In the wider world, please pray for a better and wiser stewardship of our natural environment. For the success of COP 27.
Peace in the world, especially for the peoples and nations of Ukraine, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Yemen, Tigray in Ethiopia and Israel/Palestine, and for all refugees from areas of conflict. Pray for all who work for peace, especially the United Nations.
All the nations of the world and their leaders.
Our new Prime Minister and government.
In our Community
Please pray for the Stanway Environment Group.
Please pray for all in the medical and caring professions.
Please pray for all other churches in the Stanway area - Tollgate Methodist Fellowship, Stanway Evangelical Church, The Kingsland Church, St. Teresa's Roman Catholic Church, Lexden.
Please pray for Colchester Foodbank.
Please pray for the StanWell Hub
Please pray for all families with young children, and for all our schools.
Please pray for the elderly, vulnerable and those who have to isolate, and for all those who support them, especially their families.
Please pray for Loganberry Lodge - all residents, staff and supporters and all who are in care homes and hospital at this time.
Please pray for all our elected representatives – our MPs, county, borough and parish councillors.
Please pray for Jo and her ministry group (the youth club)
Please pray for those who have asked for our prayers: John Lemon, Karl, Sheila and Aubrey Bradfield, Joan Alexander, Debra, Daniel, Carol Harvey, Gordon Harvey, Keith, Ida Totham, Penny Miller, Daniel Butcher, Ann Booty, Marcus, Mark Claydon, Allison, Sandra Barrett, Sophie
If you have a particular prayer request there is a box in the church into which you can place a card writing the request or person's name on it. Alternatively you can send a message to the office.
The monthly prayer diary for November is on our website with printed copies in the church and distributed to those without access to the internet.
There is also the Church of England Prayer Line which is open 24/7 and is free: 0800 804 8044
RIP
Myrtle Percival, Carole Anne Stevens, Edna Turnbull, Margaret Fidler, Lorna Jansma, Pauline Carter, Dorothy Jameson, Margaret Craig, Rodney Wade, Ilse Herta Richards, Neville Papworth, Gordon Kent.
We hope you find this bulletin helpful. If you have any contributions, comments or questions then please contact the office or any of the ministry team.
With best wishes,
Tony Bushell, Priest in Charge, vicar@stalbrights.org 07484 265258
Wendy Pagden, Pioneer and Community Minister, pioneer@stalbrights.org 07816 039832
Chris Willis, Assistant Curate, chris.curate@stalbrights.org
Anna Davis, Pioneer curate, anna.curate@stalbrights.org
Jo Jeffery, Children and Families' Pioneer, jo.pioneer@stalbrights.org
Claire Arculus, Children and Families' Pioneer, claire.pioneer@stalbrights.org
Bimbola Adediran, Parish and Pioneer Administrator, office@stalbrights.org, 01206 370387
Penny Bonham, LLM, penny@stalbrights.org 01206 765641
Morag Bushell, LLM, morag@stalbrights.org 01787 222487
Clement Arde-Acquah, LLM, clement@stalbrights.org 01206 520087
Pamela Higham, Spiritual Companion, Lay Funeral Minister, Churchwarden and Pastoral Assistant, pam@stalbrights.org 01206 768817