News & Events
Forthcoming events are detailed in our weekly news sheet and the Parish News items below (also available from church). Details of past events are published in the section titled Photos from where you will be able to launch a slide show of photographs taken. In addition a Review is published three times a year (also available from church).
St Matthew's News - 22 November 2009
ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS will soon be with us. For details of all the activities coming up over the next few weeks, please see details below or take a purple flyer available from church.
ADVENT OPPORTUNITY Starting next Sunday, on the first three Sundays of Advent there will be a quiet meditative service in the evening as we reflect upon the light that is coming among us in the darkest time of the year. Please join us for this special service of Compline at 6.30pm (29 November, 6 & 13 December).
ST MATTHEW’S WINTER FAIR raised about £2,000 for church funds so thank you and well done for all your hard work.
WINTER FAIR PHOTOS If you would prefer your child’s photo not to be included, please contact us.
MASS FOR ALL AGES The next Mass For All Ages will be on 6 December.
FOLLOWING RENEWED ADVICE from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, during the swine flu outbreak communion will continue to be administered in the form of bread only and should be received from the priest directly into your hands, not on to your tongue. They write that although such precautions may be disruptive, responsible practice in these areas is not primarily about protecting ourselves, but about avoiding transmitting infection unwittingly to others.
HOLLYMOUNT SCHOOL PTA are selling Christmas trees to raise funds this year. If you would be interested in buying your Christmas tree from them please take a form from the back of church.
THE ROYAL HOSPITAL FOR NEURO-DISABILITY at Putney has produced a calendar containing beautiful photographs of flowers taken in the hospital grounds, many the result of gardening therapy activities for the patients. An ideal gift, fitting into an A4 envelope so easy to post. Price £4.95, available from José Spring, whose patients were involved in the project.
ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS 2009
ADVENT EVENINGS
A quiet meditative service to reflect upon the light that is coming upon us in the darkest time of the year. Please join us for this special service of Compline.
Sunday 29 November, 6.30pm
Sunday 6 & 13 December, 6.30pm
PARISH ADVENT COURSE - The Meaning is in the Waiting
A series of reflections inspired by the Bible considers why we need to wait, what it feels like to be someone who waits, what
happens when we lose patience or hope, and why God might want us to get better at waiting. Lead by members of the Parish Clergy using Paula Gooder's new book 'The Meaning is in the Waiting' which is available online and in bookshops now.
St Mark's Church, Wimbledon
Thursdays in December, 8pm
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT - Sunday 20 December, 6.30pm
Traditional Carols for everyone & Christmas music sung by the choir followed by seasonal refreshments.
CAROL SINGING - Monday 21 December, 6.30pm
Members of St Matthew's & Christ Church meet at ST MATTHEW'S to sing our way around the Parish, finishing with refreshments at Christ Church.
Suitable for adults and children.
CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS WORKSHOP - 24 December, 2pm
Story telling activities, refreshments and a final rehearsal of the Nativity Play.
Under 5’s to be accompanied by an adult.
CHRISTINGLE AND NATIVITY - 24th December, 4pm
A celebration for all the family as we remember the Christmas Story and share the light of Christmas in support of the Children’s Society.
CHRISTMAS MIDNIGHT MASS - 24 December, 11.30pm
Carols and candlelight as we welcome Jesus in our community.
CHRISTMAS MASS FOR ALL AGES - 25 December, 9.30am
A celebration for all the family.
Your collection gift - UK taxpayers only.
If you are an occasional worshipper at this church or don’t use the planned giving scheme then please ask for a gift aid envelope for your collection money. By completing the front of the envelope you will enable us to increase the size of your gift by 28%. Thank you.
Parish News - 22 November 2009
The Friday Lunch Club continues at St John's. There will be a lunch club before the monthly Friday concerts, which start at 1.00pm. Bring your own sandwiches and enjoy coffee and home-made cakes from 12.15pm. If you need transport, please contact the Parish Office. Concert on Friday 27 November. Entry Free.
Parish Advent Course - The Meaning Is In The Waiting Come and explore the Advent themes in this course which will be held on Thursday evenings starting on 3 December at 8.00pm at St Mark's Church. You may like to purchase the book as part of your preparation. (The Meaning Is In The Waiting: the spirit of Advent by Paula Gooder).
The Wave in London on Saturday 5 December. In advance of the UN climate summit in Copenhagen. Christian Aid and others are involved. Join the Archbishop of Canterbury at an ecumenical service in Methodist Central Hall 11- 12.00pm then at 3.00pm encircle the Houses of Parliament wearing blue and waving something blue. Leaflets available in church or email julietboyd@doctors.org.uk.
The South London Refugee Association (SLRA) meets every Wednesday in Wimbledon. Lynn Coward works at the centre teaching English and is helping to organise gifts for the families for a party being held on 16 December. We would appreciate donations of toys / books for the children (all age groups). If they are second hand, they need to be in good condition. Should you have any toiletries or choclates, they too would be well received. Anyone with any offers / suggestions please contact coward@btinternet.com.
Parish Office Opening Hours Monday and Tuesday will be limited, please check before coming to the office. Usual opening hours will operate from Wednesday.
The Parish Office, Fellowship House, 30 St Mary’s Road, SW19 7BP. Tel: 8946 2605 Fax: 8946 6293.
Usually open for enquiries from 9.00am-1.00pm and 2.30pm-4.00pm Monday to Friday (except Wednesday when it will be open 2.30pm-4.00pm only).
website:www.stmaryswimbledon.org email: parish.office@stmaryswimbledon.org.