Weekly Pews News
No 19-50
15 December 2019
Third Sunday of Advent
Collect for the day O Lord Jesus Christ, who at your first coming sent your messenger to prepare your way before you: grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready your way by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at your second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in your sight; for you are alive and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Psalm response Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help.
Prayer at lighting of Advent wreath Lord Jesus, light of the world, John told the people to prepare, for you were very near. As Christmas grows closer day by day, help us to be ready to welcome you now. Amen.
Today’s services
8 am Holy Communion Readings: 1 Corinthians 4: 1-5; Matthew 11: 2-10
9.45 am Parish Eucharist Readings: Isaiah 35: 1-10; Psalm 146: 4-10; James 5: 7-10; Matthew 11: 2-11 Hymns: 480, 99, 580, 631, Taizé 938
4 pm Evening Prayer
The church is open every day for visitors and private prayer.
All welcome!
Sunday 15 December
Intention: our local community; our Parish Pastoral Care Team, local Residents’ Associations, and the County, District and Parish Councils.
Monday 16 December
Intention: those married here and preparing for marriage this year; family life, and especially any families facing adversity.
Anniversary: Edward Ashwood (1976); Alfred Dobson (1986); Henry Alldis (1988); Geoffrey Niblett (1996); Tony Lock (1997)
Tuesday 17 December
Intention: the press, radio and television corporations, and all who influence public opinion; also Christian publishing and broadcasting.
7 pm The Eucharist with healing prayer
7.30 pm Carol singing at The Bear Inn
Wednesday 18 December
Intention: all seafarers, fishermen and lifeboat crews, and the work of Mission to Seafarers.
10 am Holy Communion
7 pm Compline
Anniversary: Francis Atkinson (1976); Richard Kimbell (2005)
Thursday 19 December
Intention: Church finances, national and international finance; consider what the words poverty and wealth mean to us.
7.30 pm Chichester Voices concert
Anniversary: Samuel King (1976); Llewellyn Burnett (1988); Robert Breakspear (1993)
Friday 20 December
Intention: all victims of violence, crime and oppression; those affected by domestic and other forms of abuse, and all who seek to support them.
Saturday 21 December
Intention: the sick in body, mind or spirit; those who have life-limiting conditions; the work of St Wilfrid’s Hospice.
Anniversary: Cecil Smith (1982); Sylvia Harvey (2004)
PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS
We pray for all in need of healing in body, mind or spirit: Judi March, Lynette, Zoe, Chloe Green, Rosie Sims, Nicola, Richard Rundle, Simon Hill, Diane Wills, Terry Haskell, Jean Martin, Derek Hardie, Madge Breakspear, Carole Turner, Ron Cusworth, Graham, Carolyn & family, Carol.
For urgent prayer, contact Gillian Purvis (267597) or Colin Wood (264192) to activate the Prayer Chain.
Those who have died: Zelma May, Stanley Woodruff.
We remember in our prayers Church members in residential care or who receive communion at home: Catherine Morrish, Daphne Sharrad, Bett Steenerson.
We pray for God’s blessing upon all who live in our parish: West Drive, West Front Road.
CONTACT DETAILS
Churchwardens: Mike Wake and Stephen Cox-Rusbridge: churchwarden@paghamchurch.org, 07899 705632//07974 177905.
Church website update: email editor@paghamchurch.org to add content.
Safeguarding Officer: Jan Brockhurst: safeguarding@paghamchurch.org.
Pews News: Alison Blenkinsop: pewsnews@paghamchurch.org, 261131.
(Deadline for notices: Thursday morning)
Sunday 22nd Fourth Sunday of Advent
8 am Morning prayer Readings: Micah 5: 2-5a; Luke 1: 26-38
9.45 am Parish Eucharist Readings: Isaiah 7: 10-16; Psalm 80: 1-8, 18-20; Romans 1: 1-7; Matthew 1:18-25 Hymns: 527, 634, 605, 405
4 pm Evening Prayer
NOTICES
Church Roof update: our Raise the Roof appeal, launched three and half years ago, has enabled us to get very near the target of £350,000. See the board at the back of the church for progress pictures and funding updates, and under ‘Raise the Roof’ on the parish website. It’s not too late to sponsor and sign your name and dedication on more tiles, for £10!
Advent and Christmas services: please take the mauve leaflet listing these services, and share with neighbours and friends.
Carol singing at The Bear Inn on Tuesday, from 7.30 pm.
Chichester Voices provide an evening of festive music, entitled ‘A Boy was born’, in church on Thursday 19th at 7.30 pm. Tickets are available from June Baker after the 9.45 am service; donations will benefit Rotary charities. See posters and flyers.
Christmas card board: in the south aisle for those who would like to display a joint card or other Christmas message to our Church family.
Church Flowers: the Flower Team will be decorating the church on Monday 23rd from 9.30 am. We would be grateful for donations of greenery, which can be brought to the church on Sunday 24th or early on Monday morning. If you would like to help, please speak to Trudi (263597).
Parish Mosaic: see the board in the south aisle for wonderful mosaics of our Pagham photos, organised by Graham Jones. There’s more to come!
Nyewood Infant and Junior Schools are looking for new School Governors. If you might be interested, or know someone with an interest in education and skills for a governing body, do please speak to one of the churchwardens.
Friends of Pagham Church fundraising quiz: still available for £1 from Mo Hatzfeld (268576): the draw takes place at the 9.45 am service on Sunday 5 January.
Burns Night: Friday 17 January, organised by the Men’s Group. See sign-up sheet on the notice board for more details, or contact Stephen on 07974 177905.