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December 2012/

January 2013

50p

Inside this issue:

Parish Calendar 2

Local News 3

One Church

Life changers

4

The year Gabriel burst

into tears

5

Prayers for Christmas

and New Year

6

From the archives 6

Parish Register 7

Children and Young

people

7

Mouse page 8

Christmas crossword 8

For God to come into the world

means for Him to come into our lives.

Parish Magazine December 1906

Page 7

St Thomas’ church and Keresley Village Community Church invite

you to celebrate Christmas in Keresley at our special events. Advent Sunday, 2nd December at St Thomas’ Church 10.30am - Christingle Service

Saturday 8th December at St Thomas’ 7.30pm Christmas Concert with City of Coventry Male Voice Choir. See page 3 for details

Sunday 9th December at Keresley Village Community Church at 10.30am Christingle Service ; at 2pm Messy Christmas, with craft, food, and time to think about the Christmas story.

Sunday 16th December at St Thomas’ Church 10.30am Family Carols and Nativity at 6pm Carols by Candlelight

Sunday 23rd December, in Keresley Village at 4pm Carols on the Green, by the bus terminus in Rathbone Close, followed by hot drinks in Keresley Village Community Church

Christmas Eve, Monday 24th at St Thomas’ Church 3pm Crib Service 11.30pm Midnight Communion

Christmas Day, Tuesday 25th at St Thomas’ Church 10am All-age celebration with Holy Communion.

Celebrate

Christmas in

Keresley

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 2 / J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 3 P A G E 2

December

Sunday 2nd

9am St Thomas Holy Communion and hymns. Mark Norris

10.30am St Thomas Christingle Family Service.

10.30am KVCC Holy Communion. Rev David Musgrave

Sunday 9th

9am St Thomas Holy Communion. Mark Norris

10.30am St Thomas Family Communion and Baptism. Mark Norris

1030am KVCC Christingle Family Service. Steve Medley

2-4pm KVCC Messy Church

Sunday 16th

9am St Thomas Holy Communion. Mark Norris

!0.30am St Thomas Nativity Service. Pete Hudson and Mark Norris

10.30am KVCC Holy Communion. Steve Medley

6pm St Thomas Carols by Candlelight

Sunday 23rd

10am St Thomas Holy Communion. Mark Norris. NOTE there is only one service at St Thomas’ today

10.30am KVCC Family Service. Steve Medley

4pm Keresley Village Carols on the Green. By the bus terminus in Rathbone Close, followed by hot drinks in Keresley Village Community Church

Monday 24th Christmas Eve

3pm St Thomas Crib service

11.30pm Midnight Communion. Mark Norris

Tuesday 25th Christmas Day

10am St Thomas All-age celebration with Communion. Mark Norris

Sunday 30th

9am St Thomas Holy Communion. Mark Norris

10.30am St Thomas Family Communion. Mark Norris and Pete Hudson

10.30am KVCC Family Worship. Steve Medley and Alan Bennell

P A G E 2

Services at St Thomas’ and Keresley Village Community ChurchServices at St Thomas’ and Keresley Village Community ChurchServices at St Thomas’ and Keresley Village Community Church

Sunday Morning Activities at St. Thomas’ Church at 10.30am for Children and Young People (during term time) 1st Sunday

Family Service in Church 2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays

3-11s, Sunday School in Galilee Room, 11+, Pathfinders in the Church Hall. All join the service around 11.25am

3rd Sunday All ages start in Church

January

Sunday 6th

9am St Thomas Holy Communion by extension. Margaret Potter

10.30am St Thomas Family Service. Claire McArthur

10.30am KVCC Holy Communion. Steve Medley

Sunday 13th

9am St Thomas Holy Communion. Mark Norris

10.30am St Thomas Family Communion. Sunday school restarts

10.30am KVCC Covenant Service. David Musgrave

Saturday 19th

9.30-11am KVCC Messy Breakfast

Sunday 20th

9am St Thomas Holy Communion. Mark Norris

10.30am St Thomas Family Worship

10.30am KVCC Morning Worship. Steve Medley

Sunday 27th

9am St Thomas Holy Communion. Mark Norris

10.30am St Thomas Family Communion

10.30am KVCC Family Service. Steve Medley

February

Sunday 3rd

9am St Thoms Holy Communion and hymns Mark Norris

10.30am St Thomas Family Service

10.30am KVCC Holy Communion. David Musgrave

O U R C O M M U N I T Y P A G E 3

Saturday 8th

December

7.30pm

St Thomas Church

Tickets £6 to include a drink.

£20 family ticket for 4

Available now

Saturday 19th JanuarySaturday 19th JanuarySaturday 19th January 9.30am to 11am.30am to 11am.30am to 11am———Messy BreakfastMessy BreakfastMessy Breakfast Keresley Village Community ChurchKeresley Village Community ChurchKeresley Village Community Church New Year New Year New Year --- New StartNew StartNew Start

City of Coventry Male Voice Choir

Saturday 1st December

Christmas Fayre 12 noon -2.30pm St Thomas Church Hall

raffle - hamper - tombola - soup and roll - refreshments - kids make and take crafts - Christmas cards

Milk (UHT or powdered)

Sugar (500g) Jam

Fruit juice (carton) Cereals

Tinned:

soup

baked beans

tomatoes

meat/fish

fruit

sponge pudding

rice pudding

Rice

Pasta

Instant noodles

Instant mashed potatoes

Pasta sauces

Biscuits or snack bars

Tea bags Instant coffee

Bedworth and Keresley Foodbank

Preparations are continuing for the new Foodbank which will operate in Bedworth and Keresley Village in the new year.

Donations of food from the list below are still required to build up a good stock to distribute. Please bring any donations to either of our churches.

Messy Church 2013

There will be a planning meeting at Keresley Village Community Church at 10am on Saturday 12th January for Messy Church.

The first Messy Church of 2013 will be on Sunday 10th February at 2pm.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 2 / J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 3 P A G E 4

one church

Ephesians 4:1-16; John 17:20-23

"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (Ephesians 4:3-6)

"I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—/ in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." (John 17:22-23)

In today's passages, we're encouraged to work together as one, to bear with one another, and to live in unity. Let's look at the implications of this teaching for us.

• One Lord (Ephesians 4:5). God is one. Father, Son and Holy Spirit are in such complete harmony that although separate persons, it is often impossible to tell where one ends and another begins. Wherever God is at work, all three persons of the Trinity are involved. This is part of the nature of God, and as his people and his creation, we are called to reflect that nature by the way that we are united. We need to have a 'big picture' of God's family, Christ's body. We need to recognise and work with Christians both locally and internationally for God's glory.

Are there issues which divide the people of our church? How can we resolve those?

Keresley Village Community Church and St Thomas' need to recognise that we are called to mission together in our parish. How can we get to know each other, support each other and work together better? How can we be more aware of God's work across the world and how can we better support and be involved with Christians elsewhere?

One Faith. There are two Roman Catholic churches just outside our parish, (Christ the King and Holy Family), two United Reformed churches (Keresley and Brownshill Green) and an Assemblies of God church (Immanuel, Greens Road). In Keresley Village we have an example of how Methodists and Anglicans are working together at KVCC. Of course there are differences between us: there are some ways in which diversity is good and there are some things we don't agree on, but we share the same faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

How can we build our relationship with the other churches in our area, and what can we do together to serve our community?

One baptism. Baptism is the sign of belonging to this worldwide family of God. Your baptism means you are part of the family. In a good family, each member supports the others and everyone takes their share of the family chores. There are some jobs that some people are better at than others, or that some enjoy more than others, but everyone plays their part.

What parts should you play in the life of your church? How will you get more involved? How will you use your money, time and gifts for God?

life changers

Luke 4:16-21

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour." (Luke 4:18-19)

Jesus stood up in the synagogue and read these words from Isaiah 61. These were well known words to his hearers, speaking of the 'year of the Lord's favour' or a time that was coming when God would hear the cries of his people and bring justice and freedom. As Jesus finishes reading these words, he sits down and says simply, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." Jesus is claiming to be the long-awaited Messiah, but he also brings a message of hope in those words from Isaiah.

The good news of Jesus - the coming of the Messiah - is supposed to make a difference to people's lives. Isaiah mentions: Good news to the poor Freedom for prisoners Sight for the blind Release for the oppressed

But in what ways is our message 'good news'? In what tangible ways can people experience the love of Jesus through what we are doing as churches? What does it mean in our community to set prisoners free, or give sight to the blind, or be good news to the poor?

What would Jesus do for them? How can we be good news to those who are suffering abuse at home, or at work? What does it mean to bring good news to those who are unemployed?

We live in a world where, increasingly, people do not want to get involved with what goes on around them. .

We, on the other hand, are called to get involved. We're called to be those who make a difference in Jesus' name. We are his body, his ambassadors, his followers, and we are called to walk where he would walk and do what he would do.

What concerns do you have for people in our community who you think we should be helping? What ideas do you have for ways the church could help?

What kind of work would you be excited to be part of and to volunteer for? For example, should you offer to be involved in foodbank?

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re:vision Notes from the Sermon Series

O U R C O M M U N I T Y P A G E 5 O U R C O M M U N I T Y P A G E 5

Editor: Norma Murrain of silverfishjewellery.com recalls the

year her three year-old played the angel Gabriel…

“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)

One of my favourite things about the advent season is watching the children as they take part in the nativity play. It always brings a tear and a large smile.

This verse always takes me back to my youngest son, Daniel, and his first nativity play. He was just three years old and he was dressed up as the angel Gabriel - the cutest angel Gabriel I ever saw. All was going well until Mary and Joseph got to the scene where the inn keeper says “No room”.

As those words were spoken, Daniel burst into tears and rushed out to attack the little innkeeper. He was totally inconsolable! The innkeeper started to cry, and then other children started to cry. Embarrassed and apologetic, his dad and I managed to remove him from the scene, still crying inconsolably. We left behind an audience fighting back fits of laughter....

The year Gabriel burst into tears As the angels in heaven rejoice when one sinner repents, I wonder if they cry, like Daniel did, when Jesus comes knocking at our hearts and finds no room. I wonder how they will feel as they watch our festivities this Christmas. Will they laugh and celebrate with us, or will our indifference to the Great Tidings of Good News break their hearts? Will you make room in your heart for Jesus? Will you make the angels smile, or cry?

Here is a Christmas prayer that will give you the best present you ever had:

‘Dear Lord Jesus, please forgive the times I’ve shut you out. My heart is open now, will you come in? Please cleanse me from anything that might cause you pain and fill my heart with your love this Christmas - and forever. In Jesus name, Amen.’

A Smile for Christmas

Visiting Father Christmas

A mother took her young daughter to visit Father Christmas in his grotto at the garden centre. He greeted the youngster merrily, and asked: “And what would you like for Christmas?" The little girl stared at him, open mouthed with horror. Then she gasped: “Didn't you get my email??!!"

The Holy Family

A Sunday school teacher asked her class, "What was Jesus' mother's name?" One child answered, "Mary." The teacher then asked, "Who knows what Jesus' father's name was?" Another child ventured: "Verge?" Confused, the teacher asked, "Where did you get that?" He replied hesitantly: "Well, you know they are always talking about Verge n' Mary.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 2 / J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 3 P A G E 6 P A G E 6

Those words come from the December 1906 issue of the parish magazine, and one hundred and six years later they are just as appropriate to us in the run up to Christmas 2012.

The following comes from the January issue of 1906:

T he first words of the first number of the Parish Magazine must be to wish every

reader a year of happiness, of peace, of plenty; may it be so; a year of good resolves fulfilled; of new hope and energy. May every Christian try to serve Christ more faithfully. Each of us do something to make the world a little better, a little happier.

May it be so for you in 2013.

Dear Lord,

W hat’s it really all about, this “season of celebration”? People rushing everywhere,

overspending, double-booking diaries in frantic attempts to meet the demands of a twenty-first century Christmas. And what about those who find Christmas anything but joyful – those who have lost loved ones, those who are old and alone and tired and longing for it all to be over? What’s it really all about?

Lord, in the middle of the busy-ness and bustle, help us to remember that this is nothing new. Jesus came into a world of rush and frenetic activity. He came to a town so busy

that there was no room for his family. And help us to remember that you know what it’s like to have a loved one – your dear Son - away from home at Christmas.

Lord, still our hearts, and open them to recognise and receive your great gift to us. May we make room for Jesus and know the peace and security of his presence this Christmas. Help us to know that this is what it’s really all about.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Sovereign Lord,

H ere we are at the gateway of another year. A gateway we have

to go through, leaving behind all the events and memories of the old year – all of that now known and recorded and part of our history.

Here we are, with no choice but to step out into the unknown, into the uncertainty of the future. But while we may not know what lies ahead, we thank you that we can know who lies ahead, if we put our trust in Jesus. He promises to be the Way, the Truth and the Life for all time. Thank you that no matter what this New Year may bring, we do not move into it or through it alone. You are already there, as you were in the beginning.

So in this and every year we say, Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as we walk forward with confidence and in faith. Amen.

Prayers for Christmas and the New YearPrayers for Christmas and the New YearPrayers for Christmas and the New Year

O U R C O M M U N I T Y P A G E 7 O U R C O M M U N I T Y P A G E 7

CREMATION

2nd November June Baker aged 74 of Dickens Road

6th November Desmond Stanley aged 84 of Cromwell Lane and

20th November his wife Eileen Stanley aged 86

16th November Doris Knight aged 86, 135 Overslade Crescent

BURIAL

5th November Florence Taylor aged 85 of Cottage Farm Road

Uniformed Groups

Meet in the Church Hall : 9th Rainbows, Mondays, 6-7pm 13th Brownies, Mondays, 6.00 - 7.30pm 9th Brownies, Wednesdays, 6.00 - 7.30pm 9th Guides, Thursdays, 6.30 - 8.30pm

Meet in the Scout Hut: 41st Cubs, Mondays, 6.45 - 8.30pm 41st Scouts, Tuesdays, 7.00 - 9.00pm 41st Beavers, Fridays, 6.00 - 7.30pm (for 6-8 year olds )

Youth Essence

Thursdays 7.30pm to 9pm in the Galilee Room, School year 9 upwards

Regular Activities in the Church Hall

NB the Church Hall is not usually available for late night Discos

Pre-school Playgroup: Mondays to Fridays, 9am - 11.30am and 12.30pm – 3pm

Brownies, Guides, Cubs and Scouts meet on weekday evenings. See above for details.

First Steps . . . with Jesus

For babies and pre-school children with their parents and

carers, weekly in term time

Mondays 1.30-2.30pm Meets in the Galilee Room,

Tuesdays 1.30-2.45pm. Meets at Keresley Village Community Church

Children and Young People Parish Register

Trailblazers Children's Club

Mondays 5-6pm at Keresley Village Community Church

Thursday at St T’s Thursdays From 6pm to 7pm For 5-11 years Meets in the Galilee Room

Answers to Crossword on page 8

ACROSS l. Hark The Herald 8. Against 9. Eager 10. Ere 11. Spangles 13. Listen 14. Sermon 17. Lutheran 19. Raw 21. Peter 22. Imagine 24. Christmas Tree. DOWN 1. Heavenly 2. Readers 3. Ten 4. Extras 5. Evergreen 6. Argue 7. Darn 11. Shepherds 12. Anywhere 15. Merrier 16. Truism 18. Utter 20. Epic 23. Ass.