THE LAST SUNDAY OF 2024

We were a smaller congregation this morning as many of our members had obviously gone away to visit family and friends, but we still had a great service and the singing was good too - led by the Worship Group.

Mark preached a good sermon on the Lessons we could learn from the Shepherds.  He said they were surprised by God and He can still surprise us today.  Secondly, they had a story to tell from God, given to them by the Angels - so they told everyone and thirdly, they were sustained by God, who changes people. He encouraged us to do what the first song had told us to do "Shine From the Inside Out!" He finished by asking if we were ready to be surprised by God in 2025 - well, I’m ready!

I took several shots this morning, two of the various items we have in one of the rooms that go into the Bags of Hope, many of which have been delivered this week and more will be delivered over the course of the next week.  All those we have delivered the Bags to have been very grateful and for those who are not able to manage throughout the year, this doesn’t stop just because it’s Christmas.

The top middle shot shows the crayons and pencils ready for the Kidzone party, which took place in the hall whilst we were in Church.  The bottom middle shot shows Pete dashing to get into the cupboard and Sarah struggling to get the lock off the door, while they were both setting up the room for the children.  We were on coffees this morning and when we arrived after the service, could hear them having a great time.

Then there is another of the wonderful banners that look so good on the walls of our Church - and this one says “Jesus the Light of the World” and we certainly need some light in the very dark places of our world at the moment.

There are three shots of the beautiful hair of some of our ladies - they always look wonderful and I am tempted to touch their curls, but of course, I don’t - but I do love taking shots of the workmanship that goes into these amazing hair-dos.  

Last, but not least, is the Nativity, which will soon be put away for another year - but as Mark and Matt, who was leading the worship this morning, reminded us, we may be putting things away, but we need to keep telling people the story of a God who sustains us in the good times and in times that are not-so-good.

I’m looking forward to what God has planned for both Mr. HCB and me and for everyone in our Church in this coming year.  Bless you all.  M & J xxx