Dear Friends

It hardly seems possible, but Advent and Christmas are just around the corner.

It’s always a busy time of the year in the parish, so I just thought I’d offer you some advance dates for your diary.

On Sunday 19th November at 6pm I will be ‘In Conversation’ with the Bishop of Chelmsford. Bishop Stephen knows St Nicks having worshipped with us on a couple of occasions quite a few years ago. It should be a very interesting conversation. Bishop Stephen is an author and broadcaster.

On Sunday 26th November we welcome Bishop Edward Holland to the parish as he will be confirming some adults and admitting some of our young people to the gift of Holy Communion. The service starts at 10.30 am. I do hope you might consider making this Sunday a priority, it’s good to have the parish support new members as they begin their pilgrimage of faith.

The following Sunday 3rd December is Advent Sunday and a new Church year. At 6pm there will be our annual service of Advent Carols. We do need some volunteers to read at this service and I’m sure David would welcome some volunteers to swell the ranks of the choir.

For all singers out there our annual service of 9 Lessons and Carols is to be held on Sunday 17th December at 6pm.  Again we would welcome as many volunteers as possible to swell the ranks of the choir. It’s always an amazing evening and the church is usually full with occasional worshippers. You might say it is one of our showcase services and an important connection with our parish and community.

Also on the 17th December after the 10.30am Mass, at which Children’s Church will be presenting their Nativity play, we will be holding a small Fair in Church. This is for you to sell your Talents produce – if you haven’t taken the £10 challenge, you can still help by bringing along baked goods, bread and cakes to sell. All proceeds will go to our Development Project.

Simon