Are you nearly ready? Advent countdown begins here...

This Sunday a new Church Year begins as we enter Advent, the four weeks leading up to Christmas....
Each week we remember people who have been reminding us to get ready for Christ's coming through many centuries
The patriarchs (the leaders of ancient Israel who listened to God and tried to live life his way)
The prophets (messengers from God through many centuries)
John the Baptist
Mary, the mother of Jesus
but there are also other themes we associate with the season. Advent also prepares us for Christ's Second Coming at the end of time, so it is both exciting and solemn, and we may also focus on the "four last things", death, judgement, heaven and hell....or more gently on hope, peace, joy and love.

Each week of Advent, we light a new candle on the Advent ring, until on Christmas Day we can light the white candle in the centre, the Christ candle that reminds us that God is with us, today and always.

Advent services at St Matthew's.

Advent Sunday, 27th November: 

9.30 Parish Communion

Advent 2, 4th December:                                 Together at Ten -informal Communion for all  

6.00 Advent Breathing Space - reflective worship

Advent 3, 11th December:                                9.30 Parish Communion 

2.00 Christingle workshop  

4.00 Christingle Service

Advent 4, 18th December: 

Together at Ten - informal Communion for all