St George's Church, Benenden

Reflection for the week commencing Sunday 4th December:

Scripture:

³This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, ‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
“Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” ’
⁸Bear fruit worthy of repentance. (Matthew 3:3&8)

Reflection:

Here is John the Baptist, that “wild” prophet, doing his (Advent) preparation work for God! Doing his bit in proclaiming the good news.

This week we have heard that the last Census says that for the first time less than 50% of people identify as being Christian in this country. On the one hand, that news can make believers quite despondent. On the other hand, it presents an opportunity and a challenge for everyone who professes to believe. We have an opportunity this Advent and Christmas to show people that faith - the Christian faith – and that God makes a difference in our lives. And that God can make a difference in everyone’s life.

How? Firstly, hear the words of John the Baptist speaking to you, “Bear fruit worthy of repentance.” (That means putting your faith into action!) Secondly, pray…. Speak. Ask. Listen. Hear the answer….and then Act as God calls you to!

And enjoy Advent; this time of preparation. Show others you enjoy being a Christian. That can work wonders!!!

Revd David Commander

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“Services” and Prayer:

Please make use of the beautiful quiet space in St. George's Church any day for individual private prayer; prayer resources are available.

Services in December

Sunday 4th

8 am Holy Communion

10 am All-Age Communion

No Choral Evensong Tonight

Sunday 11th

8 am 1662 BCP HolyCommunion

10 am Morning Worship

Friday 16th

2.15 pm Benenden Primary School Christmas Service

Sunday 18th

8 am Holy Communion

10 am Sung Eucharist

Tuesday 20th

7.30 pm Parish Carol Service

Saturday 24th - CHRISTMAS EVE

3 pm Crib Service

11.30 pm Midnight Communion

Sunday 25th - CHRISTMAS DAY

8 am Holy Communion

10 am Morning Worship

Mid-week Communion: 10am, Tuesday, at the Mission Church, Sandhurst. (NB No service on Tuesday 27th December).

Morning Prayer takes place at St George's at 8am on Mondays and Fridays and at the Mission Church, Back Road, Sandhurst at 8am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Care:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength . . . Love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31)
Now is still a time to care for your neighbour. Please, pick up the phone, speak to them. We are a strong community, a caring community. Together we are getting through this.

Finally, I encourage you to use these prayers when you get up and when you go to bed:

A prayer in the morning:

Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your disciples, ‘I am with you always’. Be with me today, as I offer myself to you. Hear my prayers for others and for myself, and keep me in your care. Amen.

A prayer in the evening:

God our Father, by whose mercy the world turns safely into darkness and returns again to light,:we place in your hands our unfinished tasks, our unsolved problems, and our unfulfilled hopes, knowing that only what you bless will prosper. To your love and protection we commit each other and all those we love, knowing that you alone are our sure defender, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Keep safe. Keep well. Keep praying. God bless you. With love, David