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Welcome
to the official site of St. John's Parish Church, Sandiway. |
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January 2008
Dear Friends I find it interesting how one word in our vocabulary has come to mean something quite different. The word I am referring to is ‘Christmas’. How many times have you heard, or have you used, the phrase “Isn’t it getting Christmassy?” What appears to be meant by this phrase is that in the increasingly dark, cold and dreary winter months the festivities are now around the corner. Christmas lights flash; brass bands play in town centres; well-known Christmas carols are played on a continuous loop in department stores; we buy more food; we plan to party; we look forward to spending time with our loved ones: Christmas has become synonymous with party-time. This is a far cry from what it meant for Mary and Joseph to travel the distance that they were required to travel as part of the census 2000 years ago through which Jesus of Nazareth came to be born in Bethlehem. Theirs was a journey of have-nots: no jet plane to get them there as quick as a flash; no travel lodge to stay in en-route; no room at the inn. They made their way to Bethlehem in accordance with the requirements of the State within which they were living. A baby was born and soon after parents with child had to flee to a neighbouring country. So I invite you this December, as we prepare for Christmas in the practical sense, to take time to prepare for Christmas in a spiritual sense. I invite you to step back and to ask the question, “What does it really mean for it to be Christmassy?” I invite you to seek out the true meaning of Christmas as we prepare to welcome the Christ Child once again into our hearts and lives as we wait patiently for God to herald and bring in His kingdom of justice and righteousness. You will find details of our December and January services in this edition of the parish magazine. I look forward to sharing with you over this Christmas period. Yours sincerely Martin B Cox Vicar
Please 'phone the Parish Office on 01606 883286 if you wish to speak to the Vicar about aspects of our church life or to discuss matters relating to the baptism of your child, your marriage at St. John's or if you have recently been bereaved. Should you require general information about these aspects of life then please click on one of the links below……
Jesus gave us an example of ministry and calls us to follow His example. There are many ways for you to respond to His call.
In the early days of the Church, new Christians were often baptised at Easter. After a course of instruction in the faith, they publicly entered into a new life...
Today more than a quarter of all marriages in England take place before God in the traditional setting of a Church of England church.
A funeral marks the close of a human life on earth. It is the opportunity for friends and family to express their grief, to give thanks for the life which has now completed its journey in this world.
The above Text and Links are used with the permission of c-of-e.org.uk. Feb. 2007.
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