Ministers’ Letter

From the Manse…A Light shines in the darkness

Anytime now, as soon as we change the clocks, people will start the refrain: “I hate the long dark winter nights”. A bit of me will miss those long light summer evenings, but I do like the changing seasons and love a star lit sky.

And it is in this darkness that we prepare for some special events in the life of our churches. It is not surprising that when creation plunges itself into darkness faith communities respond with festivals of light; Diwali, Hannukah and Advent. A light pierces the darkness at just the right time.

We have three things that will lighten up this dark period. On the 22nd November we have our LANTERN PARADE gathering at Shirley Methodist Church at 5:30pm and processing to, and through, the MHA Wilderness. Workshops will be held where you can make a willow and tissue paper lantern, or you can pick up a DIY kit from the Wilderness or Shirley Methodist Church. This is the 3^rd year of lanterns but the first year we have had a procession. Do come along with or without your lantern.

We are trying something NEW this Advent at Christ Church Addiscombe – we are inviting you to walk the ADVENT SPIRAL. And evergreen path that leads to the centre where you pick up a light then walk from the centre placing your light on the  path. This promises to be though provoking and very moving. A space for you to reflect on your journey through this special season. The Advent Spiral will take place on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th November between 4pm – 8pm.

On Sunday 30th November at 6pm at Addington Methodist Church we are holding our Annual ADVENT CANDLELIT CAROL SERVICE. This is a special reflective service using Advent readings, poetry and music to prepare ourselves for this important season. We move from darkness to light as candles are lit and the light is shared.

Do join us for one or all of these events as together we celebrate the real message of the season; a light that shines in the darkness of todays world and brings that promise of hope.

When the world was dark                                                                                                                 

 and the city was quiet,                                                                                                                

 you came.

You crept in beside us.

Do the same this Advent God.                                                           

Richard Lowson