Weybridge United Reformed Church NewsDecember 2019 & January 2020Letter from the MinisterDear Friends,I am certain that many of you will be aware of a book, first published in 1928 – The Oxford Book of Carols. Edited by Percy Dearmer, Martin Shaw and Ralph Vaughan Williams, the earlier editions had wonderful red covers with an ‘Arts and Crafts’ style decoration pressed into them, very similar to the hymnbook, The English Hymnal, produced by the same publishers a few years earlier. It soon became ‘the’ carol book although in more recent years it has been rather overshadowed by the Carols for Choirs series and ‘the white book’! (Singers like to keep it simple!)Thinking about the Christmas music we hear these days made me wonder if perhaps the most lasting contributions from The Oxford Book of Carols (OBC) have been the inclusion of (a) the continental carols it introduced to British congregations and choirs and (b) the traditional English carols which had become neglected. An example of the first would include Little Jesus, sweetly sleep and of the second, The Holly and the Ivy.Every supermarket we go into at the moment is bombarding us with Christmas carols and songs and the pre-1928 hymnbooks contained ‘the biggies’ that we sing today; things like ’Ark the ’erald, Once in Royal, While Shepherds washed and O come, all ye faithful. They included carols from America like It came upon the midnight clear but not a huge amount else. God rest you, merry is about the only ‘trad’ English carol of that style in the Congregational Hymnary. Today we’d think the choice extremely limited. Cong Hymnary doesn’t even have Away in a manger in it!!! The effect of OBC, however, is quickly seen if, for example, you look at the Methodist Hymn Book, published just five years later in 1933. Its section of hymns for Advent and Christmas looks much more like we might expect today.Carols such as Lo, how a rose is growing (Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen) (R&S 175) are so beautiful. It’s a lovely hymn to sing with a fine German tune but it is also a wonderful hymn to reflect upon, too, drawing richly on a number of Old Testament images. Last year I wrote about The poor and the humble (R&S 165) which was also in Congregational Praise and Church Hymnary 3. It comes to us via the

1

OBC route, its second verse having been commissioned by its editors. I think that it could be argued that OBC set carol singing, both for congregations and for choirs, on a different path and that subsequent hymnbooks and carol books have followed its lead and developed it.Today it is much more normal for us to draw on carols from the world church as well. If you want to clear away the Bing Crosby and See amid the winter snow images then how about a carol from New Zealand?

Carol our Christmas, an upside down Christmas;The snow is not falling and trees are not bare.Carol the summer, and welcome the Christ Child,Warm in our sunshine and sweetness of air.

or evenNot on a snowy night by star or candlelightNor by an angel band there came to our dear landTe Harinui Glad tidings of great joyBut on a summer day within a quiet bayThe Maori people heard the great and glorious wordTe Harinui Glad tidings of great joy

I am not currently singing in a choir and that seems so strange but you may bet your bottom dollar that I shall be recording Carols from King’s on Christmas Eve. The actual Oxford Book of Carols may now have been rather superseded but the trail it blazed most certainly hasn’t and I do wonder if, one day, it might actually make a bit of a comeback. That is because these days we are often bombarded by musical arrangements of carols that are so hyped-up and ‘schmaltzified’ that the simple carol is lost under a music-candy coating. There is bound to come a pendulum swing at some point, though, and perhaps the OBC’s simple, beautiful carols and settings will be rediscovered.

Rejoice and be merry in songs and in mirth!O praise our Redeemer, all mortals on earth!For this is the birthday of Jesus our King,Who brought us salvation – his praises we’ll sing.(Carol from Dorset, probably from the early 18th century)

With good wishes for Christmas and for the New Year,

2

Sacrament of Holy Communion: Please note this amendment for December. Holy Communion will be celebrated on

15 December at 10.30am and on Christmas Eve beginning with carol singing at 11.15pm followed by the service at 11.30pm and

culminating in the celebration of the Eucharist at Midnight.

News of the Church FamilyIn MemoriamWe were sad to hear that Judy Dudeney died on 9 November just a month before she would have celebrated her 104 th birthday. After moving to Weybridge Judy was received into membership here in 1992 although her connection with the church goes back much further to the time she came on regular visits to see her mother. She will be greatly missed by her daughters, Marilyn and Kate, and their families and her many friends in Weybridge. A tribute to Judy will appear in the February News.

Golden CelebrationOur congratulations to Kate and Brian Ashfield who celebrate theirGolden Wedding on 27 December.

PrayersPlease remember all those who are not very well and are receiving continuing treatment including David & Joan Cheeseman, Chris Goddard, John Langdon and former members Henry & Nancy Pauls in Canada. Remember, too, all those living in care homes including Betty Brown,Jean Smith, Eileen Turner and Tricia Weight.

Christmas Greetings1 Revd Phillip JonesDear Friends at Weybridge URC,I am delighted to send you all Christmas Greetings. May the hope of Christmas lighten your cares, the peace of Christmas fill your hearts, the joy of Christmas bring you happiness, the spirit of Christmas remain with you all year.Your former Minister and friend,Phillip (18 Kennel Field Drive, Bishops Hull. Taunton. TA1 5FH)

3

2 Sheila Colverson – from Wells to WeybridgeDear Friends,My love to those who know me and blessings to those who don’t.A JOYOUS CHRISTMAS to you and may 2020 be a GOOD ONE for all of us. 2019 has been a good one for me apart from one mishap when I stumbled, twisted, did soft tissue and ligament damage and ended up in hospital for a week. It was ironic because two months before (at Easter) I was holidaying in Northern Spain where my son, Richard, had booked two Paradores as centres from which we explored Navarra. I was in Edinburgh in August to spend time with Richard and my granddaughter, Coco. I walked through ‘The Fringe’ with them – it was mad, noisy, crowded but fun. Then we went off to Argyllshire and from our hotel were able to explore another part of forgotten Scotland – Bute, Tarbet, the Kintyre Peninsula. A couple of days back in Edinburgh and then back to Wells and reality. Wells is good for me. My church, which is undergoing great re-organisation is being pretty well gutted and turned into a ‘people place’ as well as a House of God. It is a ‘listed’ Georgian building so it has to be done sympathetically. It is just off the High Street so we hope it will be much used by all. At the moment we are having our services in the hall as the church has become a hard-hatted worksite. The pews (apart from a few) are out and both destruction and construction are going on. My daughter, Ann, has a new granddaughter (Florence), so I have my second great-grandchild whom I met for the first time a few weeks ago in Wiltshire. After my 90th birthday celebration a couple of years ago a family member suggested having a smaller gathering ‘just for family’. So this year I did it. – choosing a house near Bath as the main base and, with other family members staying nearby, we were all ready to party! Although I have no peers the ‘extended generations' all came. It was wonderful – just like an old-fashioned house party. Keith always said that he married a clan when he wed me! For Christmas Richard, Coco and I are off to Malaga where we have booked a tour of the amazing Alhambra (which should ‘wow’ Coco) and also hope to drive up into the mountains to Ronda.Enough! Thank you for your patience! I always did talk too much and nothing changes! Sheila(This is a précis of Sheila’s letter. See the full text on the notice board in the church porch.)**********************************************************************************

General Election

4

12 DecemberThe church hall will be in use as a

Polling Station for theGeneral Election on 12 December

from 7.00am to 10.00pm.Please note that no other access to the hall

will be permitted on that day.**********************************************************************************Wessex Synod – Prayer Calendar for December

1 Sherborne; Elvetham Heath 8 St Francis, Banbury; Lymington15 The Beacon Church, Canford Heath, Poole;

Warsash22 United Church, Winchester; Wareham

29 East Cliff, Bournemouth;The Moderator and Synod Staff

Wessex Synod – Prayer Calendar for January 5 Freshwater, Isle of Wight; Elstead;

Bell Street United Church, Shaftesbury12 Fovant; Marsh Gibbon;

Rowlands Castle19 Woking; Swanage;

Caversham Park, Reading26 Aston Tirrold;

Avenue St Andrew’s, Southampton;Trinity, Bournemouth

Church Christmas Post The Christmas post box will be in the

church on1 and 8 December for any cards you wish to send to other members of the congregation.

Please do not bring any cards after those dates.

Please ensure the name of the recipient is written clearly on the envelope.

5

The cards will be ready for collection at the service on15 December and will be placed on the centre pew in the church. If you are unable to be in church on that day please arrange for someone to collect your cards for you.

Minutes of Church MeetingsAs you know, I have been circulating the minutes of Church Meetingsby email to everyone who has provided an email address for theChurch Directory. Shirley Morley will be preparing a new directory early in 2020. If you have not yet provided an email address, but would like to do so, please let Shirley or me have the details as soon as possible.

Liz GrimseyStamps for the charity ‘Save the Children’My brother, Ian, continues to collect, sort and sell stamps in aid of the charity ‘Save the Children’. Usually he raises about £120 most of which comes from stamps donated by our church members. Once again Ianwill be very pleased to receive the stamps from your Christmas cards, particularly those items from overseas, and also from your regular mail. (Please leave the overseas stamps on the envelope and send the whole envelope.) If you have any stamps or collections, first-day covers or postcards you no longer want please pass them on along with your other stamps to Jem or me and we will forward them to Ian. Thank you for all your help. Claire Ward

oRgan CornerOrgan Recitals 2019The Treasurer received the letter below from Belinda Dee, Director of Fundraising at Help Musicians UK, in response to the gift of £303.39 (including Gift Aid) from the church. This amount was the surplus money (after a deduction to cover costs) from the retiring collections made at the organ recitals held in the church this year.“Thank you so much for your donation of £303.39 to Help Musicians. We very much appreciate your kind support and every penny will go towards helping musicians in need. With your support Help Musicians is providing more help than ever before. As an independent and insight-led charity we aim to make a meaningful difference to the lives of musicians. For nearly a hundred years we have been providing a broad spectrum of help, support and opportunities to empower musicians of all

6

ages at any stage of their career, from times of great need to times of opportunity.As we look at the next hundred years the need for our support continues to grow, so donations like yours are more important than ever. In 2018 our integrated programme of bespoke Health & Welfare support,Creative and Development Services including the Musicians’ Hearing Help Scheme and Music Minds Matter generated over 14,000inter-actions. From a grant to develop a project or career development opportunity, to financial support for those living on a state pension, to help when a crisis happens, getting access to the right skilled professionals, recuperation then back into working life, we offer a lifetime of support to musicians. Thank you again for your kind donation which enables us to make a meaningful difference to the lives of musicians.We cannot do this alone. Once again, and on behalf of the team at HelpMusicians, thank you.”Organ Recitals 2020A full programme of lunchtime organ recitals from March to September 2020 has been arranged. These will take place, as usual; on the second Wednesday of the month at 12.30pm with the first recital being given on11 March by Katherine Dienes-Williams, organist at Guildford Cathedral. The complete list of recitals will be given in the February News.

Gifts from Harvest Festival The enormous number of gifts you brought to ourHarvest Festival service were all very gratefully received by the Walton and Hersham Foodbank.

Shoebox SundayMany thanks to all the members of the congregation and the leaders and families of Toddler Fun who filled shoeboxes with Christmas presents for disadvantaged children in countries around the world. This year we had a total of 26 boxes and at the service on 3 November they once again made a colourful display at

the front of the church. Brian Ashfield kindly took them (and the boxes from

7

St Andrew’s URC) to the local collection centre at Heathervale Baptist Church, New Haw. There several teams of volunteers (includingThelma Roberts) worked hard checking and sorting all the boxes and getting them ready for despatch. Your shoeboxes are now on the way to their destination where the gifts they contain are guaranteed to bring excitement and joy at Christmas to so many children who would otherwise have no presents.

A TIME FOR REMEMBERINGThe Editor picked-up these comments from members of the congregation following the united service held here with St Andrew’s URC on Remembrance Sunday.

1 It was fun to hear the popular songs from the war played before the service.

2 I enjoyed the song medley – very nostalgic. People around me knew the words and we all sang along quietly.

3 The wartime adverts on the screen brought back many memories. 4 The church looked nice with all the poppies (especially the big

crosses) and the lovely flower arrangements. 5 Having the uniformed organisations at the service was a real

bonus and I think the children probably learned a lot. They were very reverent as they lowered and raised the Colours.

6 It was lovely to have the Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and Brownies present (especially as they had to go to another parade in the afternoon) and to see them parade their flags.

7 The young trumpeter did so well playing the Last Post and Reveille It was a very special part of the service.

8 The service was respectful and dignified. That is important to me. 9 I thought the readings were done with expression and eloquence

and the hymn-singing was magnificent.10 I liked having the pictures on the screen especially the video of

the poppies falling. It reminded me of the Festival of Remembrance at the Albert Hall.

11 I found the on-screen pictures very helpful in anchoring the different events.

8

12 Neville Chamberlain’s words are very familiar to me but seeing him deliver his message from his desk in the Cabinet Office made the war declaration starkly real.

13 It was interesting to hear the first-hand experiences of people in the congregation on the day war was declared.

14 Hearing the Minister read out the names of the people from our churches in Weybridge, Hersham and Walton who died in the two world wars made it seem very personal.

15 We thought it was a good service. We only decided to come at the last minute because we were going to stay at home and watch the ceremony at The Cenotaph on television.

Remembrance Sunday OffertoryThe Treasurer reports that the collection for Combat Stress, which was made at the service on Remembrance Sunday, amounted to £418.38 (including Gift Aid). ‘Thank you’ to everyone who contributed

4th Weybridge Brownies‘Well done’ to all our Brownies for the hugely impressive Remembrance display they created for their board in the church hall. It was very

much appreciated by the people having coffee after the service.

Celebrating ChristmasA note from the Minister

Christmas Services within the Joint PastorateOne of the things the Joint Pastorate can offer is a wider range of Christmas service types and times and it’s been interesting to see that some members have been taking advantage of this; so on pages 12, 13 and 14 there are complete lists, from both churches, of what is happening this Christmas. You are welcome to any of the services at either church.*********************************************************************************Christmas Quiz

9

The Editor has put this quiz together for you to do as a relaxing break from your Christmas preparations. Answers are on p14.

1 What is the traditional name for the last Sunday of the church year when families make their Christmas puddings?

2 Which Roman holiday held from 17-23 December had an influence on how Christmas is celebrated?

3 Which carol is sometimes called the counting carol? 4 When is Christmas Day celebrated by the Orthodox Churches? 5 With what occasion was the word ‘Yule’ originally connected? 6 What is the French word for Christmas? What was the original

meaning of that word? 7 Which European country popularised decorated Christmas trees? 8 In which North European country if you leave your shoes on the

windowsill in the days before Christmas will they be filled with sweets by a different ‘Yule Lad’ each night?

9 What is the name of the European city which has given a Christmas tree to Britain every year since 1947 to be erected in Trafalgar Square?

10 From which country in Europe does the carol Silent Night originate?

11 Which Christmas tradition involving a parasitic plant was made popular by servants in Victorian England?

12 In which European country might you find money under the tablecloth when you sit down for the traditional Christmas Eve supper called Wigilia?

13 What was the main ingredient of the original mince pies?14 Stollen is a traditional cake made from fruit and marzipan eaten at

Christmas? From which European country does it come?15 Who is the saint commemorated on 26 December?16 In which European country do children receive gifts from St Basil

on 1 January?

17 Who brings presents to children in The Netherlands on6 January?

18 Which German Cathedral has a sarcophagus allegedly containing the remains of the three Wise Men?

19 On New Year’s Eve what is the name of the tradition (usually undertaken by a dark-haired man) being the first person to cross the threshold after midnight and bringing good fortune to the family for the coming year?

10

20 What is the last day of the Christmas season in January called?

**********************************************************************************

A Christmas Poem from ‘Poor Robin's Almanac’Provide for Christmas, 1664

Provide for Christmas ‘ere that it do come

To feast thy neighbour good cheer to have some;

Good bread and drink, a fire in the hall,

Brawn, pudding, souse and good mustard withal;beef, mutton, pork, and shred pies of the best,

Pig, veal, goose, capon, and turkey well drest;

Apples and nuts to throw about the hall,

That boys and girls may scramble for them all.

Sing jolly carols, make the fiddlers play,

Let scrupulous fanatics keep away;

For oftentimes seen no arranter knave

Than some who do counterfeit most to be grave.Poor Robin’s Almanac was an annual series of often satirical publications which began in 1663 and ended in 1776. Various people have been suggested as its original author but research by the publisher AH Bullen (1857-1920) indicates that Robert Winstanley (b1647), a member of a well-known Saffron Walden family, is the most likely candidate to have used this nom de plume. In the later years the almanac was taken over by the Stationers’ Company using several anonymous authors.Our Christmas OffertoryThere will be retiring collections on Christmas Eve at the Crib Service and Midnight Eucharist and on the Sunday after Christmas (in aid of

11

the local charity Second Chance Head and Neck Cancer (see details below). There will be no collection for this charity on Christmas Day at the joint service at St Andrew’s URC. NB: All the loose cash in the retiring collections at the three services will be increased automatically through the Gift Aided Small Donations Scheme. If you wish to make a donation by cheque, however, you need to indicate if it is to be Gift Aided. Please make your cheque payable to Weybridge URC, put it in a sealed envelope marked Second Chance Head and Neck Cancer plus the words ‘Gift Aid’ (if appropriate) and place it in the offertory plate. If you are going to be away for all three of the services you may place your gift (marked appropriately) in the offertory plate any Sunday beforehand. The Treasurer will add all such gifts to the cheque sent from the church.

Second Chance Head and Neck Cancer GroupThank you to all of you present at the Church Meeting on 27 Octoberfor agreeing to make the above group your chosen charity this Christmas. I have recently become the Chairman and our committee worked so hard to gain charitable status. This was granted a few months ago. It was in the 1980s that a club was started to support those who had undergone a laryngectomy. Our main aim was to support patients through the initial post-operative stage both medically and socially. A few years ago the group was broadened to include those patients with head and/or neck cancer.We run a variety of meetings throughout the year. We have a drop-in session once a month. This allows members to bring their concerns and to find solutions from fellow members, who have found a way to cope, or just to socialise with each other. It is also a time to care for the partners of those affected. It can be traumatic and life changing for all the family members. We run information sessions to keep our members up-to-date with the latest equipment for their stoma (opening in their neck to enable them to breathe). There are many ways to restore speech after the removal of the larynx (voice box). The most popular is the insertion of a valve behind the stoma through to the oesophagus through which air can pass to simulate speech. This is a great improvement on the hand-held vibrators which can be dalek-like in tone.I have many such stories to tell – I could fill many a page! I willconclude with very grateful thanks for your support. Margaret Faultless

12

Your Christmas – Your Church

Make the most of these opportunities to come and celebrate the services and events for Advent and Christmas here at Weybridge URC.

(Details of services at St Andrew’s URC are on p14.)Advent 1Family Service 10.30am 1 DecemberCelebrate the beginning of Advent – a time of waiting and anticipation.Church Christmas Post (p5)Post Dates 1 & 8 DecemberDistribution Date 15 DecemberAdvent 2Gift Service and Church Parade 10.30am 8 DecemberThis service, which includes a presentation of the Nativity, is always an enjoyable and important part of our Christmas celebrations especially as members of the youth organisations and their families join the regular congregation. As usual the gifts you bring will be distributed in time for Christmas to families in need by the Support Team at NE Surrey Children’s Services. This year, however, there is one important difference. This team is now dealing only with children from birth to 12 years old (another team deals with teenagers) and there is a particular need for gifts for children aged 2-12. For example, new or nearly-new (very good condition) clothes, toys, puzzles, books and games plus gift packs of toiletries, sweets etc. The NE Surrey Children’s Services Team is very pleased to have our gifts each year to help make Christmas special for so many disadvantaged children in the community.

Please do not wrap your gifts as this delaysthe sorting process for the Children’s Services Team.

13

Memorial Carol Service (p15) 7.00pm 9 DecemberChristmas Ladies Who Lunch (p15) 12.30pm 13 DecemberA Cappella Singers’ Christmas Concert 4.00pm 14 Decemberin aid of the Princess Alice Hospice, Esher (p16)

Advent 3Family Service with Holy Communion 10.30am 15 DecemberCome and share in this service as we continue our journey through Advent.Ian Engelmann Singers’ Concert (p17) 7.45pm 20 DecemberCarols for Choir and AudienceAdvent 4Service of Lessons and Carols 10.30am 22 DecemberCoffee and Mince PiesThis year will have a more contemporary feel to it as it draws on material from the Iona Community, off the North West coast of Scotland, but the carols will be the traditional ones!Christmas EveCrib Service 3.00pm 24 DecemberThis very popular service is not just for the children and their families because everyone is very welcome to come along. It will include a dramatisation of the traditional nativity story and a real donkey will be making its regular visit. Children are invited to come dressed as their favourite nativity character and join in the fun of the occasion.Midnight Eucharist by Candlelight 11.15pm 24 DecemberStarting with 15 minutes of informal carol singing the service follows at 11.30pm. This service combines the quiet dignity of the Eucharist with the joyful celebrations of Christmas and the unique experience of sharing the first minutes of Christmas Day with friends from the church and the community.

14

Christmas Day (Joint Pastorate Service) 10.30am 25 DecemberSt Andrew’s URC, Hersham Road, Walton-upon-ThamesThere will be no service at Weybridge on Christmas Day. If you would like a lift to the service at St Andrew’s please just ask.Sunday after Christmas 10.30am 29 December(Joint Pastorate Service) Weybridge URC

Christmas at St Andrew’s URC 3.00pm 15 December – Candlelit Carol Service Mulled Wine, mince pies and then the Candlelit Carol Service 1.30pm 17 December – Westwood School Carol Service Always packed – always excellent. We could squeeze you in if you would like to come but be prepared to breathe in! 4.00pm Christmas Eve – Christingle Service Come and make your very own Christingle!10.30am Christmas Day Joint Pastorate Service at St Andrew’s (NB: No service at Weybridge)10.30am 29 December Joint Pastorate Service at Weybridge (NB: No service at St Andrew’s)

Gift Service – There’s nothing new in what we doOver 100 years ago the children in this church were holding a Gift Service each year to provide Christmas presents for children in need. There are references to these services throughout the First World War and the practice may well be even older. The gifts they brought and the money they collected (usually about £2) were sent to the Shadwell Mission in Watney Street in the East End of London. A brief report one year said “Mr Richard Day, the Sunday School Secretary, has received very grateful letters from the Rev E Harrison and Sister Katherine acknowledging the arrival of the toys etc sent from our recent Gift Service.” Quote from Mr Harrison’s letter – “The toys, which were immediately appreciated by the children, looked very fine on the tree and we gave three loud cheers for the boys and girls who had sent them.”

15

Answers to Christmas Quiz on p9 1 Stir-up Sunday 2 Saturnalia 3 12 Days of Christmas 4 7 January 5 Pagan mid-winter festival 6 Noël Birth 7 Germany 8 Iceland 9 Oslo, Norway 10 Austria11 Kissing under mistletoe 12 Poland13 Minced Meat 14 Germany15 St Stephen 16 Greece17 St Nicholas 18 Köln (Cologne)19 First-footing 20 Twelfth Night

Out and About Things to do – People to meet

Christmas ServicesFor details of all the Christmas Services at

Weybridge URC and St Andrew’s URCsee pp 12,13 and 14.

Genesis Chorale Concert 7.30pm 7 December

St John’s Church, Camphill Road, West Byfleet KT14 6EH

The Genesis Chorale Christmas Concert takes place at its usual venue in West Byfleet. Once again there is an exciting programme of Christmas music starting this year with

Benjamin Britten's A Ceremony of Carols, with harp accompaniment, followed by a seasonal reading then solo pieces by the harpist. After the interval the choir will sing two of John Rutter’s Christmas carols followed by a reading and a harp solo. The audience will also be asked to join in singing several well-known Christmas carols ending with Hark! the herald angels sing to round off the evening. Please see Vivien Sergeant or me to reserve tickets (£15.00 each) for you if you would like to come. We look forward to seeing you there. Brian Ashfield

Festival of Christmas Trees 8-22 DecemberGuildford URC, Portsmouth Road, Guildford GU2 4BSWeekday afternoons/Saturday & Sunday 10.00am-6.00pm.

16

Entry is free – any donations will be shared between Cherry Trees(a respite care home for children with severe learning and physical disabilities) and Guildford Street Angels.

Memorial Carol Service 7.00pm 9 DecemberWeybridge URCThis memorial Carol Service is a new initiative this year. It is being organised by Chitty’s Funeral Directors but anyone is invited to come. Its focus will be for those recently bereaved and facing their first Christmas without a loved one.

Bible Study GroupThe group’s last meeting for this

session will be on10 December and it will recommence its weekly meetings

on 7 January at 10.15am. Claire WardChristmas Ladies Who Lunch 12.30pm 13

DecemberGet into the spirit of the season and come in your festive wear (if you wish) to this special Christmas

session of Ladies Who Lunch. Book your place (£4.00) with Margaret Faultless.

******************************************************************************Come and enjoy this Christmas concert

in the lovely surroundings of your

own church.

Christmas Concert in Aid ofPrincess Alice Hospice

Featuring ‘Fantasia on Christmas Carols’by R. Vaughan Williams

-and ‘A Christmas Mass’ by Ronald Corp.

17

Including Christmas Carols and Seasonal Readings.

Date: Saturday 14 December 2019 at 4.00pm

Venue: United Reformed Church,Queen’s Road, Weybridge, KT13 9UX

Tickets: £10 on the door (price includes refreshments)or book in advance by calling 01932 840578

Joining together to wish you all a joyous Christmas and a

Happy New Year._______________________________________________________

A Cappella Singers rehearse on Tuesdays,

from 7.45-9.45pm in St Mary’s Church Hall,

Oatlands Avenue, Weybridge.Would you like to sing with us?

Please contact us on 07900 907738 or visit our website at:

http://acappellaweybridge.org.uk/A Cappella Singers is a Registered Charity 1049088

Woking & Sam Beare Hospices 4.00pm 15 DecemberSt Mark’s Church, Whiteley Village KT12 4EH

Light up a Life3

This special service is for all those who wish to remember a loved oneand light a candle in his or her memory. Everyone is invited to stay for refreshments after the service. To help with catering arrangements please telephone 01483 881771 if you will be attending.

18

Christmas Carol Concert7.30pm 20 DecemberSt James Church, Weybridge KT13

8DN

Everyone is welcome at this Christmas Carol Concert. We are a local choir (ladies’ voices) and the concert programme includes popular carols and festive readings. The choir is conducted by our Musical Director,Tim Woodford, with piano accompaniment by Hannah Stanley and Lindsay Bridgwater at the organ. Our Patron, Nerys Hughes, will be undertaking her usual role as reader. Tickets are £10.00 (accompanied children under 12 free) and include traditional refreshments. If you would like to come I can book your ticket for you or you can do so by ‘phoning 01252 326514. Parking is available in the Churchfields car park behind the library. Gwenda Cochrane

The Ian Engelmann Singers 7.45pm 20 DecemberChristmas Concert – Carols for Choir and AudienceWeybridge URCThis is another opportunity to enjoy a Christmas concert in the familiar and festive surroundings of your own church. The choir members, too, will be in familiar surroundings as they hold their rehearsals in our church each week. There is no charge for admission but a collection will be taken and a donation made to the local Sam Beare Hospice charity. After the concert you will be able to meet up with everyone in the hall for mulled wine and mince pies. I hope you will be able to come and share in this festive evening with us.

The choir rehearses on Mondays at 7.30pm and new members are always very welcome. It is a mixed voice choir presenting concerts throughout the year and if you are interested in joining I shall be very pleased to give you further information. . Shirley MorleyPeople Who Lunch 12.30pm 10 January

This is one of two occasions in the year when those who attend Ladies Who Lunch invite the men to join them at their monthly session. It is an opportunity for us all to meet and celebrate the beginning of the New Year together. Places

19

are limited so book your place (£4.00) asap with Margaret Faultless.

All Our Yesterdays 2.30pm 14 JanuarySt James’ Church, Church Street, Weybridge KT13 8DFThis bi-monthly ‘get-together’ is a popular event for the older members of the community. It begins with half-an-hour of favourite hymns and readings which often bring back memories of earlier times. It is, therefore, especially suitable for people with dementia and their carers although everybody is welcome to attend. Afterwards over tea and cakes there is the opportunity to meet up with old friends or to make new ones. Help and advice are always available from the Alzheimer’s Society on these occasions if needed. Please pass on the details of this event to anyone you know who might be interested in attending. Parking is available in the Churchfields car park behind the library.**********************************************************************************Dates for your diaryJanuary – AprilPeople Who Lunch 10 January 12.30pmInduction of Elders 12 January 10.30amChurch Meeting 26 January 11.45amLadies Who Lunch 14 February 12.30pmWomen’s World Day of Prayer 6 March (time tbc)Organ Recital 11 March 12.30pmLadies Who Lunch 13 March 12.30pmMothering Sunday 22 March 10.30amAnnual Church Meeting 29 March 11.45amLadies Who Lunch (NB: change of date) 3 April 12.30pmOrgan Recital 8 April 12.30pmMaundy Thursday Service 9 April 7.30pmGood Friday – CTiW Walk of Witness 10 April 10.00amEaster Eucharist 12 April 8.00amEaster Breakfast 12 April 8.30amEaster Family Service with Holy Communion 12 April 10.30am**********************************************************************************Prayer CornerAdvent

20

God, with us,

As we enter this season of longing and waiting,

bear with us a little longer;

be patient with our impatience.

You have journeyed alongside us from the beginning of time,

yet still we miss the signs of your presence.

When we are blinded by the brashness of this season:

open our eyes to the glimpses of your glory.

When we want simple answers:open our minds to the hints of incarnation

When we are deafened by our own shouting:

open our ears to the whispers of your grace.

May we share with you in longing for restoration and renewal

and may we be watchful for the light that breaks through

the darkness of our world.

In Christ’s name. Amen

God says ‘Be patient, watch and wait,

for the time is close at hand’.

Know that you are loved, forgiven and healed.

Thanks be to God. Amen (Revd) Michaela Youngson

21

methodist.org.uk

Christmas EveGive us, O God, the vision which can see your love in the world in spite of human failure.

Give us the faith to trust your goodness in spite of our ignorance and weakness.

Give us the knowledge that we may continue to pray with understanding hearts.

And show us what each one of us can do to set forward the coming of the day of universal peace.

Frank Borman (A Prayer from Apollo 8 Space Mission, Christmas Eve 1968)

Christmas DayLoving Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus,

that we may share in the song of the angels,

the gladness of the shepherds

and worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hateand open the door of loveall over the world.Let kindness come with every giftand good desires with every greeting.Deliver us from evilby the blessing which Christ brings,

and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.

May the Christmas morningmake us happy to be thy children,and Christmas evening

22

bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts,forgiving and forgiven,for Jesus' sake. Amen

Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) (A Christmas Prayer)

New Year’s DayAn Irish Blessing

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face;

the rains fall soft upon your fields,

and until we meet again,

may God hold you in the palm of his hand. Amen

This Irish blessing was originally written in Gaelic. It is often used as a prayer for special occasions including the New Year. It is claimed by some Irish people that the word ‘rise’ is a mistranslation of the original Gaelic word and a more accurate translation is ‘to succeed’. The conclusion being that the text is saying ‘May you succeed on your journey through life’.Rotas – DecemberDuty Elders 1 Shirley Morley 8 Caroline Gardner Gift Service and Church Parade15 Brian Ashfield22 Gwenda Cochrane Service of Lessons and Carols24 Shirley Morley Christmas Eve – Crib Service

Shirley Morley Christmas Eve – Midnight Eucharist25 not applicable Christmas Day – Joint Pastorate Service

St Andrew’s29 Pete Duncombe Joint Pastorate Service – WeybridgeAudio

23

1 Claire Ward 8 Rick Gardner Gift Service and Church Parade15 Julian Sergeant22 Margaret Faultless Service of Lessons and Carols24 Pete Duncombe Christmas Eve – Crib Service

Brian Ashfield Christmas Eve – Midnight Eucharist25 not applicable Christmas Day – St Andrew’s29 Claire Ward Joint Pastorate Service – WeybridgeReaders 1 James Erwin 8 Gift Service and Church Parade15 Brian Ashfield22 Service of Lessons and Carols24 Shirley Morley Christmas Eve – Midnight Eucharist25 Joint Pastorate Service – St Andrew’s29 Joint Pastorate Service – WeybridgeJunior Church Church FlowersLeader: Margaret Faultless All Sundays – Christmas DecorationsCommunion Preparation15 Claire Ward24 Margaret Faultless Christmas Eve – Midnight EucharistSunday Coffee 1 Caroline Gardner John Keenan 8 Liz Grimsey Anne Nicholas15 Margaret Faultless Shirley Morley22 Margaret Drennan Lilian Smith29 Jennifer King Claire WardWednesday Coffee 4 Pam Russell 18 Lilian Smith11 Diana ClarkeDiary – DecemberSun 1 Advent 1

10.30am Family Service Revd Roy BonesFirst day for Church Christmas Post (p5)

Tue 3 10.15am Bible Study Group (p15)(Details: Claire Ward)

Sat 7 7.30pm Genesis Chorale Christmas Concert (p15)St John’s Church, West Byfleet

Sun 8 Advent 2Gift Service & Church Parade (p12)

The MinisterLast day for Church Christmas Post (p5)

24

8-22 Festival of Christmas Trees (p15)Guildford URC

Mon 9 7.00pm Memorial Carol Service (p15)Weybridge URC

Tue 10 Bible Study GroupThu 12 7.00am General Election (p4) to 10.00pm Church Hall in use as Polling StationFri 13 12.30pm Christmas Ladies Who Lunch (p16)Sat 14 4.00pm A Cappella Singers’ Christmas Concert (p16)

Weybridge URCSun 15 Advent 3

10.30am Family Service & Holy Communion The MinisterDistribution of Christmas Post (p5)

4.00pm ‘Light up a Life’ Service (p17)Woking & Sam Beare HospicesSt Mark’s Church, Whiteley Village

Fri 20 7.30pm Treble Clef Christmas Concert (p17)St James’ Church, Weybridge

7.45pm Ian Engelmann Singers’ Christmas ConcertWeybridge URC (p17)

Sun 22 Advent 410.30am Service of Lessons and Carols (p13)

The MinisterTue 24 Christmas Eve

3.00pm Crib Service (p13) Thelma Roberts11.15pm Midnight Eucharist (p13) The Minister

Wed 25 Christmas Day10.30am Joint Pastorate Service at St Andrew’s URC

(pp13&14) The MinisterSun 29 10.30am Joint Pastorate Service at Weybridge URC

(pp13&14) The MinisterRotas – JanuaryDuty Elders 5 Brian Ashfield12 Gwenda Cochrane19 Liz Grimsey26 Margaret Faultless

Readers Audio 5 Margaret Faultless 5 Alistair Cochrane12 Vivien Sergeant 12 Claire Ward19 Liz Grimsey 19 Julian Sergeant

25

26 Margaret Faultless 26 Pete Duncombe

Junior ChurchLeader: Margaret FaultlessChildren join in the first part of the church service and activities for them are then provided for the remaining time in the hall.

Church Flowers 5 Shirley Morley (for my family)12 Val Cave (in memory of my mother)19 Gwenda Cochrane (celebration)26 Diana Clarke (in memory of my mother)

Communion Preparation12 Diana Clarke19 Gwenda & Alistair Cochrane

Sunday Coffee 5 Brian Ashfield Gwenda Cochrane12 Dorothy Edney John Keenan19 Diana Clarke Pete Duncombe26 Caroline Gardner Anne Nicholas

Wednesday Coffee 1 Margaret Faultless 8 Margaret Drennan15 Dorothy Edney22 Pam Russell29 Diana ClarkeDiary – JanuaryWed 1 New Year’s DaySun 5 10.30am Family Service Andrew Gibb

Mon 6 EpiphanyTue 7 Bible Study Group (p15)

(Details: Claire Ward)

Fri 10 12.30pm People Who Lunch (p17)

Sun 12 10.30am Family Service with Holy Communion

26

Induction of Elders The Minister

Tue 14 10.15am Bible Study Group2.30pm All Our Yesterdays (p18)

St James’ Church, Weybridge7.30pm Elders’ Meeting

Sun 19 10.30am Family Service with Holy CommunionDr Alex Henham

Tue 21 10.15am Bible Study Group

Sun 26 10.30am Family Service The Minister11.30am Church Meeting

Tue 28 10.15am Bible Study Group

For details of the regular activities of church organisations please see the inside front cover of the News. Details of all other organisations meeting on church premises are given on the internal and external

notice boards.

Any unattributed articles are written by the Editor.

PRESS DATEItems for the News are very welcome providing they do not

contravene any copyright regulations. The issue for February will be published on 26 January.

Please send your material to the Editor by 12 January byemail: editor@weybridgeurc.org.uk or hard copy.

27