ADVENT SUNDAY - 27 NOVEMBER
Advent Sunday marks the beginning of the new church year. It is the first of four Sundays of Advent, the time to get ready to come close to the mystery of Christmas. On Advent Sunday:

• The church is decorated with purple, the colour of kings. (A king is coming, but not one like the world has ever seen before)
• An Advent Wreath stands in the church, decorated with four purple candles and one white candle. We light a new candle each Sunday until Christmas. Sarah always decorates the wreath beautifully.
• We start singing the 'O Antiphons' - ancient verses preparing us for the coming of the Christ child
• A few people risk their lives to put the nativity scene on top of the parish centre
• The Christmas Tree is wrestled into place in the Parish Centre, and the children help to decorate it. Jan is chief tree wrangler.
• The banner advertising our Christmas services is erected on Darlington Rd. It will sag a little bit in the middle, but that's all part of the charm.
• You can put up the Christmas decorations around your home. Anyone putting up Christmas decorations before Advent Sunday will be excommunicated. This is not a joke it is very serious.
• Michelle starts encouraging us to buy TEAR gift cards, to provide opportunities for people in the developing world. There's usually some other raffles and stalls as well.
• You open the first window on your Advent Calendar and eat the chocolate inside. You resist the urge to open the next window early

FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS - SAVE THE DATE: Sunday 11 December, 7.00pm
This year, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols will take place on Sunday 11 December at 7.00pm.

SERMON
To read the sermon for Sunday 6 November, click here

CHURCHSAFE TRAINING - Saturday 19 November, 1.00pm
ChurchSafe training is requirement for all parishioners involved in ministry with children, and those in elected leadership roles. It aims to create a culture in which the safeguarding of children is a shared responsibility and a high priority. The current incarnation of ChurchSafe is presented by Ms Andrea Musulin who has worked at the coalface of child protection with the WA Police Force for 30 years. She gives a very clear and powerful message on child sexual abuse, grooming and predatory behaviours, protection strategies and empowering children.
The next most convenient opportunity to participate in ChurchSafe Training will take place on Saturday 19 November in Guildford at 1.00pm.If you are required (or would like) to attend, please register yourself here.

MEDITATION DURING ADVENT
5.00-5.40pm, Thursdays from November 24- December 22
During Advent, why not take some time out to be still and silent? Beginning with a brief introduction to ‘centre’, you will then have time to meditate in silence, before concluding prayer. For more information, please speak to Philippa Catchpole.

LABYRINTH RETREAT - ADVANCE NOTICE
September 3-8 2017
Women may be interested in Circleway: a Women’s Dream Quest. A wilderness labyrinth experience in the desert of Western Australia with Judith Tripp, an expert in using a walking labyrinth for healing, exploring life purpose and spirituality. For more information, click here.

WHAT’S NEW IN THE RESOURCE CENTRE?
Items can be borrowed from the Resource Centre located in the Lounge Room. Simply complete the form on the clipboard.

Surprised by Scripture - N.T Wright
One of the finest living biblical scholars, Wright addresses vital issues of our day in relation to the scriptures. He considers environmentalism, gender, science and more, showing us a vibrant and restorative way to move forward.

The Pentateuch - Paula Gooder
An overview of the first five books of the bible, by a rising star in biblical scholarship.

BOOK SALE
There will be a book sale later in the year to raise funds for YouthCare. You are welcome to drop second-hand books to the Parish Centre. But PLEASE no encyclopedias!

MEN'S DRINKIES - Saturday 26 November
It's been too long between drinks. Blokes of the parish are invited to Mundaring Hotel from 4.00pm on Saturday 26 November for a quiet drink. Maybe some crisps, that sort of thing.

ADVANCE NOTICE - JANUARY SUNDAY LUNCHES
Every Sunday in January (including New Years Day) there will be lunch for all comers at the Rectory. Fr Chris will bung some sausages on the Weber, and fire up the Soda Stream, and he'll have the freezer stocked with icy poles. He is considering purchasing a paddling pool and would appreciate your advice about the wisdom of this decision. You can bring some nibbles, drinks and other food to share. It's a chance to have some leisurely time together on the deck (or in the air-conditioning if it gets too much outside). You can come every week or just once.

TOPICAL DISCUSSIONS
The next topical discussion will take place in the Parish Centre on Thursday 24 November at 7.30pm. 

A VISITOR FROM YOUTHCARE (Rescheduled)
Over the last few years, St Cuthbert's has formed strong links with Clayton View Primary School through participation in a before school breakfast club and a reading programme. We have been encouraged and supported by the school Chaplain, Fiona Langley, and we're pleased to welcome her to the morning service at St Cuthbert's on Sunday 20 November