Please send notices for inclusion in next week's Benefice Weekly News by
Wednesday 6pm to Leigh at benefice.sdh@gmail.com
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In the light of current Government advice, we ask that everyone wear a mask while in church and to sanitise your hands on arrival and departure please.
If you feel unwell, whether you think it is COVID or not, please stay at home.
Let Robert or Sarah know if you need Home Communion.
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Sunday 5th December-Second Sunday of Advent
9:30 Eucharist and Sunday School - Harpsden
Malachi 3:1-4; Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6
10:00 Eucharist - Shiplake (livestream)
Malachi 3:1-4; Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6
11:00 Morning Praise - Dunsden
Malachi 3:1-4; Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6
14:30 Young Bell Ringers' Practice - Shiplake
Services and activities for the coming week
Monday
09:00 Morning Prayer (Zoom)
14:00 Friendship Afternoon Tea - Harpsden
Join us for a cuppa and a cake. Informal and friendly. Just turn up.
Tuesday - St Andrew's Day
10.00 Prayer Group meet at Harpsden Church
Wednesday
10.00 Midweek Eucharist - Harpsden
Matthew 15:29-37
11.00 Bible Study - at Harpsden Church and on Zoom
Friday
12:30 Choir Practice - Harpsden
Please note that Reverend Robert will be unavailable from 4th - 11th December; if you need support from the clergy please contact Reverend Sarah.
Sunday 12th December - Third Sunday of Advent
08:00 BCP Communion - Harpsden
Zephaniah 3:14-end; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18
11:00 Parish Carol Service - Dunsden
16:00 Shiplake Community Choir Carol Concert - Shiplake
Doors open at 3:30
18:00 Nine Lessons and Carols - Harpsden
Details of services for December are available here.
The Church of England Daily Prayers (text and audio) are available here.
Our churches are open as follows for private prayer:
Shiplake: Every day from 9am - 4pm
Harpsden: Weekdays 9am - 4pm
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For those who are sick
Jacqueline McLeod-Watt, Maggie Probyn, Christine Harvey, Alex Cowan and Elliott Peto
For those who have died
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Benefice Nativity 'Walk into Christmas'
Sunday 19th December, 2-4pm at All Saints, Dunsden
This year,  we are inviting everyone to follow the stars and walk through the story of the nativity and beyond, exploring the scenes, visions and excitement of Christ's birth for themselves. Each church has been assigned a 'scene' so we need volunteers to help gather the props, set up the scenes and/or be present on the day. If you can help, speak to Sarah or to the people listed below.
Harpsden: The Annunciation and The journey to Bethlehem (David Ward)
Dunsden: 'What's the news?' the shepherds and Magi (Pam Gordon)
Shiplake: 'Where to stay?' Arriving in Bethlehem, the inn (Wendy Robinson)
Cakes and biscuits will be needed for the refreshments (Yvonne Watson) and we need some gazebos please.
Please put up the posters - available in the churches - and spread the news like the angels did 2000 years ago.
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 Join us for Afternoon Tea
Monday 6th December, 2.30pm
Everyone is welcome to our fellowship gathering at St Margaret's Church for afternoon tea and a natter on Monday 6th December from 2.30 - 4pm. Invite friends, neighbours and strangers and we'll see you there.
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Carol Services
There will be Carol Services at all three of our churches on Sunday 12th December. At 11am, Dunsden will have their Carol Service; at 4pm, Shiplake Church will be hosting the Shiplake Community Choir Carols and at 6pm, Harpsden have their Nine Lessons and Carols. Take your pick or come to all three. Happy carrolling!
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Community Carols
Shiplake Community Choir welcomes you to our first
'Casual Carols' event. A short concert of around 45 minutes of Christmas carols for choir and audience. The concert is free to attend and includes mulled wine before, during and after the singing, and mince pies at the end to finish in style! We are hoping this will be the first of a lovely annual community event. Please join us at Shiplake Church on Sunday 12th December. Doors open at 3:30 and the concert starts at 4pm. We look forward to seeing you!
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Faith in Film - Exploring the big questions of life
The Henley B aptists are hosting a series of talks exploring the big questions of life at d:2 on Sunday evenings at 6pm from 7th November - 12th December. Led by Dr Krish Kandiah, they will be based on the results of a local survey about Henley's favourite films, examining their links to Henley and to faith. You can still vote for your favourite film here.
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A message from John Bodman
I am celebrating my 60th wedding anniversary after the Morning Praise Service at Dunsden on the 5th December. There will be refreshments afterwards. All members of our Churches are invited to celebrate with me. Thank you.
John Bodman
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Music lessons
We have recently welcomed Helen Lam as our new Music Director at Shiplake. Helen is a professional musician with a Masters degree in Music. Prior to moving to Caversham, she was a choral and handbell conductor in Hong Kong and has been teaching piano, singing, flute and music theory for many years. She can assist students in preparing ABRSM exams in piano, singing, flute and music theory. She is available as an accompanist for solo and ensemble instrumental and vocal performances and for examinations. For more information, please contact her at imhelen@gmail.com
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Rebecca's Gingerbread biscuits
A message of thanks to everyone who donated to Children in Need with Rebecca's gingerbread sale. Harpsden church raised £81. Well done.
She has also raised over £50 for the Reading Refugees Support Group which is our chosen Advent and Christmas charity this year.
If you would like to donate to the Reading Refugees Support Group, they are taking part in 'The Big Give Christmas Challenge 2021' this week: all donations given via this link before 7th December will be doubled.
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Home Communion
We are aware that there are people who have been members of the church but are now unable to be with us regularly on a Sunday morning and we would like to offer Home Communion to them. If you know of anyone who would appreciate this service, please contact Leigh with their details.
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