Christmas Countdown
December has arrived which means Christmas is just around the corner, 21 days to go in case you wanted the accurate figure, and that can mean a busy time for many of us. The lead up to Christmas often means Christmas parties – office parties, club and group break-ups, extended family gatherings, and so on. Then there's the busyness involved in decorating, preparing for the big day, shopping, menu plans, and all the rest.
You'll find below in this newsletter the plans to celebrate Christmas at St Aidan's. Thankfully there has been some recent easing of restrictions which means we'll be able to sing carols! We're still working out what the change in distancing requirements will mean for us, but praise God for limiting the impact of Coronavirus in our country.
As we approach Christmas at the end of a strange 2020 I hope you will be able to take time to praise God for his grace revealed to us at the first Christmas. The four weeks before Christmas are traditionally known as the season of advent, as we await the arrival the Christ. It's a good time to read again the prophecies of Isaiah 7 & 9 and Micah 5, and the narrative as told by Luke and Matthew, and to consider the theological significance highlighted at the beginning of John's gospel. Amid the inevitable busyness of the season it's my prayer that we will all be able to take time to remember the astonishing grace of God in giving his Son to come and be the saviour of the world.
How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given;
so God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven.
Kids Church over the School Holidays
Term 4 has been a wonderful term. We have spent some time in the Old Testament looking at Gods promises to His people. We have ended up in the New Testament looking at the birth of Jesus as we come up to Christmas. As we look at the birth of Jesus we have been able to teach the children that Jesus is the fulfillment of all Gods promises.
On the 13th December we will have our annual book presentation, however it will be a little different in this covidy year. The kids church leaders will present the children with their books during our usual kids church time at Tulloch Lodge and the children will have a little celebration together.
In the weeks following the book presentation in the school holidays Kids Church will continue at Tulloch Lodge. There will be programs for the children each week that we hope will continue to encourage your children over the holiday break. - Corinne
Other news
Congregational Meeting
A Congregational Meeting will be held Thursday Dec 17, 7.30pm at St Aidan’s Church. Papers including a draft agenda as well as the Budget for 2021 will be distributed next Sunday.
Celebration Sunday - Dec 20
This year we’re not able to meet indoor for a combined congregation service, instead we’re going to Celebrate God’s grace by the river at Wiradjuri Reserve at 9.30am for a service followed by baptisms and morning tea.
Wagga Wagga Christmas Carols - Dec 20
The usual Combined churches Carols in the park will this year be a livestream event, much like at Easter. Including carols, and sharing the good news of Christmas, this is a great opportunity to gather with family and friends to watch. It will become live at 7pm, 20th December. We will provide you with the link, or if you would like the service on DVD beforehand call Min in the office.
Property & Pledge Form Update
Thank you to all who have returned Pledge Forms over the last few weeks as we seek special giving toward paying off the loan on Tulloch Lodge. About 45 people have returned forms, pledging a little over $400k over the three years. Praise God for his great generosity through you!
To stay up to date with our online church events, visit staidanswagga.org.au and like us on Facebook.
