Month: December 2013

The morning session at the Kirk Session Retreat, to be held at 9.30 am on Saturday 15 February in the church hall, will be given over to a training session led by the Presbytery Safeguarding Convener.  All members of the Session and of the Pastoral Care Group, and Sunday School and crèche volunteers, are required to undergo training once every three years.

The safety of our children and vulnerable adults is of paramount importance, and it is essential that we keep up-to-date with the law and are fully aware of all our responsibilities in this area.

The congregation’s response to the Lighting Appeal in 2013 was splendid, and the required amount was raised in record time.  However, in the same way as household expenses continue to rise, so does the cost of running the church on a day-to-day basis.  In January we will be sending out a letter to all members encouraging them to review their regular givings to the church.  So look out for the letter and please be prepared to give it careful consideration.

This year’s AGM of Churches Together in Westminster will be held here in Crown Court on Monday 20 January.  The doors will open at 6 pm, and the meeting will start at 6.30 pm with Business and Reports.  At 7 pm there will be a panel discussion on the theme ‘The Christian Response to Immigration’ chaired by Reverend Lucy Winkett, from St James’s Church, Piccadilly, a frequent contributor to Radio 4’s Thought for the Day.

There will be three eminent speakers: The Rt Hon the Lord Smith of Finsbury, who, in addition to being the Chairman of the Environment Agency and the Advertising Standards Authority, is also a member of Crown Court; Robert Flello,  MP for Stoke-on-Trent South and Shadow Minister for Justice from 2010–2013; and Monsignor John Armitage, the Vicar General of the Brentwood Diocese.

Following the debate, light refreshments will be served in the hall.  This should be a very interesting evening, and all are welcome to attend.

The morning service on Sunday 15 December will be led by the Drama Group with help from the Choir and the Sunday School.  You are invited to participate in the congregational hymns, which will not be announced.  The Organist will play the introduction to each one and if you are able, you are asked to stand to sing.

In an office not too far from here, a woman is working late on Christmas Eve.  Four visitors arrive, each with a different message for her.  By seeing her past, present and future, the woman corrects the error of her ways… 

WELCOME AND INTIMATIONS

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES

HYMN 321 – Come and join the celebration (Tune: Celebrations)

SCENE 1            IN AN OFFICE, CHRISTMAS EVE

CHOIR                Ding, dong, merrily on high

SCENE 2            THE ARRIVAL OF THE BOSS

CHOIR                The Angel Gabriel from heaven came

SCENE 3            THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

HYMN 309 – Still the night, holy the night! (Tune: Stille Nacht) – verse 1 children and choir only – verses 2 and 3 all

CHOIR                In the bleak mid-winter (Darke)

SCENE 4            THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT

CAROL  – Good King Wenceslas (words on reverse of information sheet)

HYMN 310 – See him lying on a bed of straw (Tune: Calypso Carol)

SCENE 5            THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS YET TO COME

CAROL – We three kings of Orient are (words on reverse of information sheet) 

HYMN 304 – O little town of Bethlehem (Tune: Forest Green)

CHOIR                          Ding, dong, merrily on high

SCENE 6                      THE RETURN OF THE BOSS

PRAYER

HYMN 306 – O come, all ye faithful (Tune: Adeste fideles, verses 1 – 3)

BLESSING AND SUNG AMEN (Hymn 819)

ORGAN VOLUNTARY

The Drama Group has prepared some festive treats for you to enjoy after the service with a cup of tea/coffee in the hall in aid of Borderline – a charity which provides help to homeless Scots in London.  Thank you for your generosity.  You are also very welcome to stay for lunch in the hall afterwards.

The Drama Group, Sunday School and Choir have been rehearsing for this service since October.  The Drama Group has quickly established itself as part of the Crown Court family and holds rehearsals on Sundays after worship.  The members of the group do not have any formal training but take part for “fun”!  Valerie Kemp, the director of the drama group, would like to thank everyone involved in today’s service for their hard work, commitment and patience.  If you would like to take part in the Drama Group, please contact Valerie (drama@crowncourtchurch.org.uk).

 

 

‘Tis the month before Christmas, and behind the church door

The Drama Group’s planning surprises galore

You’ll all know the story, but it’s our intention

To tell it afresh with some wit and invention

The Sunday School’s talents will be on display

Adding sweetness and joy to brighten your day

The tale has a message that’s suited to all

The young and the old, the large and the small

There’s laughter and pathos and even some fear

With generous helpings of bright Christmas cheer

So round up your best pals and bring them with you

Crown Court Kirk’s the venue, in WC2

Sunday December 15th is the date

11:15 is the time – don’t be late!

Our cast’s looking forward to seeing you there

But now, please excuse us – we have to prepare!