Sunday worship podcast and other news from Seal Church: Oct 29

 

Dear Friends As usual, the link to our podcast is above - click on the picture to access it. with best wishes Anne Le Bas Online Worship podcast - Click on picture above Order of service You can also access this podcast by phoning 01732 928061 In the church building today 10 am Holy Communion 6.30pm All Souls' Service Next Sunday Nov 5 10 am Holy Communion 6.30pm Evensong This week:  Mon     1.30pm Funeral: Sir Jonathan Benn Bt   Wed    10 am Good Book Club in the vicarage. Revelation 21             4.30 children's choir             7.15 pm Adult choir  Fri        9 am Morning Prayer in Church             10.30 - 12.30 Friday Group in the church hall All Saints & All Souls Today we celebrate the feast of All Saints in our podcast and at church in the morning, giving thanks for all who have shown the light of Christ in the world, and thinking about our own calling to share God's love too. This evening we will mark All Souls' day, (see details below) with a special service in which we will remember those we love who have died, and lighting candles in their memory. (All Saints is actually on Nov 1, and All Souls on Nov 2) It's no accident that these festivals take place as the nights are closing in - the clocks went back in the middle of last night, in case you missed it!  Our ancient ancestors knew that darkness could be dangerous - who knew what lurked within it? - so it was natural, and sensible, to fear it. The obsession with "things that go bump in the night" is a way of acknowledging and confronting those fears, as people do at Hallowe'en. But it's important that we remember that Hallowe'en is, literally, the eve of All Hallows - All Saints; we may acknowledge the darkness, but we are also bearing witness that, within that darkness we can find the light of Christ, which no darkness can overcome.  In today's sermon, I explore the story of two of our local saints, St Edith and her mother, St Wulfthryth, women whose courage and tenacity in the face of their societies expectations and attitudes enabled them to shine a light which illuminated the lives of many others. You can find out more about them here, in the blog I wrote following my sabbatical a few years ago. My scarecrow offering for this year also introduces us to Edith, so say hello to her if you are passing the churchyard in the next few days (she will be there until next weekend).   All Age Ideas Today at church we are celebrating All Saints and All Souls, two special services in which we remember the people who have shone like lights in our lives and in the wider world, who have helped others or given us good examples to follow.  You could: Cut out some paper people, and draw on them to represent people who you think are inspiring, or who have helped you. I'm sure you know how to do this already, but in case not, there are instructions here  Make some pictures on thin paper or greaseproof paper and stick them to your window, or shine a light behind them. The light makes the colours glow.  If you are carving a pumpkin or making other decorations for Hallowe'en, why not include something that represents love, joy and peace for you, and pray for people who are going through dark and scary times at the moment? CHURCH AND COMMUNITY NEWS SEAL OVER 60's SOUTHERN STRUMMERS UKULELE GROUP SAT NOV 11th 2.30 SEAL VILLAGE HALL Following last year's resounding success, the Southern Strummers Ukulele Group are returning to Seal Over 60's and all are welcome to come along. The cost is £6 to non-members and includes the usual Over 60's delicious afternoon tea.  To book, please call Chris on 07759 808814.   SEAL VILLAGE HALL FREE SOCIAL INFORMATION SESSION SAT 11th NOVEMBER 5pm-7pm  Come and join the Village Hall Trustees and volunteers, for a free glass of wine, or a soft drink, and nibbles, and find out what is going on in your Village Hall. All are welcome. SEAL TIDDLERS FUND RAISING PAMPER EVENING - ENTRY BY PRE-BOOKED TICKET ONLY Pamper evening Thursday 23rd November Seal church hall (TN15 0AR) 7.30 to 9.30pm (Parking is limited so please walk or car share if possible). £5 a ticket with a glass of prosecco or orange plus a goody bag in aid of funds for Seal Tiddlers.  Tickets and bookable appointments from Stephanie_barnes1990@outlook.com (Please bring cash on the night). Hair and make-up demonstrations. Hair, nails, Neal's Yard hand massage, wax melts, Indian Head Massage and stalls include jewellery, cupcakes, fashion, Body Shop and a raffle. Appointments for nails and hair/hand massage Lots of stalls to start your Christmas shopping! CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING  Friday December 1st in Seal Church Hall £30 per head There will be 2 sessions - 3pm and 7.30pm , providing all you need to make a beautiful Christmas wreath, a glass of wine and mince pie.Please bring your own secateurs! To book, please contact Chris on 07759 808814 or 01732 763585. SEAL VILLAGE ALLOTMENTS Seal Village Allotments are now renewing rentals for the 2024 season, and have some plots available. If you would like to join us and grow your own produce, then please contact: sealvillageallotments@gmail.com VILLAGE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS We have had an amazing offer from a new resident to Seal, Marcus, who is willing to take on the lead role for the Christmas lights this year, taking over from Marion Gilchrist. We are very grateful for this offer, and would welcome at least a few people to put their names forward now, to help Marcus with this task. As usual, they will probably go up on the last weekend of November or first weekend in December. If you can register your interest now, by contacting marionjgilchrist@gmail.com, she will give Marcus your names, and maybe have a little get together before that time.