WELCOME TO

THE CHURCH of THE ASCENSION,

HULME

 

 

Parish of the Ascension Hulme

December / January Newsletter

 

From the Parish Priest:

Advent has just begun. The Christmas Fair is over, and now we can return to matters of faith, having done our practical duty by the Church!

Usually, priests try to speak and write of Advent as a time for receiving God’s word, making room in our hearts and lives. Alongside this, we usually tell people (and ourselves of course) not to be engulfed in Christmas preparations – to concentrate on Jesus, not in spending money and doing ‘Christmassy’ things.

But this year things are different, many people are feeling the pinch money-wise. Prices go up all the time – gas & electric, food and petrol being the most worrying, because they are unavoidable. Other people see their jobs going or cannot get enough in terms of benefits. And every news bulletin is about one country after another going broke, and this country being in recession. So telling people not to concentrate on money is not the message for this Advent. So what is the message then?

Well, firstly we welcome a saviour who was himself poor and lived in a country occupied by others. Jesus cares about the poor and struggling, as he did in his earthly life. He cares about the sick and disabled, as he did then. Also, he, alone of all men and women, shared God to the World as God really is – without a penny to his name. He taught, and still teaches, that Christians should share what they have – food & drink, money, hospitality and friendship.

God is the source of all gifts, and the source of all generosity. If you are in need, let one of your brothers and sisters know. If you are not, then look around you and see who is in need, and if you can do anything. Do not be depressed by the news – react to it out of love and obedience to God. Use Advent to give thanks for what you have & give to those who have not. That is the way of Christ.

I hope we have a holy Advent together, and a joyful Christmas. The deeper we think & feel, the more we pray, and the more we give, the better will be Christmas when it comes

 

 

Your Friend and Priest,

Alma

 

THE CHRISTMAS FAIR  RESULTS

 

 

Tombola                                         £61.75

Crafts                                              £129.30

Bottles                                            £80.60

Café                                                 £65.60

Red & Gold                                     £91.41

Toys                                                £36.50

Mothers Union                               £43.50

Books                                              £24.10

Donation                                         £25.00

Raffle                                              £519.05

Grand Total                                    £1066.51

Less 60.00 Raffle prize

GRAND TOTAL                  £1006.51

 

Well done to everyone who worked hard – before, during and after the event.

 

DATES for YOUR DIARY

There will be no Services then until 1st January at 10.00am,

when normal Sunday and Tuesday services resume.

This newsletter is written in November,

so no dates yet for January – they will be given weekly

 

 

Next newsletter deadline is 29th January 2012