Christmas Message from the Diocese
Waiting seems to be in the DNA of the people of God, from Abraham waiting for God to fulfil his promise, the people of Israel waiting to be liberated from slavery in Egypt, then waiting to enter the promised land, then longing for the Messiah, to Christians waiting for Jesus to come again in glory. Waiting seems to be what we are called to do. Waiting can be frustrating but perhaps in our waiting we imagine something of the nature of God.
For even as we wait for God, God waits for us. In Word and Sacrament, in the stables of our lives (the places that are messy, dark and deep) but also in our joys and our beginnings and endings, Emmanuel, God with us, waits for us. As we prepare for Christmas we might ask ourselves, ‘Where is God waiting for me?’ and hasten there into his open arms. Revd. Canon Prof. Liz Stuart
The following activities are taking place each week. All are welcome to join us:
Sundays
- 8:00am – BCM Communion Service
- 10:00am – Contemporary Service (Communion service on the first and third Sunday of the month, informal morning praise on the second and fourth Sunday of the month)
Mondays
- 9:00 – 9:30am – Morning Prayer on Zoom with St Thomas and St Mark’s – Parish Prayer zoom link
Tuesdays
- 9:00 – 9:30am – Morning Prayer on Zoom with St Thomas and St Mark’s – Parish Prayer zoom link
- 1:30 – 4:00m – Strictly Come Crafting. 2nd & 4th Tuesday at the Community Hall. Contacts Dorothy Davies 01590 676163 or Shirley Saunders 01590 677628
- 2:30 – 3.45pm – Friendship Teas 1st Tuesday in month (except in August) at the Community Hall. Contacts Shirley Saunders 01590 677628 or Pat Wright 01590 678416
Wednesdays
- 9:00 – 9:30am – Morning Prayer on Zoom with St Thomas and St Mark’s – Parish Prayer zoom link
- 10:15 – 10:30am – Morning Prayer at St Mark’s Church (4th Wednesday only)
- 10:30 – 11:30am – Coffee at St Mark’s Church (4th Wednesday only)
Thursdays
- 9:00 – 9:30am – Morning Prayer on Zoom with St Thomas and St Mark’s – Parish Prayer zoom link
- 12:00 – 12:45pm – Advice Outreach, from NFDC and Citizens Advice
- 12:45 – 1:45pm – Fareshare Larder – St Mark’s Community Hall Car Park
Fridays
- 9:00 – 9:30am – Morning Prayer on Zoom with St Thomas and St Mark’s – Parish Prayer zoom link
Saturdays
- 9:00 – 9:30am – Morning Prayer on Zoom with St Thomas and St Mark’s – Parish Prayer zoom link
Season’s Greetings from Ireen
Our World Vision sponsored child, Ireen, has sent us her own message telling about her life in Zambia. There is also an interesting recipe for doughnuts! See at back of church.
Step Up Safe Space (SUSS) Hub
On Thursdays call in at Pennington Community Hall from 11 – 12. SUSS volunteers will be offering refreshments and snacks before the Larder opens at noon.
Note, there will be no session on New Year’s Day
CTLP – New Cancer & Prayer Support Group
Are you or a loved one affected by cancer? Come along to this small group and join in prayer, support and a safe place to share experiences.
- Time: 4th Saturday of each month 10.30 – 12noon
- Place: Alibi Room, Lymington Baptist Church, 10 New Street
- Contact: Tina Cumberlege
- email: firmroots@lymingtonbaptist.org
- phone: 07376564359 in office hours.
Upgraded Sound System for St Marks
Thank you to all those that have generously donated to our recent appeal for contributions to assist with the costs of the roof and heating repairs.
We have just received permission to modernise our sound system in the Church which will be to the benefit of all our congregations and if you are able to help with The cost which will be £5,000 we would be very grateful. these are challenging times for many, we ask you to prayerfully consider what you might be able to give to help us. Every contribution, no matter the size, is deeply appreciated and makes a meaningful difference in preserving our church for current and future generations. A box will be at the back of church for any donations to help fund this new sound system.
Thank you for your ongoing support, prayers, and commitment to our church family. If you would like to contribute specifically toward these expenses, you can do so here.
Basics Bank
A basket is at the back of church for donations of non-perishable food in date (dried/tinned), personal hygiene products (e.g. washing powder, toothpaste)
Easy Fundraising
As you shop online, consider using Easy Fundraising to start that journey; doing so, you can help St Marks through affiliation as you shop on many online stores! Details available here:
https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/stmarkspcc
Holy Communion Intinction
The CoE’s national policy is that intinction (dipping) of wafers is not permitted, to keep safe those with particular health conditions. Those with severe allergies, particularly to gluten, can become seriously ill. There is a chance that a person’s fingers could touch the outside of the chalice or the wine, as hands carry many more germs than found on our lips.
It is important to remember receiving Communion in ‘one kind’ is still Communion ‘in full’.
Craft Market
Every Wednesday from 10.30am – 3pm in the United Reformed Church Hall there is an artisan craft market. They are selling local New Forest products e.g. cakes, jams, gifts, decorations, etc. The URC are members of Christians Together in Lymington and Pennington and it would be a friendly gesture to support their efforts.
Pennington Community Hub
The Community Hub continues it’s successful work on Thursday in the Community Hall from 12pm to 2pm.
Daily Prayer
With St Thomas in Lymington, we continue to ‘pray for our nation, for its leaders, its health and essential services and all those who suffer’ this week at 9am on Zoom. Led by members of St Mark’s and St Thomas congregations, this now runs Monday through Friday.
Daily prayer is also taking place in St Thomas church from 9am on Saturdays
Coming together, we offer daily prayer for the situation in Ukraine.
Please do join them either by computer or phone:
- https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
- Meeting ID: 895 2990 2640 Passcode: 2020
- Dial in from a landline phone: 0131 460 1196
St Mark’s Flower Decoration
If you would like to give flowers to commemorate an anniversary or other special day, or remember a relative or friend, please enter your name on the poster at the back of church against the date you would like your flowers to decorate the church and/or contact:- Lin Haley on 01590 677904
YouTube and Facebook
All our services can be found on our YouTube channel here. We also post details about or services and events on our Facebook page too, here.
Online Connection Information
Zoom Details
- Parish Prayer Zoom Link:
- From a landline phone: 0203 481 5240 Meeting ID: 895 2990 2640 Passcode: 2020
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PenningtonChurch
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StMarksChurchPennington