Emberton, Filgrave, Tyringham, Little Linford and Haversham 

 

We were visiting our eldest daughter and family in Canada in October, and one Sunday we were sitting in the Anglican Cathedral in Vancouver when they announced the appointment of the new Archbishop of Canterbury. The congregation hooted and clapped – for this time it was a woman! It has taken a few years to elect a woman to that role, 1,428 years, to be accurate. Saint Augustine of Canterbury was the first Archbishop – appointed in 597AD. 

 

Dame Sarah Elisabeth Mullally, currently Bishop of London, will be taking on the role soon. 

 

Sadly – or thankfully – they never asked me! She is 63, and the church generally retires its clergy at 70, so maybe seven years ahead for her. Having said that, the Roman Catholic church has just appointed a new pope at 69 – which happens to be my age. 

 

I am delighted that the church has appointed Dame Sarah, not because she is a woman but because she is the best person for the job. One day, I hope, not too far off, people will be appointed to posts irrespective of age, gender, race etc., just appointed because they are the best. 

 

We are all made in the image of God – as the writer of Genesis puts it – and deserve the respect and care that comes with that. Sadly, in many places in the world, the discrimination because of race, nationality, gender or sexual orientation goes on to the impoverishment of so many lives. 

 

According to Luke (1:39,56) Mary, when pregnant with Jesus, went to stay with her cousin, Elizabeth, for three months. Why? Was it because the culture of the time meant that her life was threatened, was she thrown out from the family home because she was pregnant out of wedlock? God took one massive risk with Mary and Joseph. Culture, poverty, and paranoid political leadership all could have upset the plan – but it didn't, so we have Christmas – what delight – in the poverty of the time, Love came down at Christmas. 

 

Bless you in your Advent and Christmas preparations, just remember – the story is a real one! 

 

 

 

 

 

10.50am REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY at the Clock Tower (unless it is wet) 

followed by coffee at the church  

 

6:00pm Evensong 

 

11:00am Café Church 

 

11:00am Holy Communion at St Mary’s Haversham 

 

4.00pm “Give a Gift” service 

Supporting MK Women’s refuge (supermarket vouchers) and Ukraine (Ukraine bags). 

Further detail after Remembrance service and forthcoming on social media and in next newsletter. 

 

Following on from our very successful Lent Lunches we are now back to our usual lunches held on the first Thursday of each month in church. We will be supporting different charities each time, and all are very welcome, starting at 12.30pm.  

Our Churchyard working party on Thursday mornings is now back! Coffee is served at 11.00am for visitors and workers in the church. All are very welcome. 

 

For up to date Church news, please visit our Facebook page, as well as this webpage, and there will also be some posts on the WhatsApp group, Emberton Echo. https://www.facebook.com/AllSaintsChurchEmberton/ 

 

The Diocese of Oxford magazine 

 

 

6.00pm Something Else on Sunday 

An evening service with a difference. It uses video, soundtrack, and readings. This service offers a very different way to present some key biblical messages which we hope will deepen understanding and offer new perspectives. Please do give it a try.  

 

11.00am Holy Communion 

A Communion Service using modern liturgy. The children meet in the Gathering Area in church for Children's Church at about 11.45am. 

6.00pm Compline 

A quiet short service of reflection to end the day. 

 

6.00pm Evensong 

A Book of Common Prayer Sung Evensong with sermon. Hymns are taken from a selection of books. 

 

11.00am Café Church 

A Family Service in the Gathering Area at the back of the church, with a short talk suitable for all ages, together with refreshments.  

6.00pm Compline 

A quiet short service of reflection to end the day.