December is here, Christmas is just around the corner.  So much to do and so little time...  But ask yourself these three questions...

What makes for a great Christmas?

What is it really about?

Does the way we do Christmas reflect the facts?

 

 

Christmas Celebrations 2013

 

Christmas Nativity Service

3:30pm Sunday 22nd Dec

With all ages taking part

 

Christmas Eve Candle Lit Carol Service

6pm Tuesday 24th Dec

 

Christmas Morning Service

10am-11am Wednesday 25th Dec

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jesus heals two blind men -  Matt 20:29-34.

 

“What do you want me to do for you?”

Matthew 20:32.  [NIV]

 

Jesus was surrounded by crowds of people. Two blind men sat at the side of the road.  The crowds saw them as unimportant.  But Jesus responded to their humble cries of need and faith!  We can rest assured that God hears our humble cries!  Jesus then asks them " What do you want me to do for you?"  Their need was obvious! They may have asked passers by for money.  But, they believed Jesus could do more than give them some change! 

Did Jesus not know their need? Of course he did!  But did they have the faith?

Their response says it all!   "We want to see" they said.  They believed Jesus could restore their sight.  If Jesus was to ask you the same thing what would your response be?  You may reply "I'm asking but the answer is slow in coming...".

Well learn from the persistent widow in Luke18, where Jesus says "don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? “I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?” [Luke 18:7-8]  Let's keep asking humbly in faith and as we do let's ponder the following verses as we continue to grow in prayer and faith!

"you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong you want only what will give you pleasure". [James 4:2-3]  "Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy". [John 16:24]

 

 

 

The beginning of the Bible Society was largely due to the story of Mary Jones (1784-1864) who so longed for a Bible of her own that after saving money for 6 years, at the age of 15 walked 25 miles to Bala, barefooted, to the home of Thomas Charles, the only man with Bibles to sell. Her visit so impressed him that he proposed a new society be formed to supply Wales with Bibles and in 1804 the British & Foreign Bible Society was established in London. William Wilberforce also played a role in its establishment. In 1783 after he had read the New Testament on a journey to France, he said that he had become a "new man" as a result. Today, there is a Bible Society ministry in over 200 countries worldwide. The aim of the Bible Society is to provide Scriptures for all countries and tribes in their own language. Recently Open the Book has joined forces with the Bible Society which will allow more children to be reached with the Bible Stories.

If you would like to give to Missions just place your Missions gift in an envelope marked Missions and drop it in collection any time along with your Tithes and Offerings. Each month, you can read a little more about Christian Mission organisations and what they do!

PLEASE PRAY  :-

1 Give thanks for the increasing number of schools in UK which welcome Open the Book volunteers.

2 Give thanks for a Bible Society presence and ministry in over 200 countries worldwide.

3 For the scriptures to be made available, via the internet, to Christians in the Middle East, North Africa and Afghanistan in their own language.

4 For the protection of Bible Society staff around the world. Many work in difficult and even oppressive situations. Pray for their encouragement.

 

 

 

69 boxes came in this year,  23 of them coming from Cefn Hengoed Comprehensive. 

69 extra smiling faces this Christmas. 

Thank you!!!

 

 

 

 

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HELPED FUNDRAISE!

TOGETHER WE RAISED

£400

 

 

 

 

 

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS

8th Kian Jones

12th Ruth James

16th Thomas Gibbs

18th Mark Parker