The first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the Church’s New Year. A season of newness is upon us. New starts as we journey towards welcoming a newborn baby. New preparations to make as we strive to ‘stay awake’ and keep watch for the much prophesied arrival. New challenges to implement some changes in our own pilgrimage of faith.
Rev, Naomi led the United Benefice Advent Communion service at Blessed Virgin Mary church, Hambleton, resplendent in purple vestments and rocking a complementary new and seasonal hair colour!
One of the youngsters assisted in lighting the candle of HOPE on the wreath, signaling the beginning of the season, representing the hope and anticipation of Christ’s coming.
Next, armed with some home-crafted ‘mountains’, Rev. Naomi explored the words of Isaiah 2
…”In the last days, the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established
as the highest of the mountains;
it will be exalted above the hills,
and all nations will stream to it.
Many peoples will come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the temple of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
so that we may walk in his paths.”
The visual prop was a useful teaching tool and helped bring the text to life in an accessible way. Everyone was invited to make frequent use of the invitation, “I’m going to a church service/event. It’s going to be great! Would you like to come with me?”
Later, the congregation was challenged to write some words on a bauble or Advent disc which may be used daily throughout the season to inspire prayer.
Meanwhile, the little ones were focussed on their own Advent challenges: to create a calendar or repurpose some ‘junk’ into something new and productive. They were super keen to share their creations at the end of the service!
And so, the Over Wyre church family had come together to kick-start this special time of year. They shared the service in word, sacrament and song, and after they had been fortified with drinks and biscuits, they headed out with much to mull over and a challenge to ‘put on the armour of light’.
