Hartford Methodist Church – Showing God's love to the ...



HARTFORD METHODIST CHURCHCHRISTMAS 2017CHRISTMAS IS THE CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS, THE SAVIOUR OF MANKINDDear Friends, When I talked with some people from church about the front cover of this year’s Christmas card, we noted that it had a simpler and, some might say, more stripped back feel to it when compared to previous years. This is not to criticise previous editions but to simply note the difference. One person commented that this was a' back to basics' approach. The trouble with that phrase is that it takes me back to the policies of John Major’s government in the 1990’s when he tried to revive their fortunes with an ill fated campaign to get people to look to a more moral and simpler age. His problem was that his colleagues could not live up to the standards he was calling for! I am not interested in political slogans, but I am wondering what a' back to basics' Christmas would look like. It seems to me that, over the years, Christmas has become quite complex with all the presents, meals and parties. Even our own Methodist Church here in Hartford will be very busy this year with Carol services and nativity events for organisations and schools - on top of our own very meaningful Christmas services. So, is it possible to have a simpler Christmas?? If a simpler Christmas means no partying and no celebrations, then I don’t think that is what I am trying to say. I don’t want to be a scrooge - I quite like nice food and the odd celebration! We should remember that, in the 1650’s, the puritan government of Cromwell tried to ban Christmas and failed. I think that, if we tried to ban the parties, we would fail too.? For me, a simpler Christmas would remember that the most important thing about the feast is the event of the incarnation when, as John’s gospel says "the Word became flesh and dwelt amongst us.” The most important event of Christmas is the birth of Jesus whom we believe was and is the Son of God. It seems to me that Christmas becomes complicated when we forget that it is really about the birth of Jesus and what His birth means for the world. The bible tells us that God so loved the world that He gave His Son to bring us eternal live. We believe that Jesus, as God’s Son, came into the world to enable us to live as forgiven people who are loved by God and who love other people in response. A simpler Christmas will remember these things. This year, I invite you to try to make your Christmas more simple, not by ignoring your family or friends or by refusing to party, but by remembering that the central message is not 'eat, drink and be merry' but that, on Christmas Day, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Saviour of the World. I hope that, this Christmas, you have a simply wonderful time celebrating the birth of Christ. God bless you and your family.? Chris Pritchard4154805-3810Minister of Hartford Methodist Church. Christmas Services 2017Sunday, 3rd December at 10.30am. Advent 1 Holy Communion and Gift Service led by Rev. Chris Pritchard.The congregation provides gifts of toys and festive food to be distributed by the Cheshire Community Development Trust.Sunday, 10th December at 10.30am. Advent 2Morning Service led by Rev. Pat Billsborrow.Sunday, 17th December. Advent 3Cafe Style Service at 10.30am led by Rev. Chris e and join us in this informal gathering as we worship whilst enjoying a cup of coffee or tea together.Carol Service at 6.30pm. This will be a traditional, quiet and meditative service.The church will be lit by candles. The collection will be in aid of "All We Can" (the Methodist Relief and Development Fund) Tea and mince pies will be served in the Church Hall afterwards.Christmas Eve, Sunday, 24th December at 10.30am. Advent 4Morning Service led by Mr Chris Johnson. Christmas Eve at 11.30pm.Service of Holy Communion led by Rev. Chris Pritchard.Christmas Day at 10.30am.Morning Service led by Rev. Chris Pritchard.Sunday, 31st December at 2.00pm.Carol Service at Little Budworth Methodist Church (CW8 3AB) led by Rev. James Patron Bell.A warm welcome is extended to everyone wishing to attend any or all of these services. Prayer Ministry‘Be anxious for nothing, but, in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.' Philippians Ch4 v6 (New King James Version).As the people of Hartford Methodist Church, we wish to serve our community by praying for you.Please let us know if we can serve your family through our ongoing prayer ministry.Should you have a prayer request, please write it on the tear off slip, place it in an envelope for your privacy and post it through the letter box of the church hall (CW8 3AD.)We will pray for your needs accordingly.Be assured that there is no obligation to our Church on your part, but we would love to welcome you should you wish to join us for worship at any time.Dear Hartford Methodist Church Prayer Ministry,Please pray for:Thank you - your name, address and telephone number are optional.I would like to speak to someone from the Church YES / NOMinister:Rev. Chris Pritchard Tel: 01606 44613 Church information from :Senior Steward : Mrs Margaret Soutar Tel : 01606 889593Hall booking secretary : Mrs Theresa Cunningham Tel : 01606 889721Web address : hartfordmethodist. ................
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