OUTREACH News and Views Dec 2025
OUTREACH News and Views Dec 2025
Outreach News and Views – December 2025/January 2026: A Summary
Overview
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December and January bring a busy schedule of worship, outreach, and community activities across the parish. The calendar features regular children’s rhyme time, drop‑in sessions, bereavement support, festive services, and social events such as a Christmas tabletop sale, a Carol Service hosted by a Mothers’ Union group, and a Messy Church Christmas gathering. Fundraising for the Parish Centre has raised a substantial amount to support improvements like a new oven and roof insulation, reflecting the community’s generosity and determination to sustain essential facilities. The church community continues to recognise the essential contributions of volunteers who sustain cafe operations, event organization, prayer efforts, school outreach, care‑home visits, and youth work, with strong leadership from the church wardens. A seasonally warm closing message from Miriam expresses gratitude for all who serve and includes prayers for Matt, who is on sick leave, and his family. (Page 3)
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Alongside the calendar, there is a feature on the painting “Mary Visits Elizabeth” by Dinah Roe Kendall, drawn from her book Allegories of Heaven and accompanied by reflections inspired by contemporary translations of the Gospel text. The introduction, penned by a bishop, emphasizes how visual art can illuminate biblical scenes and invite accessible, heartfelt engagement with the Christmas story. The article recounts the Luke narrative of Gabriel’s visit to Mary, outlining the miraculous conception and Elizabeth’s own pregnancy as signs of God’s action. The gallery‑like description highlights vibrant colours and personal details in the figures, inviting readers to observe Mary’s anxious but faithful expression and the immediate recognition and blessing shared with Elizabeth. The piece also reveals background about the model for the scene and encourages readers to linger over the imagery and its spiritual meaning. (Pages 3–5)
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The Quiet Corner and related pastoral notes reflect on Advent and Christmas as occasions to extend hospitality and live out a faith that invites others into God’s life. Drawing on St. Augustine’s Easter sermon about the invitation to life in Christ, the text invites readers to embrace the divine invitation, to imagine a life shaped by community and divine friendship, and to participate in the “region of Angels” through faithful living. The message also touches on pastoral care, noting that requests for home or hospital visits should go through the parish office with consent obtained when necessary. The Mothers’ Union section provides a snapshot of a lively program, including a successful fundraiser, upcoming services, and participation in broader activism around gender‑based violence. Gratitude is extended to those who supported and contributed, along with acknowledgments to key leaders and volunteers who help keep parish life vibrant. (Pages 5–7)
