Visit the church web site at www.ststephensw12.org. You can read all the latest news about the parish. You can also read the sermons which are posted each week

Planned programme for Christmas

Tuesday December 11th   6.30 BBC Carol Service
Sunday December 16th    10am Said Mass (only)
                                          4.00pm Church Carol Service
Monday December 17th    St Stephens School Carol Service
Friday December 21st       QPR Carol Service (Ticket only)
Sunday December 23rd    Sung Mass
Monday December 24th    Midnight Mass

After that lot I willzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

I have spent a lot of time over the last month filling in application forms for Secondary Schools. There are some people that I have wanted to help but I have been unable to do so because they have not fitted the criterion of the school. All of the church schools are heavily oversubscribed and parents need to be aware early on of what is required.

I would like to talk to any parents with children in Year 3 or above so that I can make sure that they are fully aware of what is required by the different school. I am not going to help people to play the system but I want to look after my own. 

Processional Hymn              505 Lord Jesus Christ     

Collect of the Day
Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son was revealed to destroy the works of the devil and to make us the children of God and heirs of eternal life: grant that we, having this hope, may purify ourselves even as he is pure; that when he shall appear in power and great glory we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

First Reading                 Malachi 4.1-2a                                 (p.1050)
1See, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble; the day that comes shall burn them up, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. 2But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings.

Gradual Hymn                46 Father hear the prayer we offer             

GOSPEL                         Luke 21.5-19                                    (p.1052)
5When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, Jesus said, 6‘As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.’  7They asked him, ‘Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?’ 8And Jesus said, ‘Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, “I am he!” and, “The time is near!” Do not go after them.  9When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.’ 10Then he said to them, ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.  12But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14So make up your minds not to prepare your defence in advance; 15for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. 16You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17You will be hated by all because of my name. 18But not a hair of your head will perish. 19By your endurance you will gain your souls.’

Amazing love, oh what sacrifice
The Son of God, given for me
My debt He paid, and my death He died
That I might live, that I might live

INTERCESSIONS
Please pray for
- The sick and suffering: especially Felix Okike, Lucilda Bernard, Joan Andrew, Elizabeth Dorsett, Ivy Smith, Susie Leach, Norbert Edwards, Brother Paul Anthony, Sylvia Steed, Caroline Nevill, Tracey Davies, Esmay Young, Roger Cox.

Offertory Hymn                   432     From Heaven        

Communion Hymn              383     Be Still      

Post Communion Prayer
Gracious Lord, in this holy sacrament you give substance to our hope: bring us at the last to that fullness of life for which we long; through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Recessional Hymn            375 Amazing Grace        

Coffee in church after the service

Post Communion (2nd before Advent) © 1985 Mowbray, a Cassell Imprint:After Communion compiled by C L Macdonnell. Some material included in this service is copyright: © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ, USA. Some material included in this service is copyright: © The Archbishops' Council 2000. Collect (2nd before Advent) © The Crown/Cambridge University Press: The Book of Common Prayer (1662)

NOTICES

THIS WEEK:

NEXT SUNDAY:            25 November 2007       Christ the King

10 am SUNG EUCHARIST
Celebrant and Preacher – The Reverend Dr Bob Mayo
Colossians 1.11-20 (p 1057), Luke 23.33-43 (p 1058)

Sunday School meets in St Stephen's School
Sunday Youth meets in the Glebe Maisonette
Small Children are welcome to play in St Thomas's Chapel, near the porch
Baptised Communicants of other Churches are encouraged to receive communion
Children and other non-communicants are invited to come to the altar for a blessing
The Ministry of Healing is offered in the Chapel, after Communion is given

What about today’s Gospel

1. What does Jesus say will happen to the Temple?
2. What are some physical signs of the last days?
3. What will happen to Jesus' followers?
4. What will keep Jesus' followers safe?

Christingle Service with All Age Worship – 10am Sunday 2nd  December

St Stephen’s Christmas Party - Sunday 8th December at 4 pm in the Vicarage - maximum numbers of 35. If you are interested see Barry or Liz Clarke.

World Aids Day Saturday 1 December.  CARA Trust events – Concert and Evensong Service - see church web site for details.

Home Communion – Available to any unable to come on a Sunday.  Talk to Father Bob (8743 3166) if you or anyone else might be interested.

Any enquiries about pastoral concerns, baptisms, weddings or funerals please get in touch with Father Bob. The only time that Bob will be unavailable is between Friday pm and Sunday am.