From the Vicar

Dear Friends,

PRIORITIES

Once again the churches (hopefully!) will fill up for the festive services in the run-up to, and over, Christmas. I trust that no one will feel unable to worship the birthday of God's Son because of any sense of unworthiness or awkwardness. ALL ARE WELCOME from whatever faith, position,. since Jesus. came to be Saviour of the World, and not the Church. .

Each home will be receiving a Parish Christmas Card early in December listing all the services in the village, with some cross references to ecumenical and benefice services, such as the Blessing of the Crib at 4.00 pm on Christmas Eve at Swaffham Bulbeck, which, if they suit you, I hope you will. travel to -. We can’t do everything in each village! (the usual page in this issue of `Out of Reach' of course gives all the services too.) Communicant members of the Church of England are expected to make their communion at least three times per year, of which Christmas and Easter should each be one, and you should find ample opportunity to do this from the services listed. (Would aspiring singers and instrumentalists please note that they are welcome to join the `scratch' choir and orchestra at .Swaffham Prior for their carol service on Tuesday 19th December @ 7.00 pm; practice dates and times are in the Church Diary section)

What's it actually all about? Well, simply this, Love came down at Christmas, because `God loved. (loves) the world, so much that he gave His only Son, that everyone who has faith in him may not die but have eternal life. It was not to judge the world that God sent his Son onto the world, but that through Him, the world might be saved' (St John's Gospel 3:16-17 ) ....seems like something worth. Celebrating to me, and the Church is concerned to teach that faith as best it can for the best of reasons that no-one should remain ignorant or indifferent to the most important event in the history of the world, which gives meaning and purpose to human existence.

If you would like to share your faith journey, or to learn more about Christian basics, you know where to find me.

Carolyn, Sarah, Lucy & Oliver join me in wishing you and your families, near and far, a very joyful and blessed Christmas

Your parish priest,

Mark