The parish office is now closed until Wednesday 3rd January. Rev Gary will be available by phoning 3408 3191.
CHRISTMAS SERVICES –
Sunday 24th December – 8.30am Advent 4
Christmas Eve Services – 6.00pm and 11.00pm
Christmas Day Service – 8.30am
No Service on Wednesday 27th December
Sunday 31st December – 8.30am First Sunday After Christmas.
Here are the Notices for this Week
Health and Safety Notice – If you feel you may be contagious with cold and flu symptoms, please refrain from attending church activities. All parishioners are encouraged to maintain good hygiene practices and respect others personal space.
Volunteers for Christmas Services – We are looking for volunteers to do welcoming, readings, LA and AV for the Christmas services. If you are able to help, could you please put your name on the list in the narthex.
Help Wanted - There is a vacancy on the Cooinda cleaning roster for another man to assist Jeff Eustace to take a place on the roster. If you can help with this, please contact Frankie on 0407 544 259.
Thank You – Anne Dowd advises she is making very good recovery and would like to thank everyone for their prayers and good wishes.
Thank You - My daughter, Krista-Liisa and I extend our grateful thanks for your prayers and messages of support during her health journey. It has been a great comfort over a long period. Krista-Liisa and Rhonda.
Empty Christmas Tree – Thank you to everyone who gave so generously to the Empty Christmas Tree this year 93 gifts were graciously given. In particular a big thank you to David & Jennie Peard who again donated gifts for the Empty Christmas Tree. Twenty four gifts for varying ages were collected from 'Who's on First' toys and novelties and wrapped by Denise & Errol Fender. Anglicare for Children & Families Caboolture are very grateful for all our support.
Name Badges – If you would like a new name badge there is a list in the narthex. Please print your name clearly on the list. Cost is $10 per badge which can be paid when received. Badges will be ordered early January.
Christmas Cards – Last call to purchase Christmas cards which AMUA have available to purchase from a box in the Narthex. Cost is $5.00 for packet of 10 or 50 cents each. A money tin is provided in the box. Brenda Allardyce.
Christmas Bowl Appeal – The Christmas Bowl is an ecumenical appeal which provides practical support to communities experiencing dreadful hardship and suffering. Giving envelopes are available in front of the collection box in the narthex or you can give online to actforpeace.org.au/christmasbowl.
Neighbourhood Centre Christmas Closure Dates – The Neighbourhood Centre will close from Friday 22nd December at 12.30pm and reopen on Tuesday 2nd January.
Containers for Change - Glass wine and spirit bottles (150ml up to 3L) are now eligible for 10 cent refund in Queensland. The Queensland Government has given wine and spirit manufacturers until January 2027 to display the 10-cent refund marking on their labels. During this grace period eligible glass wine and spirit bottles can be returned for a refund without the 10-cent mark. Please bring in your empty wine and spirit bottles as well as your usual donations.
AYCF – Young Adult Retreat 16 - 18 February 2024 at Glendalough Outdoor Education Centre at Peregian Beach. Open to young adults aged 18 – 30 years as well as those who have recently graduated high school in 2023. For more details contact AYCF www.aycf.org.au
Installation of New Archbishop - Archbishop-elect Jeremy Greaves will be installed as Archbishop of Brisbane at St John’s Cathedral tomorrow Saturday 16th December 2023 at 10.30am.
Donations - There is a box of envelopes in the narthex (with a pen) for use by anyone wishing to give money in the giving box for specific reasons e.g. Retiring Collections, payment for attending a function, purchase of items such as calendars, etc. Please, please write on the envelope what the money is for, your name and the amount. This will greatly assist the counters to distribute the funds to the correct account.
Here are the Readings and Prayer Points for this week.
Readings for this Sunday – (Advent 3) Isaiah 6.1-4, 8-11; Psalm 126; 1 Thessalonians 5.12-28; John 1.6-8, 19-28.
Collect for this Sunday – Eternal God, you sent John the Baptist to prepare the way for the coming of your Son: grant us wisdom to see your purpose and openness to hear your will, that we too may prepare the way for Christ who is coming in power and glory to establish his rule of peace and justice; through Jesus Christ our Judge and our Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Birthdays this Week – David Bellis (17th), Bernadette Richards (20th), Marguerite Teuwen (20th), John Oxenford (21st).
Special Birthday – Congratulations to Marguerite Teuwen who celebrates her 60th birthday on Wednesday 20th December.
Prayer Requests – Vivienne Bourne, Linda Peterson.
Continuing Prayer List – Elva Woods, Kaye Bush, Phillipa Booth, Elizabeth, Nicholas & Blake Kubler.
Those Who Grieve – For the family and friends of Jan Shield who died on Sunday 10th December. Please keep Barry in your prayers. Jan’s funeral will be here at St. Peter’s on Thursday 21st December at 10.30am.
Online Sunday Worship – If you would like to watch a full Eucharist, visit YouTube and search for St John’s Cathedral Brisbane.
Churchwardens’ Contacts -
Greg Rollason – 0431 598 560 Email – greg.rollo@bigpond.com
Margaret Peterson – 5497 6978 Email – jeff.marg.peterson@bigpond.com
Di Thatcher – 0409 846 471 Email – di@thatcher.com.au