This is the Xtra update for October!
First thing to say is that I believe that the new worship pattern is beginning to settle down. Obviously it is not perfect in every way and there are still issues we are dealing with, but I believe it is clearly the right way forward for the church. We have managed to keep the services pretty dignified and reverential on the whole whilst also bringing in some modernity and informality too at times. To do this is a hard balance and it is credit to you the congregation that it is working so far. I tried it at my last parish and it didn't work. I think you must be a special type of people to manage to cope with both tradition and modernity at the same time. Well done.
There are of course new songs which we are learning to sing and I am posting a youtube video of a new song which we will be singing this Sunday 6th October and also again on Sunday 27th October. It has taken the Christian world by storm in many countries. I apologise that it is from an American church with probably an advertisement to sit through first, but if you have time to listen to it before Sunday that would be a great help.
The words are
GRADUAL
Bless the Lord O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
You're rich in love and You're slow to anger
Your name is great and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find
Bless the Lord O my soul . . .
And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore
Bless the Lord O my soul . . .
Worship Your holy name
Lord I'll worship Your holy name
CCLI Song Number 6016351
FURTHER OCTOBER NEWS
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I have written a piece on my blog about the importance of faith which you may find helpful
PRAYER COURSE
A reminder that I am running a course on prayer.
Again there is a link to this
FIREWORKS
Not long till autumn really sets in and that is a sign that winter is on its way. The Fireworks at the Vicarage garden always seem to be the week when it suddenly gets cold but what nicer way to welcome the winter than to celebrate with fireworks?
We have a great team of people helping to host the hundreds of people who come each year for this event.
Here is the info from our churchwarden Christine
ADVANCED TICKET SALES ARE THESE DAYS PRETTY MUCH ESSENTIAL.
Our ever popular 'Firework Night at All Saints' will be held on Saturday 8th November.
It is renowned for being a friendly family event. You can enjoy hot dogs / burgers etc while waiting for the lighting of the fire and then the excitement of the fireworks!
Everyone's safety is very important to us so we don't allow any sparklers or other personal fireworks.
Gates open at 6.15pm and the ticket price is unchanged - Adults £5 and children £1
Tickets are available from Sunday 12th October as follows-
Sundays 11.15 -12 from Church Hall (through main glass doors)
Fridays / Saturdays 10 -12 from Church Office (up ramp at churchyard end of hall)
A pastoral note - if any of you are feeling down and would like a chat or a prayer please email me at tillotsons@gmail.com
I can either visit you in person or if you prefer send one of our helpful Pastoral Assistants to visit you. Chatting and prayer can really help to come to terms with and even get over the difficulties of life.
You may also wish to know that we have a 10am Thursday Communion service with healing prayer. This now attracts about 20 people and is a source of great comfort.
More about our church on our website www.allsaintswhitstable.com
