And there were shepherds living out in the fields near by, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. … The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. (Luke 2:8-9,20, NIV)
What turns terrified shepherds into people rejoicing and giving thanks to God? On Christmas Morning, why not come along to St Andrew's and find out more.
You would be very welcome to join us at 10am in St Andrew, Cuffley this Wednesday, for our all-age Christmas Celebration. There will also be a short service of Holy Communion afterwards.
‘The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.’ (Zephaniah 3:17, NIV)
Joy. It's one of the key elements of Advent and Christmas. The joy of rest and of time with friends and family. The joy of running down the stairs on Christmas morning to see what waits under the tree. Not all of us might feel that kind of joy. But what if Advent joy was something that came from God? What if Advent and Christmas show us how God rejoices over us. Why not join us this Sunday morning, as we see something of God's joy for us.
‘But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.’ … And he will be our peace (Micah 5:2,5, NIV)
"Peace on Earth." We hear a lot about peace in Advent - it's on cards and is what we hope for around the dining table. At the same time, the world is full of conflict. The promise of Advent is one of a shepherd-king who brings us true peace. This advent, why not join us as we see the good news of true peace on earth.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and for ever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. (Isaiah 9:6-7, NIV)
Advent is a time of waiting and preparing to celbrate the birth of Jesus, and looking for his return. This week, we're thinking about the promise of hope that comes through the birh of our saviour. He is the one who brings light into the darkess, perfect rule and unbroken promises. This advent, why not join us as we see the good news of a promised king who changes everything.
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’ At once they left their nets and followed him. (Matthew 4:18-20, NIV)
This Sunday marks 60 years since the consecration of St Andrew's church (and 110 years since Old St Andrew's). To mark the occasion, our morning service is one of thanksgiving and rededicating the building after the reodering work. We're being joined by the Bishop of Hertford for the service. Why not come along and help us celebrate?