Mattishall

One of ASM's prayer partners is Open Doors, an organisation that supports persecuted Christians around the world. North Korea is generally recognised as the most difficult place in the world to be a Christian. Below are some details of support given to some of those fleeing that country to China and some of the major problems that still face them there.

www.opendoorsuk.org/news/latest-news/north-korea-refugee-interview

Open Doors, one of ASM's mission partners, has just published its World Watch List for 2023 at www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list. If you click on any of the country names you will get to see something of the cost of being a Christian in that country. May this inspire us to help our brothers and sisters through Open Doors itself or in whatever other way we can.

Patricia Menaul, who has been running monthly ladies' breakfasts for some years now, has decided to stop offering such breakfasts with immediate effect. We really do thank Patricia for all the hard work she has put into these.

Dear Friends,

What a Joy it has been over the last few weeks to be able to share the good news of the Birth of Jesus with people of all ages and faiths and those of no faith.

From pre schoolers to those living in care homes, from Schools to those at diocesan level who support our Church schools. Thank you to all who have supported these services.  

I have watched nativity plays and sung familiar carols. Sat with my 2 year grandson as he has marvelled at the lights and baubles on the tree and described the glow of his first Christingle and shared his cheese sandwich with Baby Jesus laying it beside the manger.  Children are a reminder of the awe and wonder that the shepherds must have felt when they met Jesus for the first time. As we read Luke’s account of that  first Christmas  the first thing they do after their encounter with the saviour of the world is not to go back to normal but to tell everyone what had happened and all they had seen and heard. If Jesus makes a difference to us as Christians surely we want to others to know and to benefit from all that God has to offer us through Jesus Christ our Lord.

It is always nice to receive a personal invitation and there is still time to invite friends, family and neighbours to church this Christmas.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

HERE is the Liturgy and readings for Morning Prayer for Christmas and Epiphany. As always everyone is welcome to join us on Zoom at 9am Mon- Saturday for no longer than 40 minutes . Details of the zoom code and password are on the attachment.

May all your Christmases be filled with the Joy , love and peace of the Christ Child.

With every blessing

Andrea   

The EDP has done an article on a survey being run by the diocese of Norwich. It would be great if people would have a look and answer the questions if they can. Thanks. https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/23136555.diocese-norwich-running-survey-norfolks-churches/

At Welborne's 9.00 and ASM's 10.30 services on Sunday 6th November, I'll be mentioning a course created by Open Doors, an organisation that helps persecuted Christian believers around the world. Open Doors was founded by Brother Andrew, whose own story is fascinating, exciting and challenging. The "Dangerous Faith" courseAlan will speak of and a 6 minute introduction video of which will be shown at ASM can be seen at www.opendoorsuk.org/resources/dangerous-faith. It is the one titled "Introduction to Dangerous Faith".

Greetings to you all!

Just thought you might like to drive or walk up to the church and see St Marys Church standing proud again, with the churchyard free from all signs of ongoing building work.

It’s almost surreal after all this time!

Yes, except for the west window which is being restored and will be re-installed in February 2023, the repair work is finally complete!!!!!.

It’s a proud day for the village.

I remember that repair work officially started on March 16^th 2021, although access restrictions were imposed as far back as February 2019!

There is a Communion Service tomorrow (Sunday 9th October) and a Harvest Service on the 23^rd October,

Next month is Remembrance and then we are into Christmas.

Hope to see sometime in St Mary’s to celebrate!

Best wishes

Mike (Smith)