Inside this issue:

Christmas is a busy time and not just for me. It can also be a tense time, with bills mounting up, presents to buy and send, meals to cook or eat, places to go and people to see. With all this business it is so easy to miss the joy of Christmas. So many adults say to me that Christmas is only special if there are children around. It is true that children's excitement adds a very special feel to Christmas. But Christmas is not just for the children. Christmas is for all of us. Christmas is a time for all of us to celebrate because at Christmas we are remembering the time when God became a human being and became part of this world of ours.
This is worth celebrating because through Jesus, God is showing us that He isn't a distant, remote God, far removed from our concerns. Jesus was born to make it clear that He cares about this world and each of us, enough to join us here. We no longer have to try and relate to an infinite God. After that first Christmas we only have to look to Jesus to find out what God is like: More accurately we now only have to look to Jesus to see what God would be like if he were a human being like us.
Christmas is worth celebrating because it marks the point when God became one of us. Through the Jesus, we can become the whole, contented and joyful people we were designed to be. So please in the midst of the business take the time to remember the reason for Christmas, smile and dive wholeheartedly into the party.

Happy Christmas, Nigel.

Holy Baptism
We ask for God's continued blessing for all who have been baptized into God's family, the Church. This month we particularly pray for: Mark David Still baptized on 20^th October at All Saints' Church, Wretton with Stoke Ferry.

"You are called and loved by God the Father and kept safe by Jesus His Son. May the Spirit who hovers over the creation of the world continually breathe His life into you. Amen."

Sunday School

- All Welcome

There is a Sunday School during the main service every Sunday at St. Andrew's Church, Northwold (except for Sunday's with All Age Worship). This is open to any school age child living in the villages of Northwold, Wretton, Stoke Ferry, Whittington and Brookville. If you are not able to stay with your child please drop them off by 10.50 and collect them by 12.15.

Carol Singing and
Christmas Services
Everyone is warmly welcomed. Just turn up. If you live in the centre of Northwold or Stoke Ferry and would like the carol singers to stop outside your house please let the rector know on 501075.

Christmas Toys
for the Ukraine
On behalf of the churches of this benefice I thank all of you who brought toys and children's clothes to James Bradfield or the Norman School or brought them direct to church. Sacks and sacks of Christmas presents have now been blessed and are on their way to brightening up the Christmas of many children in the Ukraine. Thank you again for your generosity.

Recycling for Charity
Please save your used stamps and printer ink cartridges to support Hearing Dogs for the Deaf and Dr. Barnado's. Household batteries (AAA, AA etc.) can now also be put in the collection bags for recycling. Collection bags for these can be found in the porches of All Saints', Wretton with Stoke Ferry, Christ Church, Whittington and St. Andrew's, Northwold.

Funerals
Please pray for the family and friends of those who have died recently.

All Saints' Church,
Wretton with Stoke Ferry:

Eric White, aged 54, who was commended to God's keeping on 2^nd November.

"Lord Jesus, you comforted Mary and Martha in their hour of sorrow. Give comfort and support to those who mourn today that they may find peace and hope in you, the Resurrection and the Life. For your tender mercies sake. Amen."

Rotas for Church
cleaning and flowers

Christ Church
Mrs. D. Eves and Penny Eves

All Saints'
Mrs. E. Russell and Mrs. P. Willis

St. Andrews - cleaning rota:

Dec 6th Miss. J. Luckman,
Mrs.T.Arthur-Hay
Dec 13th Mrs.J.Bunyan
Dec 20th Mr&Mrs.J.Booty
Dec 27th Mrs.M.Maynard, Mrs.J.Harris
Jan 3rd Mrs.S.Waller, Mrs.R.Nichols
Jan 10th Mrs.P.Coles, Mrs.B.Akers
Jan 17th Mrs.B.Ayres, Mrs.V.Legg

Jan 24th Miss.W.Robinson,
Miss.R.Sandercock
Jan 31st Mrs.J.Elliott, Miss.J.Luckman
Feb 7th Mrs.B.Akers, Mrs.L.Bartrum