Advent and Christmas Services
Sunday 5th December 9:30am (Communion)
(A Service of Peace)
In person and online, see details opposite ⇒
Lectionary Readings
Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 1:68-79; Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6
Online Services can be viewed
• Upcoming services (when available) on our
YouTube page
• 28th November service Part 1 Here
• 28th November Part 2 Here
• Recent videos and texts available on our Sermons page
12th December 9:30am All-Age Service
15th December 6pm (Wednesday) Castle Hill Christmas Festival
A fun time for all! BBQ & activities for children.
Watch the live stream of Christmas in the Hills together in an Outdoor Cinema-style setting (Indoors also provided). Please register with the office on 9894 8999
18th December 4pm Blue Christmas
For those whose hearts are hurting at Christmas.
You are not alone.
Come to a quiet space, where prayers, music, readings, and candle-lighting will bring comfort and peace.
19th December 9:30am Christmas Carol Service
24th December 6pm Interactive Christmas Story
Dress up as an angel, shepherd, sheep, donkey… and be part of the story
24th December 11pm Candlelit Holy Communion Service
25th December 9am Christmas Party Service
26th December Pre-recorded Online Service only
Minister's thought to share
Advent…..Christmas is coming!!! ...
Minister's thought to share
Advent…..Christmas is coming!!!
Some people count days and months until they have opportunity to celebrate their Birthday. For some people, they’re aware that their birthday will occur, but it seems to creep up quietly and before they can really give it a thought, it’s there!
Like many of the key moments of the Church calendar, Advent has the potential to appear suddenly, and before one has time to truly consider the meaning of Christmas…it appears!
For some the lead up to Christmas is exciting and thrilling, while for others it raises complicated feelings that can diminish the joy of the season of Advent.
Whatever the emotion attached, or ambivalence to Advent, this is an opportunity for us to gather (either in person or virtually) as a community to make space for our feelings and experience of faith.
We have lived and are living our lives differently because of a global pandemic. A catch phrase echoed across the world is: ‘We’re in this together’! Throughout this pandemic one word resonates with us powerfully: HOPE.
As Christians, our hope is in Jesus Christ. As Christians, our hope is because of the love of God. As Christians, we have good news, amid ordeals. As Christians, we are able to support one another through life’s challenges.
Advent recognises a sense of hope, in the middle of difficult circumstances. It recognises things growing out of struggle. It recognises the Kingdom of God breaking in – and subverting the expectations of the people who were looking for the Saviour.
When we make space for difficult feelings, and name them as real and legitimate, we also make space for the grace of God to come and meet us all in our feelings and struggles and hardships, and we make space for new things to grow out of that.
However you may feel about the lead up to Christmas this year, Advent is a reminder of the inevitable celebration of the gift of grace shown to humankind through a loving and holy God who loves so much that a son was sent to inhabit this world-space….Jesus Christ, the one who came to save! Jesus, the Hope for the world! Jesus, who is with us in the midst of all of life’s challenges and joys. May we demonstrate care, sensitivity and love toward one another as we journey together this Advent season!
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone (Isaiah 9:2).
Rev Carmel
Take Time Together
A 30-minute Meditation Session ...
Join Rev. Carmel Online via Zoom
Mondays 9:30am – 10am
Discover, in 30 minutes, a compassionate space with
Take Time Together Meditations.
Spirituality inspired by the stories of Jesus
No religious knowledge or background needed.
The meditations include a relaxation exercise, a meditation in the tradition of St Ignatius, and a guided time of silence.
A gentle piece of music helps to bring you back to the present moment.
Register your interest online at
https://uca-nswact.zoom.us/j/91697222049
or by contacting the Administrator - Karen Needs on
admin@wesleycastlehill.org.au or Tel: 9894 8999
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Minister
Rev. Carmel Ieraci
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Student Minister
Heewon Chang
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Contact Details:
Email Minister: minister@wesleycastlehill.org.au
Email Heewon: hchang14@naver.com
Email Office: admin@wesleycastlehill.org.au
Telephone:
(02) 9894 8999
Tues - Fri, 9:30 - 2:30
Mail: PO Box 515, Castle Hill 1765
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Our NEWSLETTER
'Newscope', is being emailed to members, and recent issues are available here.
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CHURCH ATTENDANCE
You would be aware that the Premier announced a number of changes that will occur in response to the pandemic, either on 15 December or at the 95% vaccination rate for NSW.
Until 15 December, we are still limited by:
- Mandatory requirements for masks indoors
- Maximum 140 persons in attendance
- Singing only with masks on
- 1.5 metre physical distance
more...
The expected changes will have an impact in the following areas:
- We will still be required to check into church using a QR Code.
- Masks will not be mandatory inside (but are strongly recommended).
- Singing will be allowed.
- Our attendance numbers in the church will no longer be limited.
Sadly, there are new variants of the virus emerging. The emerging mutations may be more transmissible and the current vaccines may be less effective against them. Currently the Omicron strain in Africa is of concern. We will continue to monitor both health risks and mandatory requirements while Covid continues to be a matter of concern for the health and welfare of members of the congregation.
Please remember, with the current two square metre rule, we still have the capacity to welcome more people to live services. We hope to see you with us soon.
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Thought of the Week: Peace
‘Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.’ Colossians 3:15 (NIV)
more...
When our striving stops and we simply accept the situation whatever it might be, and give heartfelt thanks to God, it is as if scales fall from our eyes, and we sense the presence of Jesus, like Paul on the Damascus Road. (Acts 9:18)
Once we sense the presence of Jesus, his amazing peace follows. In fact, we become his peace, because we are called to be peace in this world of ours. And what a high calling that is!
This peace, though, is more than an absence of stress or worry. It goes much further than that. We can learn a lot from the Hebrew word, Shalom, that has at its root meaning, not only peace, but harmony and completeness. The peace of Christ brings complete harmony with God, with our neighbours, and within each of us personally. The more we give thanks the more we shall experience the peace of Christ, and that peace will flow like a river into the lives of others. (John 7:38)
Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV)
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Current News
Take Time Together Meditation Session
will be cancelled for this Monday 29th November only.
Church Roster for December is now on the Roster page.
Lawnmowing Roster for the remainder of 2021 and 2022 is now on the Lawn Roster page.
Parramatta Mission
Parramatta Mission are again this year organising their Festival of Christmas which is a two week event providing services, advice and special surprises to those in the community who are in need.
Our Christmas appeal to assist them will run from Sunday 28th November to 19th December.
This year the focus will be on gift cards/essential cards/opal cards as these allow their guests the opportunity and dignity to decide for themselves what is needed most, e.g., dietary requirements and interests for gifts. A card donation box will be available in the foyer, for this purpose.
more about physical gifts ...
For those who still prefer donating the traditional way, some suggestions to include in your hampers are:
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Non-perishable food items, i.e., tinned foods (ring-pull cans), puddings, lollies, crisps, nuts, coffee, tea, custard, long life milk and juice, pasta and pasta sauces with an expiry date of no less than 6 months please. The food is used in the hampers as well as for the Meals Plus Kitchen where meals are provided through the week
- Gifts, i.e. toys, etc (preferably in sealed packaging which can be wiped down)
- Essential toiletry items
- Underwear/socks
Shopping bags will be available in the foyer to take with you to fill.
For those who would like to donate but are unable to shop themselves, please give Jane Barnard the money to shop for you.
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Seniors Christmas Lunch in the Hall
Wednesday 1st December 12 noon. Cost $15, book with Jan or Lesley.
Christmas in the Hills online again this year
Wednesday 15th December, entertainment from 6:30pm, then Carols by Candlelight, concluding 9pm.
This will be streamed at our Christmas Festival at the church, more details later.
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Playgroups
Playgroups have been suspended during the restrictions on gatherings, and have not re-commenced yet.
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Have you considered Giving Direct?
There is information and a link to download a form here.
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