HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU!
Readings Isaiah 9.2-7; or Isaiah 62.6-12; or Isaiah 52.7-10
Titus 2.11-14; or Titus 3.4-7; or Hebrews 1.1-4(5-12)
Luke 2.1-14(15-20); or Luke 2.(1-7)8-20; or John 1.1-14

Gifts you can give all year long – not just for Christmas!
The gift of praise: Give people appropriate mention, even in front of others, of their qualities or jobs or deeds well done. Praise God for who He is and all He gives you.
The gift of consideration: Care for other people’s feelings. This means seeing the other’s viewpoint, having the humility to say, ‘You’re right and I’m wrong’. Ask God for wisdom to see things from his standpoint.
The gift of gratitude: Never forget to say ‘thank you’ and never fail to mean it. Count your blessings from God.
The gift of attention: When the other person speaks, listen attentively. Seek to know God’s will and listen for his messages.
The gift of inspiration: Plant seeds of courage and action in the heart of another. Help other people to reach a little higher. Ask God for a vision that will inspire and motivate your life.
The gift of presence: Be there for people in good times and bad, just as the Lord is for you. YOU can the best gift of all to someone! Jesus is the best gift God could have given us.

Notices for the week
Christmas Eve
5.00p.m. Crib Service-Church Broughton
10.00p.m. Holy Communion - Radbourne
10.00p.m. Holy Communion - Sutton
11.30p.m. Holy Communion - Church Broughton
11.30p.m. Holy Communion - Long Lane
Christmas Day
9.45a.m. Holy Communion - Boylestone
10.15a.m. Holy Communion - Dalbury
11.00a.m. Holy Communion - Trusley
Next Sunday- (after Christmas)
10.30a.m. United Holy Communion -Boylestone
followed by New Year’s lunch.
Tickets from Mrs Betty Parker
Advance Notice
Saturday 12th January
7.30p.m. Collegium Regale (Choral Scholars of King’s College, Cambridge) in concert - Sutton
Tickets £9-00 (£4-50 child) from Margaret Warner (01283-733193) or Charles Buckston (01283-732247)
Early booking advised

Christmas Groaners
This Christmas, when your family gets together, remember: a certain friction between the generations is inevitable. After all, the young and the old have all the answers and those in between are stuck with all the questions.

“Thanks very much for the beautiful jumper,” said Charles, kissing his grandmother dutifully on the cheek.
“Oh, there’s nothing to thank me for,” she murmured.
“That’s what I thought, but Mum said I had to.”

The Parish Pump & the Benefice entry in the South Derbyshire Churchman can be found on the internet at:-
http://churchbroughtonchurch.blog.co.uk

Readings Isaiah 7.10-16; Romans 1.1-7; Matthew 1.18-25

This week we remember in our prayers
Sunday 23 December Yirol - (Sudan) The Rt Revd Benjamin Mangar Mamur
Scripture Union: Chair: Ruth Nicholls
Monday 24 December Yokohama - (Japan) The Rt Revd James Satoru Endo
Royal School of Church Music: Cathedral Representative Peter Gould
Tuesday 25 December Yola - (Province of Jos, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Ibrahim Markus
Wednesday 26 December York The Most Revd John Tucker Mugabi Sentamu
Beverley - The Rt Revd Martyn William Jarrett
York - Hull - The Rt Revd Richard Michael Cokayne Frith
York - Selby - The Rt Revd Martin William Wallace
York - Whitby - The Rt Revd Robert Sidney Ladds
The Padley Group
Thursday 27 December Ysabel - (Melanesia) The Rt Revd Richard Naramana
The Cathedral: Canons Residentiary - Nicholas Henshall, Andie Brown, Elaine Jones & Christopher Cunliffe
Friday 28December Yukon - (British Columbia & the Yukon, Canada) The Most Revd Terrence O Buckle
The Cathedral Chapter: Christine McMullen, M. Titterton, Mrs J. Love, Richard Powell
Saturday 29 December Zanzibar - (Tanzania) Vacant
The Cathedral Senior Lay Staff: Finance Officer P. Holdridge, Head Verger A.J. Grantham, Office Manager Mrs I. Minton, Retail Manager Mrs L. Hampson, Coffee Shop Manager Mrs S. Long, Architect R.J. Kilgour

The Coming
Shops full of presents,
Diaries full of double bookings,
Days full of rushing
Round never-ending circles,
Evenings full of parties
And paracetamol,
Children full of media must-have demands.
Lives of tinsel
Hiding depression and debt,
Masking emptiness and insecurity,
Falsifying fears,
Disguising the darkness and dirt of our day -
As real as that of the stable,
And you come.
You come with your plan
And your presence.
You come to us,
Today.
By Daphne Kitching

The Nativity play
Children often have a disarming simplicity in the things they do and say, which at first glance are funny, but somehow strike to the heart of the matter. This is true with children taking part in nativity plays.
There is the story of the little boy who was playing the part of a shepherd.
As he entered the manger scene with his friends to present a gift to the new-born babe, he froze and forgot his lines. So he improvised, and looking into the manger, he turned to Mary and said, ‘Eee, isn’t he like his dad?’

NOTICES FOR THE WEEK
Sunday  4th Sunday in Advent
9.30a.m. Holy Communion - Boylestone
9.30a.m. Holy Communion - Longford
6.30p.m. Carol Service - Sutton
7.00p.m. Carol Service - Long Lane
Monday 24th December - Christmas Eve
5.00p.m. Crib Service - Church Broughton
10.00p.m. Holy Communion - Radbourne
10.00p.m. Holy Communion - Sutton
11.30p.m. Holy Communion - Church Broughton
11.30p.m. Holy Communion - Longford
Tuesday 25th December - Christmas Day
9.45a.m. Holy Communion - Boylestone
10.15a.m. Holy Communion - Dalbury
11.00a.m. Holy Communion - Trusley
Next Sunday 30 December - Christmas 1
10.30a.m. United Holy Communion - Boylestone
      Followed by New Year Lunch
Advance Notice
Saturday 12th January
7.30p.m. Collegium Regale (Choral Scholars of King’s College, Cambridge) in Concert - SuttonTickets £9-00 (£4-50 child) from Margaret Warner (01283-(01283-733193) or Charles Buckston (01283-732247). Early booking is advised.

The Parish Pump and the Benefice entry to the South Derbyshire Churchman can now be found on the internet at: http://churchbroughtonchurch.blog.co.uk/

ReadingsIsaiah 35.1-10; James 5.7-10; Matthew 11.2-11
This week we remember in our prayers
Sunday 16 December 
Worcester - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd John Geoffrey Inge
Worcester - Dudley - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd David Stuart Walker
Church Lads and Church Girls Brigade
Monday 17 December 
Wusasa - (Province of Kaduna, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Ali Buba Lamido
The Sitwell Group
Tuesday 18 December 
Wyoming - (Province VI, USA) The Rt Revd Bruce Edward Caldwell
Barlborough, Clowne. Clergy: John Pinder-Packard
Wednesday 19 December 
Yambio - (Sudan) The Rt Revd Peter Munde Yacoub
Eckington, Ridgeway
Thursday 20 December
The Most Revd Samuel San Si Htay Archbishop of Myanmar and Bishop of Yangon
Clergy: Norman Harvey
Suffragan Bishop of Yangon - (Myanmar) The Rt Revd Joseph Than Pe
Killamarsh, Renishaw
Friday 21 December 
Bishop of Yei - (Sudan) The Rt Revd Hilary Luate Adeba
Clergy: Helen Guest, Michael Guest
Saturday 22 December
Yewa (form. Egbado) - (Province of Lagos, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Simeon Adebola

Unto Us a Son is Given
Given, not lent,
And not withdrawn – once sent,
This Infant of mankind, this One,
Is still the little welcome Son.
New every year,
New born and newly dear,
He comes with tidings and a song,
The ages long, the ages long;
Even as the cold
Keen winter grows not old,
As childhood is so fresh, foreseen,
And spring in the familiar green.
Sudden as sweet
Come the expected feet.
All joy is young, and new all art,
And he, too, whom we have by heart.
by Alice Meynell (1847 – 1922)
Sunday Groaner
Burglar: What are you laughing at? Homeowner: That you come at night without a light to look for money when I can’t find any in broad daylight.
NOTICES FOR THE WEEK
Sunday 16th December  - 3rd Sunday in Advent
8.00a.m. Holy Communion - Sutton
9.30a.m. Mattins - Boylestone
9.30a.m. Holy Communion - Church Broughton
10.00a.m. Family Service & Holy Baptism
11.00a.m.Mattins - Sutton
12noon Holy Communion - Trusley
3.00p.m. Carol Service -Dalbury
3.00p.m. Carol Service - Radbourne
7.00p.m. Evensong - Long Lane
Monday 17th December
11.00a.m. Burial of Constance May Hardy - Longford
6.30p.m. Carol Singing around the village - Church Broughton
7.30p.m. Sing & Dance to Tony B - Boylestone
Tuesday 18th December
7.30p.m. Carol Service - Church Broughton
Thursday 20th December  
2.30p.m. Longford School Christingle
7.00p.m. Carol Singing around the village - Sutton
Friday 21st December  
7.30p.m. Carol Service - Boylestone
Saturday 22nd December      
1.00p.m. Wedding - Sutton
7.00p.m. Carol Service - Trusley
Next Sunday 23rd December - 3rd Sunday of Advent
9.30a.m. Holy Communion - Boylestone
9.30a.m. Mattins -Church Broughton
9.30a.m. Holy Communion - Longford
NO 11a.m. Service at Long Lane or Sutton
6.30p.m. Carol Service - Sutton
NO Evensong at Trusley
7.00p.m. Carol Service - Long Lane
Sunday Groaner
The teacher asked her Sunday School class to draw pictures of their favourite Bible stories. She was puzzled by Kate’s picture, which showed four people on an airplane. She asked her which story it was meant to represent. "The Flight to Egypt," was her reply.
Pointing at each figure, the teacher ventured: "That must be Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus. But who's the
fourth person?"
"Oh,” explained Kate happily, “that's Pontius - the pilot!"
**
Christmas is the season when your neighbour keeps you awake playing ‘Silent Night’.
Advance Notice - Christmas Services
Christmas Eve
5.00p.m. Crib Service - Church Broughton
10.00p.m. Holy Communion - Radbourne
10.00p.m. Holy Communion - Sutton
11.30p.m. Holy Communion - Church Broughton
11.30p.m. Holy Communion - Longford
Christmas Day
9.45a.m. Holy Communion - Boylestone
10.15a.m. Holy Communion - Dalbury
11.00a.m. Holy Communion - Trusley
Saturday 12th January
7.30p.m. Collegium Regale (Choral Scholars of King’s College, Cambridge) in Concert - SuttonTickets £9-00 (£4-50 child) from Margaret Warner (01283-(01283-733193) or Charles Buckston (01283-732247). Early booking is advised.
The Parish Pump and the Benefice entry to the South Derbyshire Churchman can now be found on the internet at: http://churchbroughtonchurch.blog.co.uk/

Forthcoming events

Saturday 1^st December Coffee Morning in aid of All Saints, Dalbury from 10.30a.m. at Laurel Farm, Burnaston

Monday 17^th December Sing and Dance to Tony Billinge in the marquee on the Church Croft, Boylestone £5 including a cheese buffet & dessert.

Saturday, 12^th January, 2008 at 7.30p.m. Collegium Regale (Choral Scholars from King's College, Cambridge) will once again be coming to St.Michael's, Sutton-on-the-Hill to give a concert. All those attending are asked to be seated in good time. Tickets (including refreshments) £9-00 adult, £4-50 child are available from Mrs Margaret Warner (01283-733193) or Mr Charles Buckston (01283-732247). Early booking is advised.

BOYLESTONE, CHURCH BROUGHTON, DALBURY, LONGFORD, LONG LANE, RADBOURNE, SUTTON-ON-THE-HILL & TRUSLEY

Rector: Rev. Michael Bishop, The Vicarage, Chapel Lane, Church Broughton, Derby, DE65 5BB.
Tel. 01283-585296. Email:- rector@longford8.org Fax: :- 0871-7143560; Mobile 07918175860
Blog Site: http://churchbroughtonchurch.blog.co.uk/

Happy New Year! The church's new year begins on Advent Sunday (2^nd December) and then through the Advent season our Christmas preparations will be moving into top gear. I know there is no doubt lots of shopping, decorations, cards to write, etc to get done. However, in all the rush do remember to get ready to greet the Christ child this Christmas. How will you do that?

One lovely suggestion that I saw the other day was intended for children, but we could all benefit from it. It is titled ?Hay for the Crib: build a crib for Jesus.? Underneath the title is a picture of an empty manger. The text reads ?Draw a piece of hay in the crib for every kind act you have done during te day. This represents the bed Jesus will lie upon. Don't forget to keep each good deed a secret. You will need all the days of Advent to build up a crib full of soft bedding ready for Christmas Eve when we will celebrate the birth of Jesus.?

Will you prepare a place in your life, your heart and your home for the Christ Child this Christmas?

Come and join in the true celebration of his coming at our services this Christmas.

A very happy Christmas to you when it arrives

Michael Bishop
(Rector)

Bellringing

We have been delighted to recruit a number of new bellringers in the last few weeks ? some adults and some children. There training is under way and we look forward to the time when their will have reached the stage of being able to join our other ringers in ringing for services and other events. We would be very glad to hear from more potential ringers. Bellringing can be an enjoyable pastime, a wonderful way of proclaiming God's love and continues a tradition and skill which is unique to this country and a few places overseas most of which were once part of the British Empire. To learn more, speak to any of our bellringers or call in at a practice (usually on Thursday evenings)

 

Services in Dec. 2007	2nd Dec. Advent 1	9th Dec Advent 2	16th Dec Advent 3	23rd Dec Advent 4	24/25th Dec Christmas Eve/Day
Boylestone	9.30p.m. Mattins	5.00p.m. Holy Communion	9.30a.m. Mattins	9.30a.m. Holy Communion	9.45a.m. Holy Communion
Church Broughton	8.00a.m. Holy Communion 10.00a.m. Christingle	9.30a.m. Holy Communion	9.30a.m. Holy Communion	9.30a.m. Mattins	5.00p.m. Crib Service 11.30p.m. Holy Communion
Dalbury	3.00p.m. Evensong	Unite with another	3.00p.m. Carol Service	Unite with another	10.15a.m. Holy Communion
Longford	11.15a.m. Holy Communion	6.30p.m. Carol Service	10.00a.m. Family Service	9.30a.m. Holy Communion	11.30p.m. Holy Communion
Long Lane	6.30p.m. Advent Carol Service at Etwall	8.30a.m. Holy Communion	7.00p.m. Evensong	7.00p.m. Carol Service
Radbourne	Unite with another	11.00a.m. Holy Communion	3.00p.m. Carol Service	Unite with another	10.00p.m. Holy Communion
Sutton-on-the-Hill	11.00a.m. Holy Communion	11.00a.m. Mattins	8.00a.m. Holy Communion 11.00a.m. Mattins	6.30p.m. Carol Service	10.00p.m. Holy Communion
Trusley	11.00a.m. Mattins	11.00a.m. Holy Communion	12noon Holy Communion	Saturday 22nd December 7.00p.m. Carol Service NO service in Trusley on 23rd December	11.00am Holy Communion
	30th Dec Sunday after Christmas	10.30a.m. United Holy Communion for all 8 parishes Boylestone

Holy Communion 
Please note there will be no celebration on 5th or 18^th December

Morning Prayer at 7.30a.m. is normally said daily in church as follows:
Monday Sutton;Tuesday Church Broughton; Wednesday Longford; Thursday Trusley; Friday Boylestone; Saturday Long Lane.

Evening Prayer at 6.30p.m. is normally said daily in church as follows:

Monday Radbourne; Tuesday Boylestone; Wednesday Long Lane; Thursday Sutton; Friday Dalbury; Saturday Longford

CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICES

Sunday 9^th December 6.30p.m. Longford (with the United Benefice Choir)

Tuesday 11^th December 9.25a.m. Church Broughton School Carols

Tuesday 11^th December 7.00p.m. Long Lane School Nativity Play

Sunday 16^th December 3.00p.m. Dalbury (with the United Benefice Choir)

Sunday 16^th December 3.00p.m. Radbourne (with the Derby Choristers)

Tuesday 18^th December 7.30p.m. Church Broughton

Thursday 20^th December 2.30p.m. Longford School Christingle

Friday 21^st December 7.30p.m. Boylestone (with the Boylestone Singers)

Saturday 22^nd December 7.00p.m. Trusley (with the Derby Choristers)

Sunday 23^rd December 7.00p.m. Long Lane (with the United Benefice Choir)

Sunday 23^rd December 6.30p.m. Sutton-on-the-Hill

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Services ? See main service chart above

MAIN SUNDAY READINGS FOR DECEMBER 2007

02/12/07 First Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 2.1-5; Romans 13.11-14; Matthew 24.36-44

09/12/07 Second Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 11.1-10; Romans 15.4-13; Matthew 3.1-12

16/12/07 Third Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 35.1-10; James 5.7-10; Matthew 11.2-11

23/12/07 Fourth Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 7.10-16; Romans 1.1-7; Matthew 1.18-25

25/12/07 Christmas Day

Readings selected from:-

Isaiah 9.2-7; Isaiah 62.6-12; Isaiah 52.7-10

Titus 2.11-14; Titus 3.4-7; Hebrews 1.1-4(5-12)

Luke 2.1-14(15-20); Luke 2.(1-7)8-20; John 1.1-14

30/12/07 First Sunday of Christmas

Isaiah 63.7-9; Hebrews 2.10-18; Matthew 2.13-23

BOYLESTONE St. John the Baptist

Ladies' Group meets on Tuesday, 4^th December at 7.30p.m.. Christmas Party

Flowers & Cleaning December 2^nd Miss P. Hill & Mrs H. Cockeram; 9^th & 16^th Mrs G. Owen & Mrs M. Fountain; 23^rd & 30^th Mrs R. Pelly & Mrs A. Cantrell

Sidesmen December 2^nd Mrs D. Bayley; 9^th Mrs H. Cockeram; 16^th Mr S. Elliott; 23^rd Mrs F. Hawksworth; 30^th Mrs G. Hotchkiss

Christmas Bingo Friday 7^th December at 7.30p.m. in the Village Hall

Christmas Draw Saturday 22^nd December at 6.30p.m. in the Village Hall with sherry & mince pies

Monday 17^th December Sing and Dance to Tony Billinge in the marquee on the Church Croft. £5 including a cheese buffet & dessert.

Friday 21^st December 7.30p.m. Church Carol Service
Tuesday 25^th December 9.45a.m. Holy Communion
Sunday 30^th December 10.30a.m. Holy Communion

New Year Lunch Sunday 30^th December in the Village Hall

CHURCH BROUGHTON, St. Michael & All Angels

Christingle Service This year this will be on Sunday, 1^st December at 10.00a.m..
Tuesday 11^th December Church Broughton School Carols in Church
Tuesday 18^th December 7.30p.m. Church Carol Service

Monday 24^th December
5.00p.m. Crib Service
11.30p.m. Holy Communion

Please note that on 30^th December there will be a united service of Holy Communion at St John the Baptist's, Boylestone at 10.30a.m.. There will be no other services on that day.

DALBURY All Saints
Services Sunday 4^th November 3.00p.m. Evensong; Sunday 18^th November at 11a.m.

Thank you to those who helped decorate the church for Harvest and to the choir for joining us for the service.
Coffee Morning in aid of All Saints, Dalbury from 10.30a.m. on Saturday 1^st December at Laurel Farm, Burnaston

The Carol Service will be on Sunday 16^th December

From the Parish Registers

Baptised on 4^th November Oscar Henry Smith

Please note that on 30^th December there will be a united service of Holy Communion at St John the Baptist's, Boylestone at 10.30a.m.. There will be no other services on that day.

LONGFORD, St Chad

Thursday 20^th December 2.30p.m. Longford School Christingle Service

Christmas: Longford Carol Service will be held on 9th December at 6.30p.m.. The United Benefice Choir will be joining in the carols and there will be the usual lessons read by various children and members of the village.Children from Longford School have also been invited to take part.

Prayer Group A prayer service for the local community begins at 7.30p.m. on most Wednesdays(except the first Wednesday of the month). It follows a set service sheet and includes the opportunity to wait upon God's Holy Spirit through a short period of quiet reflective meditation.Anyone interested is invited to contact Bernie or dave Hale on 01335-330286,

WI Chistmas lunch is on 11th December at 12.30p.m. for 1.00p.m..

Cleaning Rota December 1st Mr & mrs Buckley; 15th Mrs Marsh & Mrs Goodall

Sidespersons December 2nd Mr P. Berryman; 9th Mr J.Brown; 16th Mrs M Foot

23rd Mrs P Goodall;
Readers December 2nd Mrs P Goodall & Mrs L Nolan; 9th Mr G Jackson & Mr P Berryman
16th Children from Longford School; 23rd Mrs M Foot

From the Parish Registers

Baptised on 4^th November James Philip Hudson

Please note that on 30^th December there will be a united service of Holy Communion at St John the Baptist's, Boylestone at 10.30a.m.. There will be no other services on that day.

LONG LANE, Christ Church

School Nativity play Tuesday 11th December at 7.00p.m.

Three M's Evening at the Old Forge, Long Lane on Saturday 15^th December from 7.30p.m.
Carol Service Sunday 23^rd December at 7.00p.m.

Please note that on 30^th December there will be a united service of Holy Communion at St John the Baptist's, Boylestone at 10.30a.m.. There will be no other services on that day.

RADBOURNE, St. Andrew
Sunday 9^th December 11 a.m. Holy Communion

Carol Service ? Sunday 16^th December

There will be NO service in Radbourne on 23^rd December

Monday 24^th December 10.00p.m. Holy Communion

Please note that on 30^th December there will be a united service of Holy Communion at St John the Baptist's, Boylestone at 10.30a.m.. There will be no other services on that day.

SUTTON-ON-THE-HILL, St. Michael

Collegium Regale (Choral Scholars from King's College, Cambridge) will

once again be coming to St.Michael's, Sutton-on-the-Hill to give a concert.

This time it will be on Saturday, 12^th January, 2008 at 7.30p.m.. All those attending

are asked to be seated in good time.

Tickets (including refreshments) £9-00 adult, £4-50 child

are available from Mrs Margaret Warner (01283-733193)

or Mr Charles Buckston (01283-732247). Early booking is advised.

Carol Singing around the village will be on Thursday 20^th December in aid of

the Children's Society. Please meet outside the Village Hall at 7.00p.m..

Sidesmen: 2^nd Mrs S. Hartley; 9^th Mrs W. Savage; 16^th Mr R.Bassett;

23^rd Mr R. Rowlands

Church Cleaning: Mrs M. Martindale & Mrs P. Fitzpatrick
Church Flowers: December 2^nd Mrs G. Timmons; 9^th Mrs I Bailey;

16^th Mrs A Bassett;
23^rd Churchwardens; 30^th Mrs A. Bassett

Carol Service Sunday 23^rd December at 6.30p.m.

Monday 24^th December 10.00p.m. Holy Communion

Please note that on 30^th December there will be a united service of Holy Communion at St John the Baptist's, Boylestone at 10.30a.m.. There will be no other services on that day.

Readings Isaiah 11.1-10; Romans 15.4-13; Matthew 3.1-12
This week we remember in our prayers
Sunday 9 December  Western New York - (Province II, USA) Bishop J Michael Garrison
Mothers Union
Monday 10 December  Western Newfoundland - (Canada, Canada) Bishop Percy Coffin
MMA 11 - East Scarsdale Team
Tuesday 11 December  Western North Carolina - (Province IV, USA) Bishop Granville Porter Taylor
Pleasley, Shirebrook. Clergy: John Hargreaves, Barbara Dale
Wednesday 12 December  Western Tanganyika - (Tanzania) Bishop Gerard E Mpango
Western Tanganyika Bishop Marko Badeleya
Western Tanganyika - Bishop Naftal Bikaka
Upper Langwith with Langwith Bassett, Whaley Thorns
Thursday 13 December Willochra - (South Australia, Australia) Bishop Gary Weatherill
Clergy: John Hargreaves, Barbara Dale
Friday 14 December  Winchester - Bishop Michael Charles Scott-Joynt
Winchester - Basingstoke -  Bishop Trevor Willmott
Winchester - Southampton -  Bishop Paul Roger Butler
MMA 12 - Elmton, Cresswell, Whitwell & Steetley
Saturday 15 December Windward Islands - (West Indies) Bishop Calvert Leopold Friday
Clergy: David Hull
NOTICES FOR THE WEEK
Sunday 9 December  - 2nd Sunday in Advent
8.30a.m. Holy Communion - Long Lane
9.30a.m. Holy Communion - Church Broughton
11.00a.m. Holy Communion - Radbourne
11.00a.m. Mattins - Sutton
11.00a.m. Holy Communion - Trusley
5.00p.m. Holy Communion - Boylestone
6.30p.m. Carol Service - Longford
Tuesday 11 December
9.30a.m. Church Broughton School
7.00p.m. Long Lane School Nativity Play
Saturday 15 December
12noon Wedding - Boylestone
3.30p.m. Wedding - Sutton
7.30p.m. Music Mince Pies & Mulled Wine
         - The Old Forge, Long Lane

Next Sunday  16 December - 3rd Sunday of Advent
8.00a.m. Holy Communion - Sutton
9.30a.m. Mattins - Boylestone
9.30a.m. Holy Communion - Church Broughton
10.00a.m. Family Service & Holy Baptism
11.00a.m.Mattins - Sutton
12noon Holy Communion - Trusley
3.00p.m. Carol Service -Dalbury
3.00p.m. Carol Service - Radbourne
7.00p.m. Evensong - Long Lane

Sunday Groaner
The headlines of the year… that didn’t quite make it….
Some headlines can hinder more than help….
~ Farmer Bill Dies in House
~ Nation's Head Seeks Arms
~ Safety Experts Say School Bus Passengers Should Be Belted
~ Drunk Gets Nine Months in Violin Case
~ Survivor of Siamese Twins Joins Parents
~ Eye Drops off Shelf
~ Squad Helps Dog Bite Victim
~ Two Ships Collide, One Dies
~ Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over
~ Red Tape Holds Up New Bridge
~ Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead
~ New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group
~ Children Make Nutritious Snacks
~ Hospital is Sued by Seven Foot Doctors
~ Include your Children when Baking Biscuits

Advance Notice - Carol Services
Tuesday 18th December 7.30p.m. Church Broughton
Thursday 20th December
2.30p.m. Longford School Christingle
Friday 21st December
7.00p.m. Boylestone
Saturday 22nd December     
7.00p.m. Trusley
Sunday 23rd December  
6.30p.m. Sutton
7.00p.m. Long Lane
Saturday 12th January
7.30p.m. Collegium Regale (Choral Scholars of King’s College, Cambridge) in Concert - SuttonTickets £9-00 (£4-50 child) from Margaret Warner (01283-(01283-733193) or Charles Buckston (01283-732247). Early booking is advised.

The Parish Pump and the Benefice entry to the South Derbyshire Churchman can now be found on the internet at: http://churchbroughtonchurch.blog.co.uk/

Readings Isaiah 2.1-5; Romans 13.11-14; Matthew 24.36-44

This week we remember in our prayers
Sunday 2 December
West Texas - (Province VII, USA) The Rt Revd Gary Lillibridge
Suffragan Bishop of West Texas - (Province VII, USA) The Rt Revd David Mitchell Reed
Church of North India: Sambalpur, Bishop Christ Kiron Das
Monday 3 December
West Virginia - (Province III, USA) The Rt Revd Willam Mitchie Klusmeyer
MMA 9 - Calow, Sutton-cum-Duckmanton
Tuesday 4 December
Western Kansas - (Province VII, USA) The Rt Revd James Marshall Adams
Clergy: Michael Champneys.
Wednesday 5 December
Western Louisiana - (Province VII, USA) The Rt Revd David Bruce MacPherson
Brimington, Bolsover
Thursday 6 December
Pray for Western Massachusetts - (Province I, USA) The Rt Revd Gordon ScrutonPray for Western Massachusetts - (Province I, USA) The Rt Revd Gordon Scruton
Clergy: Malcolm Shaw, Trevor Hicks, Terry Williams
Friday 7 December
Western Mexico - (Mexico) The Rt Revd Lino Rodriguez Amaero
MMA 10 - Ault Hucknall, Scarcliffe
Saturday 8 December
Western Michigan - (Province V, USA) The Rt Revd Robert Ronald Gepert
Clergy: Tony Bell

A DEANERY CURATE
The Bishop of Derby has approved the appointment of Joe Cant, at present studying in theological college in preparation for ordination to serve as in the Longford Deanery as Assistant Curate. Joe, who is married with children will be made deacon at the ordination at the end of June 2008. He will initially work with Rev Andy Murphie in the Hilton with Marston parish and then will spend time working in the various benefices of the deanery, taking the opportunity of gaining experience in the very varied life and work of our Deanery.
Please pray for him and his family as they prepare for their work amongst us.

NOTICES FOR THE WEEK
Sunday 2 December - 1st Sunday in Advent
8.00a.m. Holy Communion - Church Broughton
9.30a.m. Mattins - Boylestone
10.00a.m. Christingle Service - Church Broughton
11.00a.m. Holy Communion - Sutton
11.00a.m. Mattins - Trusley
11.15a.m. Holy Communion - Longford
3.00p.m. Evensong - Dalbury
6.30p.m. Deanery Advent Service - St. Helen
Monday 3 December  NCH Evening -Boylestone Chapel
Tuesday 4 December 7.30p.m. Children’s Day Planning Meeting - Vicarage
Thursday 6 December 12noon Funeral Of Peter Gallie - Church Broughton
Saturday 8 December  9am - 5pm Filming of part of Richard III in Sutton Church (Church closed to visitors)
Next Sunday 9 December - 2nd Sunday in Advent
8.30a.m. Holy Communion - Long Lane
9.30a.m. Holy Communion - Church Broughton
11.00a.m. Holy Communion - Radbourne
11.00a.m. Mattins - Sutton
11.00a.m. Holy Communion - Trusley
5.00p.m. Holy Communion - Boylestone
6.30p.m. Carol Service - Longford
Advance Notice - Carol Services
Sunday 9th December
    6.30p.m. Longford
Tuesday 11th December
    9.25a.m. Schurch Broughton School
    7.00p.m. Long Lane School Nativity Play
Sunday 16th December
    3.00p.m. Dalbury AND Radbourne
Tuesday 18th December
    7.30p.m. Church Broughton
Thursday 20th December
    2.30p.m. Longford School Christingle
Friday 21st December
    7.00p.m. Boylestone
Saturday 22nd December
    7.00p.m. Trusley
Sunday 23rd December 
    6.30p.m. Sutton
    7.00p.m. Long Lane
Saturday 12th January
7.30p.m. Collegium Regale (Choral Scholars of King’s College, Cambridge) in Concert - SuttonTickets £9-00 (£4-50 child) from Margaret Warner (01283-(01283-733193) or Charles Buckston (01283-732247). Early booking is advised.
St James the Least of All
On two wise men, one three-legged sheep and a tipsy tree
The Rectory
St. James the Least
My dear Nephew Darren
    It really is time to get some new figures for the crib. After a series of accidents over the years, we are now down to two wise men and one three-legged sheep that only remains upright if it is leaning against a shepherd.
    Joseph, having been obliged to stand outside the shelter of the stable for the last four decades, is now comprehensively veneered with bat droppings. In a rather desperate effort to enlarge this rather frugal cast, Miss Timmins hit on the idea of introducing characters from the children's Easter garden. This would have all been very well if both sets of figures had been to the same scale, but we now have the shepherds apparently being threatened by two ten feet rabbits.
    One of our local farmers - I am sure very kindly meant - donated far more straw for the stable than was necessary. Our decorators, refusing to let his generosity go to waste, used the lot. The result is that Mary and Joseph stand up to their waists, looking as if they are being engulfed by a straw snow drift and the crib along with baby Jesus have disappeared entirely. The latter is not entirely to be regretted, since no one can now see that Jesus has no nose, the result of one of our children dropping him on the floor at last year's Crib Service.
    I am sure your ecologically appropriate Christmas tree, made of re-cycled dustbin liners will be much appreciated by your congregation, knowing that they are saving the planet for future generations. We however remain traditional, with a tree always donated by the local squire from his estate, even if is at the cost of adding another degree to global warming. Not only does it look more fitting, but it gives our verger something to do on twelfth night, as he sweeps up several hundredweight of pine needles.
I sometimes wonder if it is entire coincidence that the tree is always delivered by the estate staff on a day when there has been torrential rain in the area. Carrying it into church up the aisle makes it look as if the parting of the Red Sea has unsuccessfully taken place inside St. James'. The major problem every year is getting the wretched thing to stand upright in the sanctuary. It takes so long that I sometimes feel it would be quicker to re-align all the church pillars to the same angle as the tree itself.
    Last year's decision to have tree lights which flashed in succession was not a success. Those members who stared at them for too long while singing carols tended to fall over - although I suspect that Major Crump's inability to remain upright at the midnight Service was for rather different reasons. Not using flashing lights this year, the Major will have to find a different excuse.

Your loving uncle,
Eustace

The Parish Pump and the Benefice entry to the South Derbyshire Churchman can now be found on the internet at: http://churchbroughtonchurch.blog.co.uk/