But regardless of the new that lies before us, how we choose to look at and
think about those seasons of newness will determine whether we walk
through them with peace, hope and joy, or with heartache, anxiety and fear.
When we intentionally choose to believe God’s new is always good — even
if we didn’t ask for it, want it or understand it — we can step into the new
with courage, bravery, a positive attitude and an unsinkable faith. Letting go
of the old frees up our hearts to embrace God’s new for us.
A prayer to help
Dear Jesus, I’m in a scary season of “new,” and at times, I wish I could
change things.
Help me stay tied to You as my anchor, rather than tying myself to negativity
and fear which can gradually sink me and my faith.
Help me trust in Your ways and Your good with my whole heart. In Jesus’
Name, Amen.
With so much love and feelings of joy for you all.
Have a blessed new year and new beginning.
Rev Lesley-ann + over, but not out
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STIR UP SUNDAY
Stir-up Sunday is an informal term in Anglican churches for the
last Sunday before the season of Advent, 25 November 2018. It gets its
name from the beginning of the collect for the day in the Book of Common
Prayer, which begins with the words, "Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the
wills of thy faithful people".
The last Sunday of the Church Year, the Sunday before Advent, is often
called 'Stir-up Sunday'. (Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas.) Stir-
up Sunday is the traditional day, that harks back to Victorian times, when
everyone in the family to gather together and take a turn at stirring the
Christmas pudding, whilst making a wish.
Traditionally, the pudding is made on Stir Up Sunday, which is about five
weeks before Christmas; the last Sunday before the Christian season of
Advent. This is because the pudding also contains suet, which helps keep
the pudding moist and rich.
So, it is hoped that you put on your apron and gather family or friends
around to make a Christmas pudding. It's the day when wishes are said to
come true, so get stirring!
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