Dear Northside
Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing o’er the plains, And the mountains, in reply, Echoing their joyous strains.
Chorus: Gloria in excelsis Deo, Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? Say what may the tidings be, which inspire your heav’nly song?
Chorus
Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing; Come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn King.
Chorus
See within a manger laid, Jesus, Lord of heav’n and earth! Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, with us sing our Savior’s birth.
Chorus: Gloria in excelsis Deo!
I hope the current Advent preaching series, “Behold a Saviour”, is speaking to you. We would love to hear how God is using His Word to speak to you this Christmas! Has it helped you find hope and peace?
As this bulletin goes out our Holiday Club will have been run and finished on Friday. Our Project127 Orphan Care camp is ongoing as the left on Friday and return tomorrow – please pray for them. The final Doulos meeting (braai) for the year is done. And on Sunday we have 2 services. Our normal Advent service in the morning and our Service of Remembrance in the evening at 6pm. Do you know anyone who has had a tough year and is struggling to see the light this Christmas? Please invite them to come to this service with you (and bring a candle plus one for your friend).
Next Sunday we have 2 services again. Our normal Advent service in the morning and our annual Carols by Candlelight service at 6:30pm. Let’s fill the sanctuary this year. Invite as many people as you can and bring lots of candles. I love the illustration of Jesus bringing light to the world as we light all the candles in the sanctuary from the Christ candle. One small light can bring light to the world. In our dark world, people need to be reminded of this. And we get to sing lots of carols!
And then… do it all again for our Christmas Day family service! Christmas is about gifts and we will be looking at the Gift of Waiting. I can’t wait!!
Please join Pastor Vere as he brings our preaching for the year to an end on Sunday 29th. And do not forget the Crossover service on New Year’s Eve – jumping into the New year with Jesus and His Church!
It has been a real joy watching our youth music group do such a good job leading us in song into the presence of God with worship. Well done to all 3 of our music teams for their amazing ministry this year. Thank you to all our volunteers who make our services in-person and online happen. Thank you to all our staff who work so hard to get everything ready each week and help out each Sunday. You know it takes a small army of people to ensure everything happens. Makorokoto, amhlope, well done to everyone!
I think we all need a break! But remember we start all over again on the 5th January 2025!
God bless, Pastor Gary