The Third Sunday in Advent
Bible readings: Isaiah 35.1–10; Psalm 146.4–10; James 5.7–10; Matthew 11.2–11
Gospel Reading [NRSVA]
When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offence at me.’
As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.”
Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. [Matthew 11:2-11]
The Mission of the Church
The theologian Emil Brunner taught that mission is not simply an activity of the church but central to its very nature. He wrote, “The Church exists by mission, as a fire exists by burning; where there is no mission, there is no church.” Just as a fire ceases to be a fire when it no longer burns, the church loses something essential when it ceases to participate in God’s mission.
This understanding is rooted in the Missio Dei, the mission of God. From the very beginning, Scripture reveals God as one who sends. God sends Abraham into a new land; God sends Moses to deliver His people; God sends prophets to call Israel back to covenant faithfulness. At the heart of the gospel, God sends the Son into the world (John 3:16–17), and the Son sends the Holy Spirit to empower the church. In John 20:21, Jesus declares, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” The church exists as a people shaped by this divine sending. We are not only gathered, we are also sent.
The Great Commission in Matthew 28 affirms this, calling us to make disciples of all nations. Therefore Brunner’s statement resonates: mission is essential to who we are as God’s people.
Yet, while mission is essential, it is not the church’s only expression of faithfulness. In Acts 2:42 the early believers devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. These practices nurtured their spiritual life and strengthened their witness. Acts 1:8 tells us that mission is Spirit-led, the same Spirit who builds community, unity and sustains worship. As the apostles spread the gospel, crossing cultural and ethnic boundaries, they formed communities shaped by the love and power of Christ.
Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 5:18–20 describe the church as Christ’s ambassadors, entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. Through us, God continues His sending work in the world.
Brunner captures an important truth: the church “exists by mission.” Mission flows from a community rooted in worship, fellowship, and pastoral care. The church is both gathered and sent, formed by God’s love and commissioned to share it.
When the church embraces God’s sending nature while nurturing a prayerful and compassionate community, we become a living witness to the gospel, a fire that truly burns.
Victoria, NightChurch
Updates…
Please send all information for the newsletter/blog/website by Wednesday morning to Keno at admin@penleecluster.org.uk.
Celtic Morning Prayer
Each weekday morning on zoom 8:00am – 8:30am. If you would like to attend, please email Keno for zoom details.
Meditation Group and Contemplative Prayer
No meditation group on Friday 26th December.
The next Contemplative Prayer group will be on Monday 29th December at 6pm.
Julian Prayer Group
The Julian Group will meet online via zoom at 6:00pm this Sunday 14th December. If you would like to attend, please email Mel at mlevesconte@hotmail.co.uk for zoom details.
Prayer Requests
If you are concerned about someone and would like their name included in the Prayer Request Group’s weekly prayer list, please do email Mel by 7:00pm on Tuesday evenings. Thank you.
CLUSTER INFORMATION & EVENTS
Services this Christmas period in the Penlee Cluster
· Sunday Dec 14th 11am Nine Lessons and Carols at St Pol de Leon Church, Paul.
- Wednesday Dec 17th Newlyn School concert at St Peter’s church, Newlyn.
· Thursday Dec 18th Mousehole School Christmas Concert at Paul church.
· Sunday Dec 21st 11am Solomon Browne Memorial Service at St Pol de Leon Church, Paul
· Monday Dec 22nd 4pm Christingle Service at St Pol de Leon Church, Paul led by the Revd Adam Thomas.
· Wednesday Dec 24th 9am Communion at Paul church.
Christmas Eve
· 7pm Early Bird “Midnight” Communion at St Mary’s.
· 9pm Christmas Communion at St Pol de Leon Church, Paul.
· 11:30pm Midnight Communion at St Peter’s, Newlyn.
Christmas Day
· 10am joint service at St Mary’s Church.
Christmas Concerts
Twelfth Night
An evening of song and poetry at St Mary’s church on Friday 9th January.
Mark your diary!
Funerals this week
The funeral of Christopher Hortin will take place on Wednesday 17th December at 12 noon at St Mary’s Church.
Everyone who knew Chris is most welcome to join the family for the service to celebrate his life and achievements, and afterwards at the Queens Hotel.
Jeanne Torrie, formerly of Hutchens House Paul, has died aged 95. Her funeral will be held at Camborne Crematorium on Wednesday 17th December at 2pm.
Update from Night Church
Christmas Celebration
with gifts and games on Wednesday 17th December 6pm-9pm. Book in advance.
Bishop David’s response to his visit to NightChurch:
‘From the moment of my arrival at NightChurch, I was extremely warmly welcomed into an environment where everyone was treated with dignity. There was a healthy curiosity about people’s gifts and talents. I enjoyed the pianist very much and the extended set of songs he performed so well. An incredible discovery. I was intrigued when one of the fellow diners admitted to being a prominent chef in Cornwall. He was invited to cook!
In short, what an extraordinary community of men and women rediscovering their worth and dignity.
The Team are remarkable.’ Bishop David
Sustainable Sunday & Christingle
On Sunday 7th December we held our third Sustainable Sunday event at St John’s church, this time including a short Christingle service as well. We welcomed about 25 children with their families and about 15 of these came to the Christingle service. Everyone enjoyed making the Christingles and two children helped to lead the service. Thank you to all members of the churches who helped in any way with donations of books, toys, clothes, etc and those who helped us on the day.
Until Tuesday 23rd December clothes, toys and books will be available for a small donation in St John’s Church when Sea Life Soft Play is open. Jenny
Feast Night for Families
There will be no Feast for Families on Friday 19th December.
Christmas Holiday Club
We are running holiday club for four days in the Christmas holidays, one day before Christmas and three afterwards. Could you sponsor a place for a child for a day at holiday club? A donation of £5 would cover this. Many of you will donate to food banks – for the holiday club period might you be able to donate food to holiday club instead? We are looking for the following items for picnic lunches on two days (food to be in date for 30th December please): bread rolls (packs of 12 rolls) 6 packs; butter – 2 tubs; ham – 2 packs of 30 slices; cheese – 2 packs of grated cheese; crisps – 2 packs of 30 packets; fruit – apples, oranges, bananas; yogurts – Frubes 8 packs; cakes – enough for 25 people per day!
If you are able to help with any of these items, please let Molly or Jenny know at molly.blewett@penleecluster.org.uk or jenny.orpwood@penleecluster.org.uk. Many thanks for your continued support for local children- it is really appreciated especially at this festive time. – Many thanks.
Molly & Jenny, Family Workers
🌈 Please Help The Rainbow Project Continue Its Vital Work 🌈
The Rainbow Project launched in 2022 to support families in our local area through the rising cost of living crisis and increasing poverty.
✨ Below is just some of what we do:
🌟 Active involvement and outreach work in the community
🌟 Free family events
🌟Working in our local church schools
🌟Assisting in worship in school
🌟Creating play and pray stations
🌟Music Mondays
🌟Feast for Families
🌟Sustainable Sunday
🌟Developing under 5’s provision within The Penlee Cluster Churches
🌟 Highly inclusive half-term holiday clubs (4 weeks over the summer, 1 week over Easter, October and Christmas)
🌟 Junior Leader Programme, building confidence and skills in young people
🌟 Food support for families facing food poverty
🌟 Intergenerational work and play therapy
🌟 Family support and one-to-one guidance covering:
• Economic wellbeing
• Mental health & physical health
• Help with appointments, advocacy & communication
• Education, training & employment
• Accessing the community
• Personal development and growth
Our work has made a real and lasting difference (further information and anonymised case studies available on request)
But we can’t continue it without your support. We have until April 2026 to raise £16,000 so that this project can continue running from May until August 2026. 💛🌈
The Rainbow Project is currently looking for ways to sustain the vital work supporting families in our parishes. The funding will run out by May and we are actively looking for other grants to enable us to continue with our mission of reaching out together and working to transform the unjust structures in our society as stated in the Five Marks of Mission.
💛 How You Can Help:
✔️Share this message to spread awareness
✔️ Tell friends, family, organisations, and anyone who may want to support our work
✔️ Hold fundraising events
✔️ Donate — every amount helps us get closer to our £16,000 goal
Please contact: molly.blewett@penleecluster.org.uk
OTHER INFORMATION & EVENTS
Catholic Church Penzance
Gaudete! Advent Carol Service, Sunday 14th Dec at 6pm
St Hilary Church
Nine Lessons and Carols on Monday 15th Dec at 7:30pm
Advent Resources for Children
Advent Adventures resources now available on Diocese of Truro website to help people run workshops with schools in churches.
