John the Baptist – bust by Auguste Rodin
The Second Sunday in Advent
Bible readings: Isaiah 11.1–10; Psalm 72.1–7, 18, 19*; Romans 15.4–13; Matthew 3.1–12
Gospel Reading [NRSVA]
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’ This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,
‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
“Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.”’
Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our ancestor”; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
‘I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing-floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’ [Matthew 3:1-12]
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 at St Pol de Leon church, Paul at 6:00pm this Sunday 7th 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.
· Tuesday Dec 16th 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 Giving Catalogue
CHRISTMAS GIVING CATALOGUE RAISES £5K IN FIRST MONTH
The diocese’s 2025 Cornish Christmas Giving Catalogue, featuring 20 local groups and charities, officially launched last month and to date has seen more than £5,000 in donations. Rosey Sanders, Operations and Project Assistant at Diocese of Truro, said: “It is heartening to see the generosity of the people of Cornwall thinking of others in need this Christmas.
You can donate here https://trurodiocese.org.uk/about-us/christmas-giving/
Christmas Concerts
Funeral of Christopher Hortin
The funeral of Christopher Hortin will take place on Wednesday 17th December at 12 noon at St Mary’s Church.
Christopher was a well-loved, and well-known member of St Mary’s Church, for many years, and a popular member of the music group. 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.
Update from Night Church
Christmas Celebration with gifts and games on Wednesday 17th December 6pm-9pm.
If you would like to get involved, volunteer, contribute, or simply come and be part of the community, you are warmly invited to join us. With thanks Victoria and the team.
Follow the NightChurch journey on Facebook and Instagram
👉 www.penleecluster.org.uk/night-church-pz/
Sustainable Sunday & Christingle
St Johns Church, Sunday 7th December 3:30-5:30pm.
Come along for a free play session and Christmas celebration! Clothes, toys and book swap from 3:30pm -4:30pm.
We will then hold our Christingle event with Christingle making for children and adults, followed by a “bring and share refreshments”. Bring an item of clothing, toy or book to swap or pay just 50p for an item of clothing or toy or £1 for a book. Jenny
Feast Night for Families
Every Friday at St John’s church, requiring advanced booking. 3:30pm-5:30pm. It’s a free two-hour softplay session with free food. The event has seen massive interest. Molly
Christmas Holiday Club
We are running 4 days of Holiday Club over the Christmas Holidays
Monday 22nd December 9am – 5pm based at Paul Church Hall and ending with a Christingle Service at 4pm
Monday 29th December 9am – 3pm based at St John’s for crafts and games plus a visit to a Care Home
Tuesday 30th December 9am – 4:30pm based at St John’s plus a trip to Tehidy to see Rogue Theatre
Friday 2nd January 9am – 5pm based at St John’s and St Mary’s. Crafts and cooking. And pantomime workshop from John Brolly from the Minack at 2pm.
If anyone would like to sponsor a child for £10 for a day or contribute towards food costs then please let Molly or Jenny know. More information on how you can help next week.
OTHER INFORMATION & EVENTS
The bishop’s Christmas message
As he gets ready to mark his first Christmas in the diocese, Bishop David shares his hopes and prayers in his Christmas message.
Penwith Deanery Newsletter
News from around the deanery.
Bishop Hugh’s Farewell – Key Dates
7th December: For us in Truro diocese, there will be an opportunity to bid farewell to Bishop Hugh at a service in Truro Cathedral on Sunday 7th December. Starting at 4:00pm, Bishop Hugh will preach at Evensong. This service is open to everyone and it is not a ticketed event.
24th December: On Wednesday 24th December, Bishop Hugh will join in at the service of Nine Lessons and Carols in Truro Cathedral reading the opening of John’s gospel. This service will mark Bishop Hugh’s last day in the diocese. Again, everyone can attend and we look forward to seeing those who can.
17th January: A new year will ring in a new start, with Bishop Hugh’s installation service at Worcester Cathedral on Saturday 17th January at 2:00pm. Bishop Hugh would love to see as many people as possible attending and we will provide more information once it is available. – The Rt Revd David Williams, Bishop of Truro
Debt Advice
The Salvation Army offers debt advice services to people in this area. They are free, confidential and impartial. Please dial 01752 643955 to speak to a Debt Advisor from 10am until 4pm Monday to Friday or email cornwalldas@salvationarmy.org.uk.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility…
RECOGNISE – the signs that could indicate abuse is happening
RESPOND – listen sensitively – don’t question or investigate
RECORD – what you have been told factually and accurately using the language used by the person disclosing
REPORT – immediately to your Parish Safeguarding Officer/Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser. They will refer to the police or social services as required.
Email: safeguardingconcerns@truro.anglican.org Call: 01872 274351; Website: trurodiocese.org.uk/safeguarding
Support: 0300 1231 116 MARU (Multi Agency Referral Unit) for safeguarding concerns; Police 101/999; https://www.firstlight.org.uk; https://safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk
