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The Second Sunday before Advent
Bible readings: Malachi 4:1-2a; Psalm 98; 2 Thessalonians 3.6–13; Luke 21:5–19
Gospel Reading [NRSVA]
When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, ‘As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.’
They asked him, ‘Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?’ And he said, ‘Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, “I am he!” and, “The time is near!” Do not go after them.
‘When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.
‘But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will give you an opportunity to testify. So make up your minds not to prepare your defence in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls. [Luke 21:5-19]
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.
COP30 Morning Prayers
Each weekday until Friday 21st November. As we have done for the past 4 years, Green Christian will be holding a quiet 10 minute prayer session via zoom at 8:00am on every day of COP30, when world leaders, scientists and non-Governmental organisations will gather in Brazil for their annual meeting on how to tackle climate change.
This of course clashes with the Cluster’s half hour 8am Celtic Morning Prayers, but do consider joining me and others on at least some of the mornings to pray for God’s beautiful creation. To join us, you can register at https://greenchristian.org.uk/pray-with-us-for-cop30/. Hope to see you there.
George Dow, Chair Green Christian.
Julian Prayer Group
The Julian Group will meet on zoom at 6:00pm this Sunday, 16th November. 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 at mlevesconte@hotmail.co.uk by 7:00pm on Tuesday evenings. Thank you.
CLUSTER INFORMATION & EVENTS
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 Blewett
‘Nature Through Children’s Eyes’
Photography Exhibition – St. Mary’s Church
Children from Ludgvan School share their photographs of nature and tell us what they love, in a photography exhibition at St Mary’s Church, Penzance, from 8th November to 22nd November, 10:00am – 12 noon every day. Free entry. The nature photography project is a collaboration between Ludgvan School and Badger’s Food Forest, supported by the Rights and Opportunities Foundation and The Penlee Cluster of Churches.
Update from NightChurch
It is a joy to see the NightChurch community continuing to grow. Each week we are encouraged by the care, creativity, and gifts that everyone brings. Recently, some of our guests have been stepping into the kitchen to cook for the whole group. It is wonderful to see their confidence and contribution to the life of the community.
We were also delighted to welcome Bishop David, who joined us to share a meal, chat with guests, and see the work first-hand. He prayed for the community and we echo that blessing with gratitude for every person who helps make NightChurch a place of welcome, where dignity, acceptance, and hope can be experienced and shared.
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.
Sustainable Sunday
Thank you to everyone who supported Sustainable Sunday in any way, whether by donating money, toys, books or clothing, or by coming along. It was especially good to have two parishioners, Freda and Vicky, helping us on the day alongside other volunteers, many thanks! Thank you also to Jacqueline for the delicious refreshments! About forty hot dogs were given away to families who attended, and all enjoyed the free soft play too. We still have plenty of books and clothes for the next event on 7th December – please keep that date free if you would like to come along!
Jenny, family worker.
Christmas Coffee Morning at St Peter’s Church
On Saturday 6th December from 10:00am until 12 noon. With mince pies, coffee and tea. Craft stall and Raffle.
Keyholders
Do you have a key to access the church and you haven’t use it in a while? Please consider returning it to the churchwarden, so it becomes available to new users. Keno
OTHER INFORMATION & EVENTS
Solidarity Walk and Vigil
Come for a powerful evening of solidarity, remembrance and community action to end violence against women and girls.
The solidarity walk on Tuesday 25th November starts at Wherrytown Car Park (opposite Lidl) at 5:30pm, past Jubilee Pool, and proceed up Chapel Street, finishing with a vigil at St. Mary’s church, where we will gather for addresses from organisers, moving musical and dance performances, and the reading of the names of women killed by men this year, followed by a two-minute silence in remembrance.
Violence against women and girls is not only a women’s issue, it is a human rights issue that affects us all. We invite everyone to walk with us, stand together and raise our voices for change. Your presence matters. https://www.16dayspenzance.co.uk/events/solidarity-walk-and-vigil-2
Bishop Hugh’s Farewell – Key Dates
28th November: Bishop Hugh will legally become the Bishop of Worcester on Friday 28th November at a service in London. The service is open for people to attend; it takes place at 5:00pm in St Mary le Bow Church.
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
Christmas Giving Catalogue
The Diocese of Truro is pleased to reveal this year’s Christmas Giving Catalogue which sees eight local charities featured for the first time. Find out more here: https://trurodiocese.org.uk/about-us/christmas-giving/
At the heart of Christmas is a story of hope, love and radical generosity. In the birth of Jesus, we see God stepping into our world – bringing light to the darkest of places and offering peace to the most troubled hearts.
Yet for many in our communities, this season can highlight not joy, but hardship – loneliness, hunger, cold homes, and the painful pressure of simply trying to get by. Christmas, for them, may not feel like a time of celebration.
This giving catalogue is an invitation to respond. Each gift here is more than a donation – it’s a sign someone cares, no one is forgotten, hope is still alive.
Details on how to make a donation are included in the catalogue.
You can download a pdf of the catalogue from this link.
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 10:00am until 4:00pm 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
