Our Mission Partner of the month for December is inHope
Read the latest info sheet
Author: Laura Thomas
Advent 2022
What are you doing in Advent? Do you have an advent calendar or candle? Perhaps you are reading a book of reflections, or signed up to receive devotional emails from a Christian organisation?
There are lots of different resources and options for us to tap into during this time, and here are just a couple:
Action Advent from LICC – download an Advent Calendar full of ways to make a difference.
Lectio 365 and Family Advent from 24-7 Prayer.
There are also lots of Reading Plans on YouVersion – this one comes recommended: 21 Gifts of Advent.
If there is something that you’re enjoying using, why not share it on the Connect Facebook group?
Whatever you choose during this season of Advent, here is a prayer for us all:
Saturday Breakfast
Saturday 10 December 8.30am
Click here to book
The team is back to cook a delicious cooked breakfast in the kitchen in St Michael’s Centre. We will be gathering in the auditorium to eat together, followed by a talk. Each month we have a different speaker on a range of topics.
Our guest speakers this month are Vernon and Kim Samuels. Both were born in the 1960s to parents who responded to the call to British citizens from the colonies to help rebuild post-war Britain. Vernon has a sporting background in triple jump and is an Olympian and former international athlete who had the privilege of representing Great Britain in the 1988 Olympics held in Seoul. More recently, Vernon engages with young people in schools, inspiring them with his personal and family history on overcoming adversity and breaking through barriers in ambitious pursuit of excellence.
Kim’s background is as a classically trained musician who grew up in the black pentecostal church in London. Kim is currently the choir director of Renewal Choir, which she co-founded in 2005 with Vernon, Chair of Renewal Choir CIC; and the leader of the UWE Bristol Gospel Choir, which has been in operation since 2006.
Both Vernon and Kim are members of the renowned The Kingdom Choir who sang at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The Kingdom Choir is led by Kim’s sister, Karen Gibson MBE.
Vernon and Kim see gospel choirs as being accessible to people from all backgrounds and impacting on many levels – skill, community, encouragement and faith – to mention a few; not just through the music alone but also through the “good news” message that the music brings.
Why not come along, eat breakfast with others in a relaxed and friendly setting, and listen to an interesting and inspiring talk?
Click here to book
St Michael’s Prayer Diary
Alpha Taster Sessions
Alpha is a place where no subject is off-limits, and no question is too silly, too difficult, or too controversial.
In January 2023 we’re running both an evening and a daytime Alpha course here at St Michael’s.
The next daytime course starts with a taster session on Tuesday 17 January 2023 at 9.30am
Click here to sign-up for the daytime taster
The next evening course starts with a taster session on Tuesday 17 January 2023 at 7pm.
Click here to sign-up for the evening taster
There’s no pressure to sign-up for the whole course, just come along to the taster and see what you think. If you have any questions about the taster session or the course, please get in touch.
Repair Cafe
Do you have something at home which is broken but you don’t quite know how to fix it? Well, the Repair Café may be for you! We have people fixing textiles, small electrical items, bikes and much more!
Our next Repair Café is below
The next events for Repair Cafe are:
- Repair Café on Saturday, 10 December 2022 at 10:00am
- Repair Café on Saturday, 7 January 2023 at 10:00am
- Repair Café on Saturday, 4 February 2023 at 10:00am
- Repair Café on Saturday, 4 March 2023 at 10:00am
If you have things to repair or you’d like to get involved in repairing things do come along. Please contact Mike Watkivs via email
Sunday Sermon Series
See below for our latest teaching programme for Sundays.
Jonathan Veira -The Unlockdown Sessions
Friday 2 December 7.30pm
The amazingly talented and versatile international singer Jonathan Veira, with the most beautiful voice, is coming to St Michael’s on Friday 2 December, as part of his Unlockdown Sessions
During the 2020-2021 lockdown he lifted spirits every Sunday night with a live concert from his lounge and he now brings the ‘Unlockdown’ sessions live.
Jonathan is essentially a musical chameleon – performing songs of great diversity to an incredibly high standard – which quite possibly makes him unique in the world of entertainment.
‘…better than anyone else in the UK’
Indeed – ‘…better than anyone else in the UK’ is how As The Stage recently described him. From Billy Joel to Mozart and everything in-between – nothing seems too hard for him!
Ballads, blues, rock n roll, jazz and even opera – everything sounds completely authentic and exhilarating.
Accompanying himself on the piano with amazing dexterity, his glorious singing of his songs frequently moves people to tears and then they find themselves weeping with laughter at his tales!
Undeniably sensational
The Sunday Express called him sensational and Jonathan Veira’s show is undeniably sensational because you get so much more than just ‘the voice’.
He is a superb comic raconteur, whose anecdotal story-telling has people of all generations laughing helplessly. When did you last see young and old rocking with laughter together?
Christmas Fair
Our Christmas Fair is on Saturday 26 November starting at 11am. Father Christmas is coming, there will be lots of fun and games and children’s crafts and opportunities to browse and buy lovely unique Christmas gifts. Our Coffee Shop will also be opening for welcome refreshment.
We seek to promote quality local craftspeople, and aim to limit the number of duplicate stalls to ensure a good breadth of items for sale and to be fair to stallholders. Tables are £15. If you would like a table, or have any questions, please contact us for a booking form.
Messy Church
Please join us for “We Wish You A Messy Christmas”. All our games, activities, food and drama will centre around the Christmas story.
Together we will move around specially designed stations to explore the story of God’s creation. There will be a 2-course tea with a sweet treat for pudding. Please advise of any allergies or special requirements.
Booking is essential for both adults and children who wish to attend. Please come for the whole session.
We will be moving around in groups so please do tell us who you would like to be bubbled with.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Click here to book.
