In the early days of a New Year, this offers us an excellent opportunity to affirm our commitment to God, our trust in His promises and our utter dependence upon His Grace. On 11th August 1775, John Wesley held the first public service of this kind in the French Church at Spitalfields, although some of the prayers draw upon the writings of Joseph and Richard Alleyne, a couple of Puritans living almost a century earlier. This inspiring and challenging liturgy will be the focus of a joint Methodist & Anglican service at 10.30 a.m. Do join us, you will be most welcome.

This year the SWF Christian Council is planning a bring and share lunch for Sunday 18th January, 12 noon in Trinity St Mary’s School Hall (access via Holy Trinity Church). After lunch we are invited to share in a range of devotional activities that will have been set up in St Joseph’s Hall. You’ve got to be there to find out more!

Our outing on 27th January takes us to Covent Garden for the London Transport Museum (SNR approx £6.50). This offers far more than buses and trains, it’s an insight into London’s social history. Simple lunch in nearby cafés. Meet SWF station platform by 0925 at absolute latest.

Will meet again on Wednesday 7th January at 11.45am - 12.45pm in the Meeting Room. The topic will be the life of Mary of Nazareth, Mother of Jesus. Further information from Revd. Stephanie Stroebel on 01702 205640. Everyone is welcome.

Holy Trinity Church will once again be opening its doors for this monthly event - in January on Saturday 17th, from 11.30 to 1.30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come in for a quiet period of prayer and contemplation; coffee and biscuits will be served in the meeting room.

Soul Searching ~ Gift Rapping ~ Celestial Snacking

I am writing to thank you very much indeed for all you did to make the Light up a Life service in South Woodham Ferrers so special both in the run up to the event and on the night. As you know we always really enjoy the service in SWF as it has such a community feel to it. I thought the service was extremely moving and meaningful to those who came along. Please also thank Alan who played the music in church on our behalf and Ray with the PA (at the bandstand) who was fantastic. I cannot stress how much as value the support of the local community in running these very moving events. They most certainly would not happen without you. Thank you again for giving your time to Farleigh Hospice.

Yours sincerely,

Christina Evans (Fundraising Manager, Farleigh Hospice)

I am writing to thank you all at Holy Trinity Church for your generous donations of Christmas gifts [from joint Toy Service]. They will be very much appreciated by the children in the refuge this Christmas.

We are always grateful for the goodwill of all those individuals and groups in the community that continue to give their support to Chelmsford Women's Aid by donating a variety of goods, clothing, household equipment and money throughout the year. Receiving your support makes a huge difference to the families we work with both in the refuge and living out in the community.

I am pleased to enclose our new leaflets for your information [on display in church foyer - well worth a look], please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like some more.

With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year,

Yours sincerely