This morning as the rain poured down on a very grey day we were glad to be meeting in the bandstand. Advent which means “arrival” is the beginning of the Christian year.

We believe in a creating and amazing God,

who has been to the depths of despair;

who has risen in splendour to fill the cosmos;

who decorates the universe with clear white light and

sparkling colours, twinkling stars and swirling galaxies,

over and over again.

We believe that Jesus is the light of the world;

that God believes in us and loves us,

even though we make the same mistakes,

over and over again.

We commit ourselves to Jesus and his way of shalom*,

to one another as sisters and brothers,

and to the Creator’s business in the world.

Amen.

*shalom encompasses: harmony, wholeness, well-being, generosity, kindness, non-violence,

peace, justice, equality, completeness, welfare, safety, tranquillity.

Sharing Bread and Wine
Long ago our tradition says, Jesus came in the humble birth of a child,
a child of divine love,
a child of Mary’s ‘yes’ to you,
a child of Joseph’s acceptance,
a child of our humanity.
Long ago our tradition says, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it and said:
‘This bread is broken, as my body will be’. And he handed it to his friends inviting them to eat.

Long ago our tradition says, Jesus poured a cup of wine, gave thanks for it and said:  ‘This wine is poured out as my life will be poured out’.  And he gave it to his friends inviting them to drink.

May this gathering of this community of faith
be comforted and challenged this Advent season.
And may people see in us the compassion, courage and generosity that characterised the life of Jesus. Amen.

(rexaehuntprogressive.com)

Dear God,

As we journey down this Advent road,

Grant us the courage to make peace.

Peace in our hearts,

Peace in our homes,

Peace in our communities,

Peace in our world.

Amen.  (liturgyoutside.net)

Our arrival at Cool River for coffee was a few minutes before the cafe was due to open, but they were kind enough to open up early so we could get inside out of the cold and wet!