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Services
and Events
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About
Us
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Quick Links: Regular Services • Monthly Services • Dates for your Diary • Church News • Monthly Letter
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SEC Daily Prayer - Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer and Night Prayer (Compline) Online
worship from the SEC Coronavirus updates and resources Saturday 18th December at 3:30 pm - Service of Nine Lessons and Carols Other events for 2021 Book
Sales: Coffee
Mornings:
Attendance at church It is no longer necessary to book a seat and people can sit where they want, keeping a 1 metre distance between households. It is still necessary to wear a mask, even when singing; to sanitise hands and to give contact details.
Vestry
Secretary's Report Toilet Project We are delighted to report that work has begun on the construction phase of the project. If you have been past the church recently you will have seen the safety barriers in place, and the structure beginning to take shape. It is hoped to maintain access to the church throughout the programme of works. Thank you to Richard Stanley for his very generous donation of £5000. The first interim payment to the contractor will be due in December. Christmas Services Saturday
18th December at 3.30 pm - Traditional Service of Nine Lessons and Carols Lay-Learning Opportunity Over the four weeks of advent the SEI will be running a lay-learning event titled "Reading the Bible like an Episcopalian", which will reflect upon ways in which Episcopalians understand Holy Scripture. The talks will be presented by Revd Dr Michael Hull, and will run on a Monday from 7 pm to 8 pm via Zoom. The first Zoom is on 29th November. To access the learning, go to the eventbrite.co.uk website, then search for Scottish Episcopal Institute and select the "online" button. Click on the "Reading the Bible like an Episcopalian" event to book or find out more information. The sessions are free of charge. Wick Choral Society The Wick Choral Society will be holding a Carol Concert at St Fergus church on Thursday 16th December at 7.30 pm. The concert will last for about an hour, with no interval. The Society will be joined by members of the Caithness Orchestra under the musical direction of Susie Dingle. The concert will also be live streamed on the Society facebook page if technology allows. 2022 Alastair Haggart Bursary Award The Bursary is awarded annually in memory of Bishop Haggart, Primus of the SEC (1977-85). It aims to help finance sabbaticals or other similar leave of absence on the part of those in ministry in the SEC (Lay Readers and Clergy) at a stage in the person's life when such an experience will significantly enhance their development. The outcomes of the project should also be of benefit to the wider Church. A committee will convene in February 2022 to make the next award totalling up to £1,300. To apply for the Bursary, please request an application form from Mrs Linda Harrison, institute@scotland.anglican.org , and return to her by 10 January 2022. Jeanette
Harper Toilet Fund Sponsors
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Advent - Hope; Peace; Love and Joy leads us to Christ the Light of the world. Well here we are fast approaching the last month of the year with all its splendour, anticipation and expectation. The fireworks have all been lit and the 'oohs' and 'aahs' of the crowds have disappeared into the dark nights and we approach the day when we remember those that have given the ultimate sacrifice, not just in the world wars but in all conflicts, sadly some which are taking place right now as you read this. But it is important to take time; to take time out during the lead up to Christmas as we travel through the season of Advent. Advent also marks the start of a new liturgical year for us and this coming year will be Year C in our three yearly circle. Advent a time of anticipation, a time for reflection and preparation as we look upon the coming of Christ. To lead us through Advent we have a wreath to guide our advent journey which is made up of a circle with five candles, four around the circumference of the circle and one in the centre of the circle. All five candles have a significance for us to ponder as we wait in anticipation for the birth of Christ. The wreath's circular shape is symbolic of eternity, as in eternal life given by Christ and the eternal love of God. Purple or as at St John's Blue are the colours of three of the candles in the wreath, which indicates both a time of preparation, a time of reflection and also a sign of royalty and the sovereignty of Christ. The third candle to be lit is pink or rose coloured; also known as the shepherd candle or candle of Joy or in the Catholic Church Gaudete Sunday. White is the Christ candle and is the last or fifth Advent candle to be lit; positioned in the centre of the wreath. This candle's colour represents purity, light, regeneration, and godliness. On the First Sunday of Advent the Candle of Hope (the Patriarchs) is lit. We hear the message of hope told to Abraham; on the Second Sunday of Advent the Candle of Peace (the Prophets) is lit and we hear from Isaiah of one who will be born Prince of Peace. The third Sunday of Advent the Candle of Joy (Mary the Mother' of Jesus) is lit. Mary was filled with Joy when she knew that she would become the mother of Jesus. On the fourth Sunday of Advent the Candle of the Candle of Love (John the Baptist) is lit. John the Baptist spoke bravely that we should share what we have with others, treat each other kindly and show God's love. Finally on Christmas Day we Light the Christ candle which marks the end of the Advent season for we wait no longer; that great event for which we waited has happened; God's promise of a Redeemer is fulfilled, Christ Jesus is born so we light the Christ candle with praise to our God who brings joy to the world. There are of course differing traditions and in some the order of the meaning of each candle differs, but all the journeys focus on reaching the lighting of the white candle of Christ on Christmas Day. After the year we have had with the Pandemic, waiting and hoping for release from being shut in, and the fear of going outdoors or inviting others into our houses we should view this Advent season as a coming out from being locked down, closed in and a time to burst out in hope and praise for a brighter future and like the meaning of the white candle be freed to receive and give love and joy to others. Alan |
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