The start of Advent 2008

Happy new year! The church's new year has begun with the first Sunday of Advent. Father Ted lit the first candle on the Advent wreath, a candle symbolising hope.
There were plenty of signs of hope about - eight young parishioners were enrolled in our programme to make their first communion next year. It was also the launch of our new pastoral plan - eight groups are being formed to look at different aspects of parish life, including worship, finance, social, caring for others and welcoming. Parishioners were invited to sign up on a board in the hall (from which the word 'king' mysteriously disappeared overnight!) Already some of hte headings have six or seven names against them. There is still time to sign up as the lists will stay up for the whole of Advent.
The preacher was deacon John, pictured, who urged people to support the project, as well as telling us about the housemartins which nest in his garden. It all made sense!

Help is needed for the seniors' Christmas party next Sunday - always a popular event.

There are two Advent reflection services coming up - one at St Marie's on Friday at 7.30pm, and another at Sacred Heart the following Monday at 7.30pm. Everyone welcome, of course.

The Parish Concert in review

The concert opened with Father Ted coming on to the theme tune from Star Wars.
He introduced the first act - Scamps from St Marie's. The children entertained us with Amorillo, Smile and Bless Me Indeed. They were accompanied by Michael Floyd on guitar and Heather Hope on keyboard.
Next up was a powerful performance of Time to say goodbye, sung by Patricia Ovens accompanied by John Howes.
Music group members Lizzy Howes and Bernadette Palmer then played Last Night of the World from Miss Saigon. Lizzy on flute and Bernadette on clarinet. Well played!
Young parishioner Guido Blee then took up his oboe with two items - Harvest Time and English Jig. His sister Astrid was joined by schoolfriends Lauren Downing and Elinor Davies with two impressive songs - Mammia Mia from Abba and A Thousand Miles by Vanessa Carlton.
Crescent School head Huw Marshall was next with a moving rendition of Ole Man River from Showboat by Jerome Kern. Deacon John Burrows was next on stage. He talked about childhood and read out some hilarious mistakes which children had made in their schoolwork. He had the audience in fits.
It was back to the deep south next with cantor Richard Potter singing the Gershwin classic Summertime. A Tragedy of Two Ambitions - comprising Lizzy and John Howes - sang two songs next - the Elton John song I need you to turn to, and the Joni Mitchell ballad Both Sides Now.
The first half closed with the Barbershop Quartet, comprising Richard Potter, Huw Marshall, Brian Davies and John Howes, singing With a little bit of luck from My Fair Lady.
Then we had a shared supper in the interval.

The second half.

Host Father Ted arrived on stage to the James Brown song I Feel Good. The half opened with another appearance by Scamps, this time backed by trio Serenity. They sang two songs from the forthcoming musical Twenty20. They were Trio and Achieve, Enjoy.
There wasn't a dry eye in the house as Brian Davies delivered the classic musical song Some Enchanted Evening by Rogers and Hammerstein. Paul Francis, backed by Greg Floyd on drums, then sang and played the Phil Collins song about the homeless, Another Day in Paradise plus the Elton John song from the 1980s, I guess that's why they call it the blues.
Michael Floyd and John Howes then sang From A Distance, followed by a beautiful rendition of Quem Pastores by Jacob Palmer.
A comedy sketch song was next up, hilariously performed by Diane Davies, Sue Leary, Teresa Mortimore, Mary Watson and Mary Hope. It was their own version of My Favourite Things.
Folk trio The Withered Arm (Lizzy and John Howes plus Greg Floyd) next sang Killing Me Softly followed by the late news headlines delivered by Father Ted. Serenity then took centre stage with three rock numbers - She Was Just 17, Roll Over Beethoven and another good rocker. The finale was led by Astrid Blee, Lauren Downing and Elinor Davies saying Thankyou for the Music. They were joined by the entire company and the audience of about 150 people joined in with the singing.
Thanks to everyone who made it such an enjoyable evening.

33rd Sunday of Year A

The church's year is gradually drawing to a close, with Christ the King next week being our final celebration before Advent. All the children's groups were operating today, with the Little Disciples looking after the very young. It was good to see so many children in church.
Looking ahead, the parish in-council meets on Thursday night. Everyone in the parish is a member of this group - whether they like it or not! Anyone can attend the meetings and you can find the agenda on the parish website.
The UCM Christmas baskets were on view - and you can buy raffle tickets for this fantastic festive prize after mass next week. The UCM mince pie evening is on Wednesday November 26th at 7.45pm. It's always a good evening, so try to get along.
Next week, there will be an emergency appeal for the Congo.

Parish Concert - some images

The Parish Concert, 2008

The Sacred Heart Parish Concert took place on Saturday November 8th 2008 at Crescent School. There were 21 acts, including comedy, instrumentals and singing and the event was compered by Father Ted Mullen.
Here is a short video of Serenity playing at the end of the show.