This Sunday, the Church begins a new liturgical year with the season of Advent. Advent, from the Latin for ‘coming,’ is a time of preparation – both for the coming of the Lord at Christmas, and for his coming again at the end of time. It offers Christians an opportunity for spiritual renewal – for getting our prayer life back on track – and an increase of charity and works of mercy.

On Advent Sunday, 3 December, the Eucharist will be celebrated at Bethesda at 8am and 10am. Our Bible Study also meets this Sunday and next between services, beginning at 9.20am. If you are unable to attend worship on Sunday, Holy Communion is said at 12.10 on Thursdays in Advent. When you come, please consider bringing packaged or canned food items which will be taken to a local foodbank. You may leave them in the box by the side entrance of the church.

About the image: It is a section of “The Archangel Gabriel” by Masolino da Panicale – circa 1430 from the National Gallery of Art.