Weekly News

Benefice Office Opening Hours
Monday to Friday -  9:30 am to 1.00 pm

14th December 2025

Third Sunday of Advent

Welcome
If you are new to this church, it is lovely that you can join us today. We produce this information on a weekly basis which you can have emailed to you along with other information about the benefice.
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or email tovebeneficeoffice@gmail.com



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The Collect
O Lord Jesus Christ, who at your first coming sent your messenger to prepare your way before you: grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready your way by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at your second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in your sight; for you are alive and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Post Communion
We give you thanks, O Lord, for these heavenly gifts; kindle in us the fire of your Spirit that when your Christ comes again we may shine as lights before his face; who is alive and reigns now and for ever. Amen.

Advent Candle Lighting - John the Baptist
Lord Jesus, light of the world, John told the people to prepare, for you were very near. Help us to be ready to welcome you now. Come, Lord Jesus, light of the world. Amen.

Lectionary Readings for Sunday:

Old Testament Reading:  Isaiah 35: 1 – 10
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and shouting. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weak hands and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.” Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be opened; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp; the grass shall become reeds and rushes. A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God’s people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

NewTestament Reading:  James 5: 7 - 10
Be patient, therefore, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Brothers and sisters, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, brothers and sisters, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

Gospel:  Matthew 11: 2 – 11
When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those with a skin disease are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.” As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What, then, did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What, then, did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ “Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist, yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Please click here (or on the image) for This Weeks Daily Readings
 

Benefice Prayers 

We pray for those who are sick at this time and remember those who have recently died and pray for their families:

Continuing Prayers for
Debbie Morris
Ellen Jones

Sick
Bob Upton
William Ironmonger
Revd Arthur Hughes
Emily
John Smith
Revd Sara Cliff
Connie Cowley

Rest In Peace
Christa Griffiths
Mike Smith
Richard Edwards
Joyce Hansell
Peter Allen
Georgie
Lynne Linney

Benefice Notices

Christingle Services
“Come and hear about the light that shines in the darkness”.
Our Christingle Services take place at:
St Mary’s, Easton Neston 4:00 pm on Saturday 6th December,
St Lawrence, Towcester 4:00 pm on Sunday 7th December and
St Bartholomew’s, Greens Norton 4:00 pm on Sunday 14th December.

St Lawrence Christmas Tree Festival 2025
This will run from Thursday 18th December throughout the Christmas period. The theme will be “Peace on Earth, and goodwill to all mankind”.
If you would like to contribute with decorating a tree or a standalone decoration please contact the Benefice Office for more details.

CTT Carols in the Square
Please join us at 6:30pm on Thursday 18th December for CTT Carols in the town.
There will be mulled wine, soft drinks and mince pies served in the Town Hall afterwards, St Lawrence Church will be open until 9:00 pm for the Christmas Tree Festival.

Carol Services
Traditional carol services with choir will be taking place at:
4:00 pm on Saturday 20th December at St Lawrence, Towcester,
4:00 pm Sunday 21st December at St Bartholomew’s, Greens Norton and
6:00 pm at St Augustine’s, Caldecote.

The dates for all our Christmas Services are listed on a sheet and available to collect from church.
Please take a copy, and one to pass on to friends and family.

Used / unwanted candles are once again being collected after Christmas for remelting in aid of Ukraine.
Please collect along with friends and drop into St Lawrence by 18th January.
No tea lights please.

Ukraine 
Looking for a meaningful Christmas present/stocking filler please consider buying Towcester Writer’s Group “10 Minute Tales” all profits in aid of our Ukraine Charity work.
Books available from the Chantry House or Steve Challen - £10 each.





Communion
Please can we ask and remind people to refrain from dipping (intinction) their wafer into the wine when receiving communion. Those administering the chalice do not wish to cause upset at the communion rail. The reason for non-dipping policy is on the bishop’s advice and twofold: firstly one of hygiene and secondly because we have members who are gluten intolerant. If you feel unable to receive the wine from the chalice then receiving in one kind means you are making a valid communion. Thank you for your understanding.

Easton Neston Church and Churchyard visitors
If you have previously registered your number plate for access to visit St Mary's Easton Neston Church and Churchyard and it is not working the gate, please would you let Bev know on 01327 354385.

Please click here, or on the image, for This Months Services