PEW SHEET 4th December 2016

ADVENT WEEK TWO

THE JESSE TREE – a Jesse Tree was originally a two dimensional representation of the family tree of Jesus tracing his ancestry from Jesse of Bethlehem, the father of King David. Its origins date back to the Medieval Period when many people were illiterate. The Jesse Tree was a kind of teaching aid to help people understand that Jesus was the fulfilment of the prophesy suggested by the Old Testament prophet Isaiah. ‘A shoot shall come out from the stock of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.’ (Isaiah 11:1) The Jesse Tree can also be used as a type of Advent Calendar to which a new symbol is added either day by day or week by week. Each symbol helps tell the story of salvation history from creation until the birth of Jesus. We have assembled some 25 Jesse Tree symbols on the tree in the foyer at Holy Trinity. You are invited to turn them over to discover their meaning. For example: Joseph and his coat; A tent and camel; A lamb with a pennant. Each card includes a commentary on the Bible reading, questions for reflection and a short prayer.

DURING ADVENT -

Rev. Jo will host PRAY AS YOU GO at The Black Ram Agar Room on Wednesdays 11.30am PAYG is a simple time of reflection using the daily readings.

EVENING PRAYER DURING ADVENT – you are invited to join Rev. Jo for Evening Prayer 6.00pm each night at Holy Trinity, Yarram.

Yarram Combined Churches Community Christmas Carols – Regent Theatre Sunday 11^th December 7.30pm please make plans to attend. If you would like to offer assistance with taking up the offering, giving out programs, or reading the scripture please speak to Rev. Jo

Parish Council Meeting 7^th December 4.00pm at the Rectory

TODAY St John’s Congregational Meeting following our 9.00am service

Nine Lessons and Carols Sunday 18^th December  

7.30pm at Holy Trinity

This Traditional evening of readings and carols was first begun by the Dean of Kings College in Cambridge, Eric Milner-White, to involve the people of Cambridge in the great sweep of salvation history. The Nine Lessons begin with the story of Adam’s fall, moving through the prophet Isaiah to the annunciation and birth of Jesus. The church always looks fabulous for this event with candles and festive lights. The evening will conclude with sparkling refreshments. We hope you will join us for this very special night.

Christmas is Coming – there are number of Christmas Catalogues from various mission agencies on the Mission Table including: Tear Australia, Christian Blind Mission, Bible League International, and Anglicare Victoria.

Koorong Christmas Catalogue includes lots of good ideas for family and friends

Anglicare invites us to purchase gifts for their annual Toy Appeal. You might consider the following: Lego blocks, arts and crafts materials, board games, baby blankets, educational DVD’s, books, clothing, sports equipment, jewellery, gift vouchers, 2017 diaries.

Anglicare asks that all items donated are new and unwrapped. Most gifts given are for younger children so please do not forget to consider gifts for teenagers.

Please place your gifts under the tree today until Sunday 18^th December.