Central Church Newsletter
December 2025
As we approach the most celebrated time of year in the Christian calendar, may we give thanks for the year that is slowly coming to an end and pray for all those who are still suffering from the consequences of war, hunger and disease. As we celebrate with family and friends may we also continue to hope that 2026 will be a new beginning for the many displaced people around the world.
Wishing all our Church Family a Happy and Blessed Christmas.
Linda and Malcolm Johnson
WISHING YOU A JOY-FILLED CHRISTMAS
Dear Friends,
Looking around the world today there doesn’t seem to be much joy. The ongoing destruction of Ukraine. The desperation of the residents of Gaza. The little boats ferrying refugees and others crossing the English Channel. And I could go on … and on! All of those situations speak of joylessness not joy. So, should we change the message of Christmas this year?
I can’t help noticing that every part of the story of Jesus’ coming into the world was marked by joy. It started when Mary was informed, to her very great surprise, that she was going to give birth to a son. She was probably a teenager and almost certainly poor. This was the very last thing that she ever imagined would happen to her. But she exclaimed: “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.” Elizabeth, her relative, was pregnant with John the Baptist when Mary went to visit her and as soon as she heard about Mary’s arrival, John leapt in his mother’s womb. Everyone was joyful.
However, all this joy shouldn’t make us forget that the world at the time was anything but joyful. The Roman occupation of the land was brutal and people were desperate to be set free. The last thing that anyone wanted was a census at the time of Jesus’ birth. The only reason the Romans wanted it was for tax purposes. It was just one more layer of oppression. But nothing could restrain the joy of Jesus’ birth. Even the shepherds in the fields outside Bethlehem got caught up in the excitement and were informed by an angel: “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people”. And that announcement was followed up by a heavenly choir singing praise to God. The joy was everywhere! And then, later on, we meet mysterious travellers from the East coming to Jesus to present their precious gifts. Led by a star we are told that they were overjoyed to be led to see the baby.
My point is this. Joy is at the heart of the Christmas message and it is a joyful message for us today whatever the circumstances. The Christmas story gives us an insight into the heart of God. It shows us what sort of God he is. He is a God of love who always brings joy to us, however big the struggles and difficulties we face. I don’t believe God wants us to shut our eyes from the evil and sadness of our world. He wants to meet us in the heart of our struggles and share his joy with us.
It is wonderful to see the way that we are able to serve God at Central Church. I am really delighted to see the way in which we are able to open our doors to other churches. It is our honour to welcome Lagoinha Church and New Life Church each week. We continue to be amazed and thrilled by the success of Big Breakfast Plus and Alternative Angels who are providing food for large numbers of hungry people every week. And it is wonderful to see the happy welcome which is extended to people every Monday morning through our own Community Café. At other times you will see our buildings welcoming bereavement groups, language classes and a wide variety of other activities. In these challenging times our buildings are being used to bring much joy to many people.
I wish you and your family a very joyful Christmas.
With warmest greetings.
Yours ever, in Christ
Revd Jonathan Edwards
Transitional Minister
Sunday services at 10.30 a.m.
- 7 December: Revd Jonathan Edwards, HOLY COMMUNION
- 14 December: David Easter
- 21 December: Revd Jonathan Edwards, HOLY COMMUNION + Carol Service at 4.30 p.m, followed by a bring and share tea.
- 28 December: Martyn Cook
There will also be a service on Christmas morning at 10 a.m. taken by Revd Jonathan Edwards
Dates for your diary, held at the Pilgrim Centre unless stated otherwise. (Please phone Jonathan on 07876 234264 if you need Barbara’s address.)
- Monday 1 December: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m: Community Café
- Thursday 4 December: 2.30 p.m: Bible Study
- Monday 8 December: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m: Community Café
- Tuesday 9 December: 7.30 p.m: Bible Study at Barbara’s
- Monday 15 December: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m: Community Café
- Thursday 18 December: 2.30 p.m: Bible Study
- Monday 22 December: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m: Community Cafe, with Christmas celebration.
- Tuesday 23 December: 7.30 p.m: Bible Study at Barbara’s
Below is an extract from the Eco District Newsletter sent to Judith
The COP meetings can seem to be an exercise in national self-interest with the rich and powerful maintaining their self-interest. But there is a vital need for us not to give up. The recent destruction in Jamaica caused by Hurricane Melissa has emphasised the potential destructive power of climate change. The seas in the Caribbean have reached 30 degrees C – wonderful for a holiday swim but also a source of generative power for tropical storms. The impact has been both human and economic. The argument that we cannot afford to take climate action needs to be countered by the clear statement that we cannot afford NOT to take action.
The next United Nations Climate Conference takes place in the Amazon from 10-21 November. Please commit this matter to prayer asking that the leaders of nations may be more deeply committed to caring for God’s creation and willing to lay aside their narrow self-interest. Please challenge those who dismiss climate action as ‘woke’ by setting out the facts of what is happening. Please contact your MP and ask them to press the British government to take bold steps.
Commitment for Life
Following our Harvest Collection for Commitment for Life, £100 will be sent to the URC.
Action for Children
If anyone has an AFC lantern money box, can you please bring it into church asap and leave in the office for Chris to count as soon as she is able. Thank you.
Thought for the Day – “All the Christmas presents in the world are worth nothing without the presence of Christ.” – David Jeremiah
Deadline for January 2026 Newsletter – Tuesday 30th December 2025.