Good evening my friends,

We are in December! Woohoo!! I’ve been feeling devoid of the expected excitement and happy anticipation that I usually have at this time of year, and I was wondering whether I had lost my mojo. But earlier in the week I had cause to reflect upon everything going on around us, all the amazing activities, the blossoming friendships, the care and reaching out that is happening in all our communities and I realised how extraordinary and fantastic everyone is. I seem to be surrounded by people with more good will and energy than I could have imagined possible. So many of you are taking a lead to organise part of our Advent and Christmas celebrations, and as a result, they will be richer, will have a wider reach, and will be more creative than I could have ever managed on my own. Thank you so much for all that you are doing. 

Because we are on the gentle sweep of activities towards Christmas there isn’t an awful lot to tell you.The rota is packed with lovely services and events and I commend every single one of them to you! Each community has its own little unique aspects to the way it celebrates, and I love how even the Carol Services can all be different! With that in my mind, there is another rota change to tell you about – 

Coed-y-Paen will not be having a service on Christmas morning now. The community there have decided to put all their energy into raising the roof on Christmas Eve at their Carol Service. if you were intending going there please come along to a service elsewhere on that morning – there are plenty to choose from!

Finally can I remind you of the wonderful words of the blessing we sometimes have at the end of our services – it is always worth praying if you are restless, can’t sleep, or are troubled in any way. Using scripture to ease our busy minds can be so helpful – 

“The Lord is Near! Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation with prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6)

You know where I am if I can help with anything.

Much love to you all,

Sally xxxx

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	Rev’d Sally Ingle-Gillis
Vicar, Heart of Monmouthshire Ministry Area
Monmouth Diocese
07813 264429