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Message from the Manse
I'd like to begin by wishing everyone a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
Advent is a time of expectant waiting and preparation but what are we waiting and preparing for?
As Christians we should be waiting and preparing, not for Christ's birth, that happened over 2000 years ago, but for His return.
Those who are not Jesus followers are instead busy expectantly waiting and preparing for the present exchange of Christmas Day without a second thought to the true meaning of Christmas.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that we should not celebrate Christmas Day, but we do need to re-focus the lens onto the birth, life, death and resurrection of Christ rather than on excessive gift buying, eating and drinking.
Jesus Christ is the present - the best present we ever received. The Son of God, who came into the world to show us the right way to live. He is "the present in the present" - his words and his teachings remain with us and continue to offer the good news of mercy, love and peace.
Jesus shows us how to live God's way and God's word. Be warned though, it is not a smooth path. It will likely be filled with challenges and temptations but if we seek to faithfully follow His teaching we will be welcomed as his brothers and sisters.
In John's Gospel (8:12) Jesus tells us: ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’
So, as we prepare and wait for Christmas and the New Year let us fill ourselves, and others, with love - pure and unconditional love that permeates every area of our life.
So let us look to move into Advent with a new enthusiasm for being children of God. Let us always be ready to welcome the stranger, feed the hungry and clothe the naked in preparation for Christ's return - Jesus might be the migrant, the malnourished or the homeless individual you are walking past as you wait for Christmas morning.
This advent be the change you want to see in the world – be Jesus and show love for all humankind.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
May your Christmas and 2025 be filled with blessings, grace and peace.
Ruth
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Parkgate and Neston URC Safeguarding Policy
The aim of the policy is to ensure that protecting people from abuse, harm or neglect is central to our culture. It provides procedures for promoting safeguarding, preventing abuse and protecting children, adults at risk and staff. This includes clear procedures for taking appropriate action when safeguarding concerns are raised.
It is approved and endorsed by the Elders and applies to:
• All members of our church
• All those who attend and serve our church/place of worship and its services
• Our Trustees and Elders
• Paid staff (both internal and external eg contractors or consultants)
• Volunteers
• Organisations and groups which hire our building with written agreement to operate under the church safeguarding policy.
You can obtain further details, and contact our Safeguarding Officers, through the following email address enquiries@parkgateandnestonurc.org.uk or tel 0151 339 9149
