Notices for this week 13th December 2009

Is the Course in Christian Studies for you?
Come and find out at a taster evening tomorrow, Monday December 14th, 7.45pm at St Hugh's Church, Kensington Road, Northolt. This is a course being run in the Willesden Area of our Diocese as a foundation for Christian study and learning and aims to excite Christians as they discover more of the Bible and the Christian tradition and learn about the church in the contemporary world. It runs for six terms and the next course will be on Mondays, 7.45-9.45pm from January 11th. Go and check out the next course which is as local as it can get, to discover whether it's for you. More details from Penny Pedley on 020 8578 7997. See the leaflets in the centre.

Lights of Life Tree for Remembering
Christmas is often a difficult time of the year for those who have lost a friend or relative. You are invited to visit the Lights of Life Tree in the Dovetail Centre where you can spend a few moments remembering a loved one who has died and add their name on a gold coloured tag to the tree. There is space to be quiet or pray, with refreshments available in the lounge. This year the Lights of Life Tree is available around daily service times and through the day whenever the centre is open, from tomorrow, Monday December 14th. Please spread the word to friends and neighbours.

Church Christmas Card messages must be received by Wednesday 16th December.
Once again the church is inviting you to send your greetings to friends at St Joseph’s via a collective church family Christmas card, and to give the money saved on individual cards to our St Joseph's Dovetail Centre project (which few of us can be unaware of!).  Please put a short seasonal message and your cash/cheque ('St Joseph the Worker PCC') in an envelope marked “Church Christmas card” and give it to the vicar, treasurer or Church Wardens, or just put the envelope in the collection bag or the pigeonhole marked 'Church Christmas Card'. The church family card will be available for all to see on Sunday 20th December. Thank you.

Getting the church ready for Christmas
After our 10am mass next Sunday, December 20th, we have a number of jobs to do together to prepare church for our Christmas celebrations, including changing the banners, setting up and decorating the Christmas tree and nativity scene. Please be prepared to give some of your time next week to help get the church ready. Thank you!

Friday Youth Drop-In Needs You!
The Drop-In cannot open if we do not have enough adults. So we are asking people to sign up on the rota in the Dovetail Centre to help for a night in the tuck shop. Come along, volunteer your time and find out what youth work is about. No upper age limit!! Chris Hill

Confirmation Service in 2010
Bishop Pete will be visiting us for our confirmation service on Sunday January 31st at 10am. If you are a committed Christian, over 16 years and have not yet been confirmed as a member of the Church of England, please seriously consider making taking this step and speak to Fr Simon. There will be three preparation sessions on Thursday evenings in January.

New Wine 2010
If you want to come as part of our St Joseph's group to the New Wine summer conference in Somerset, July 24th-30th 2010, now is the time to get your booking in. Before 30th November places cost significantly less: for example, £116 for an adult. Or you can pay a deposit now to secure your place, and then budget something each month towards paying your place in full. The 12,000 places for the week are generally sold out by February. See http://www.new-wine.org/  for more information. There's a promotional DVD available to get an idea of what all ages enjoy at this week of worship, teaching and fellowship.

Advent Wreath
Each week in Advent we light a new candle on the Advent Wreath in church and as we do that we remember those who prepared for the coming of Christ. 
This week Advent 3– John the Baptist
We pray together:

Lord Jesus, light of the world,
John told the people to prepare for you were very near. As Christmas grows closer day by day, help us to be ready to welcome you now.
Amen

“Save the Children Fund”Please don’t forget to bring your USED STAMPS to Church especially foreign ones. There are a lot about at Christmas. Please place them in the box on the ledge near the entrance. Thanks Joan Kearley

St Joseph the Worker Cleaning Rota
Saturday 19th December Team 1 Betty Thorn, Susan Duah