I have to admit that I am starting to run out of steam for these now! Today I will choose the 'anonymous gift' one but not quite sure to whom it will be given.
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#Advent Challenge Day 18
I used to have fairly regular 'open house' gatherings but somewhere along the line they dwindled away. So this is a good challenge for me - and I here and very publicly commit to working my way through the Church Directory next year so that everyone gets at least one invitation to my house...
Dear Catriona
So many of the best moments in life are shared with other people. Meeting together around a good meal is a fantastic way to build deeper and more meaningful relationships.
Hospitality is a central part of relationships, as we invite people to really get to know us in our own homes. On many occasions the Bible encourages us to show hospitality to one another – and not just those that we particularly get along with.
How can you show hospitality?1 Offer to cook a meal for someone who is unable to cook for themselves
Accept challenge >2 Open your house to those who you might not normally invite over
Accept challenge >3 Commit to inviting people over regularly (at least once a month) next year
Accept challenge >A view from the Bible
"Above everything, love one another earnestly, because love covers over many sins. Open your homes to each other without complaining. Each one, as a good manager of God's different gifts, must use for the good of others the special gift he has received from God."
1 Peter 4: 8-10 -
Advent in Narnia
Our Advent in Narnia series concluded today (I was sorry to miss today's but alas two many plates to spin meant I was elsewhere).
It has been fun, with good attendances and a lovely atmosphere. We also raised £70 for the Christian AId CHristmas appeal, which will be matched by the UK Government, so that's pretty good too!
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#Advent Challenge Day 17
Oops, forgot to upload this earlier... was too busy with other things! And being busy took the easy option of text donation.
Dear Catriona
In a world of plenty, many still face a daily struggle just to get by. In England alone, the number of people sleeping rough has risen by at least 55% since 2010.
Poverty and inequality isn’t a new phenomenon. In fact, even some of the earliest-written parts of the Bible talk about caring for those in need.
Select your challenge!1 Buy a blanket or some food and drink for someone sleeping rough
Accept challenge >2 Take time to talk to someone sleeping rough
Accept challenge >3 Text ‘Hamper’ to 70500 to donate £5 and help give a food hamper and Bible stories to a UK family living in poverty this Christmas. If you don’t want Bible Society to contact you by phone in future, add the words NO INFO to your text. View our full terms and conditions.
Accept challenge >A view from the Bible
"Defend the rights of the poor and the orphans; be fair to the needy and the helpless."
Psalm 82.3 -
#Advent Challenge Day 16
Nice easy ones today, and one that I was planning to do anyway, so maybe I'll take on two! See what you think:
Dear Catriona
It’s easy to go through life and take for granted the things that make our life just that little bit easier. It could be the bus driver that takes you into town, or the childminder who looks after the children.
Whoever it is, how many times have you actually thanked them for what they do? In the Bible, Paul often starts his letters by thanking God for those he has met.
So, who will you engage with today?1 Give a Christmas card to a shop or business you regularly use
Accept challenge >2 Thank someone for whom you’re really grateful
Accept challenge >3 Get to know someone who provides a service to you
Accept challenge >A view from the Bible
"I have not stopped giving thanks to God for you. I remember you in my prayers"
Ephesians 1.16
