This Sunday 3rd December begins the new church year with the beginning of Advent. We shall enjoy the weeks running up to Christmas with more space for reflection, as well as the time for all our busy preparations for the festive weeks. In Hook we have our CHRISTINGLE, for all ages at 10am,​​​​​ and raise funds for the fabulous Chilldren's Society.  If you missed donating to the work of the Children's Society and would like to add your donation, please see our Christingle page for details. The following week, our CHRISTINGLE for all ages on Sunday 10th December is at 11am in ROTHERWICK. In addition this Sunday, we meet for Advent Communion at 8.30am in Hook, and 11am in Heckfield.

Friday 8th December after school is Messy Church.  Children of all ages are invited to bring their parent, grandparent or carer to Messy Church at St John's.  If you can, please let Jonathan know if you are going to join us (along with any dietary needs for catering purposes), but if you just turn up on the day that is also fine.  Email him at jonathanbushman@whitewaterchurches.co.uk

We have begun our Advent study groups. We are using the book entitled "Mary's Voice" by Amy Orr-Ewing. On Monday evenings for 4 weeks, Jennie is leading the group in person in the Parlour of St John's Church, after the Brownies have finished at 8pm. On Thursday evenings for 4 weeks, Jonathan is leading the group on zoom. Advent is a season for reflection, and even with the excitement of Christmas mounting, it is a season for taking time out to ponder the wonder of God's love gift, seen in the child in Bethlehem. 

Hot off the press! St John's Hook has been awarded the BRONZE A Rocha Eco Church award this week. This reflects our range of commitments to caring for God's world and one another, with Eco Church targets around our buildings, our lifestyle commitments, recycling, travel, worship and teaching, and is an award that many many of our church family in Hook have contributed to. Well done indeed. See our EcoMatters pages for more details.

We are also delighted that our two parish Christmas cards are now printed and ready for delivery. Please get in touch with the Church office next week if you want to find out more.   Look out for the Big Christmas Card at St John's - we have a big card at the back of church you can sign, and make a donation to our charities in lieu of sending cards to the church family.  This year the card is from the garden team, and in exchange for your donation, you can have a sticker with something you may find in the garden, to sign and stick on to the card.

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With every blessing, Canon Marion de Quidt