The Church of England in common with many other churches uses a Calendar of Seasons. With Christmas/Epiphany and Eastertide as the two main seasons of the church year, the calendar not only gives a rhythm to our Christian lives but also ensures that each year we are kept in rememberance of all the aspects of our redemption in Jesus.

On 30th November this year we begin the season of Advent. The Advent season is the beginning of the church year and is generally seen as a time of preparation for Christmas. However as the Collect for Advent 1 shows us, Advent not only reminds us of Jesus coming into this world as a baby born in Bethleham, but also prepares us for his future coming in his glorious majesty.

The Collects and readings at the Sunday Service during Advent help us to explore the different aspects of this season of preparation.

Gospel for Advent Sunday: Mark 13.24-37.
Jesus tell his disciples to observe the signs and to keep watch for the Son of man coming in clouds with great power and glory.

Gospel for Advent 2: Mark 1.1-8.
John the Baptist preaches a baptism of repentance to prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. We are reminded of the words from Isaiah 40:3 which tell of the messenger in the desert.

Every couple of years a church group spends a very enjoyable weekend at Wydale York Diocesan Centre. Please click here to view some photographs of one of the weekends.