New Year Prayer

Almighty God, by whose mercy my life has been yet prolonged to another year,

grant that thy mercy may not be in vain.

Let not my years be multiplied to increase my guilt,

but as age advances, let me become more pure in my thoughts,

more regular in my desires, and more obedient to thy laws.

Let not the cares of the world distract me, nor the evils of age overwhelm me.

But continue and increase thy loving kindness towards me,and when thou shalt call me hence, receive me to everlasting happiness,for the sake of Jesus Christ,our Lord.

Samuel Johnson: 1709–1794

Joy to the World

Kundai, Miriam and Jess at DNA Christmas Carol Service

Sue and Sarah sharing about the Christmas Hope

Joel and Josiah on African Drums

Christmas Week Programme

Sunday December 21st: STAY IN BED!!
4-5.00pm at Arts Centre:
Theme: Christmas Mulled and Minced:
Carols, Storytelling, Mulled Punch, Mince Pies


Christmas Day, December 25th, WAKE UP!!
Christmas Communion 10-11.00am at Arts Centre
Theme: Bethlehem Then and Now

Sunday December 28th: 10.30 am in Arts Centre
Theme: Joseph, Mary, Jesus- Refugee Family

DNA Weekend: 13th/14th Dec

DNA Colchester & Luton Youth event

14/12/08

DNA Youth in action

Morning session led by Andrew

Sue and Viv did some amazing food for the hungry DNA Youth

Football News:

3rd victory of the season

Question of Sports...Who is this??

DNA Footballer celebrating the 4-1 victory over Berechurch on 13/12/08

Feedback from Dec 7th

Hi from 294
We had a great morning of fellowship, sharing thoughts and ideas, with some croissants thrown in (not forgetting the great hot chocolate as Lewis commented!)

Here are some thoughts
' It's all about Jesus' /'Jesus Christ is the center of God's plan for the world'

' I'd rather see people than have a present' / 'It's all about giving and sharing' / 'Give more time, not money' / 'Being obedient to God'

'When we first become a Christian it's like we let God in as a baby, then our faith grows and grows in us as we mature'

' We need to ask God what we can do. So watch this space!' '
Jesus can be born in anyone's heart, just welcome Him in.' Revelation 3:20

All neatly summed up by Maddie in a conversation at home with her Mum ' I really like Christmas but Jesus comes first'

From Hereford Rd
Point of Christmas
Jesus being born in our lives / Season of joy and sharing/ God became man for us

Managing out emotions, finances and expectations
Expectations can affect our emotions, relationships and finances
How to manage our emotions during Christmas?
Have enough sleep/ Pace yourself/ keep communication channels oiled/ pray/ enjoy the season/ Time to work together
Emotions and finances don’t sit together well.
It’s better to be in the presence of others than give presents!
We need to break the expectation of giving gifts!

Born again
Jesus says come to me and I will give you my Spirit. Christmas is meant to be a time of new life in Christ.

Venue Change: Sacred Space - 7th Dec

Christine Claydon will be leading Sacred Space
this Sunday December 7th,
7-8pm
at 52 Wellesley Road (Not St Martin's)

Questions to ponder...

• What’s the point of Christmas?
• How can we effectively manage our emotions, our finances, our relationships this Christmas?
• The carol says, O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today. What does it mean to have Jesus born in us?
• What random and unexpected acts of kindness can I do this Christmas?