Weekly News

Benefice Office Opening Hours
Monday to Friday -  9:30 am to 1.00 pm

23rd November 2025

Christ The King

Welcome
If you are new to this church, it is lovely that you can join us today. We produce this information on a weekly basis which you can have emailed to you along with other information about the benefice.
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or email tovebeneficeoffice@gmail.com



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The Collect
Eternal Father, whose Son Jesus Christ ascended to the throne of heaven that he might rule over all things as Lord and King: keep the Church in the unity of the Spirit and in the bond of peace, and bring the whole created order to worship at his feet; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Post Communion
Stir up, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may by you be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lectionary Readings for Sunday:

Old Testament Reading:  Jeremiah 23: 1 – 6
Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the Lord. Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: It is you who have scattered my flock and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the Lord. Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall no longer fear or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the Lord. The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”

New Testament Reading: Colossians 1: 11 – 20
May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, so that you may have all endurance and patience, joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation, for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.

Gospel: Luke 23: 33 – 43
When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by watching, but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingdom.” He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Please click here (or on the image) for This Weeks Daily Readings
 

Benefice Prayers 

We pray for those who are sick at this time and remember those who have recently died and pray for their families:

Continuing Prayers for
Linda Wibley
Nai Piper

Sick
Caroline Hunt
Jackie Parson
Bob Upton
William Ironmonger
Revd Arthur Hughes
Emily
John Smith
Christine Booth

Rest In Peace
Margaret Brown
Christa Griffiths
Mike Smith
Richard Edwards

Benefice Notices

Men at The Mill
Next meeting is at 7:30pm on Wednesday 26th November at The Mill in Towcester.




Hog, Hits and Hallelujahs!
7:00 pm Wednesday 10th December at St Bartholomew’s, Greens Norton.
Our God & Chips community has been growing, laughing, sharing and eating together throughout the year. Now we’re bringing that same welcoming spirit into Christmas with a carol concert like no other! Hogs, Hits & Hallelujah blends much-loved carols with some of the greatest Christmas number-one hits, creating a fun, meaningful and memorable celebration for all ages. And because food is part of our story, we’ll finish together with a delicious hog roast and mince pie. It’s about neighbours becoming friends, church feeling like home, and discovering joy, hope and belonging this Christmas. Tickets £5 available from Hunts Butchers.

Advent Candles 
These are available to purchase now from Sarah Barnett or The Benefice Office. There are red and white ones with gold writing, £2 each.



Walking Into Advent – Sunday 30th November
Every Christmas, we celebrate the coming of our Lord to the Earth to rescue us.
Advent is the time when we wait in hope and anticipation. God came and dwelt among us. This year, we thought it would be good to share our joy with the people of Towcester, by walking down Watling Street carrying Lanterns. These can be proper lanterns or jam jars with battery operated tea lights in, which we can provide. We meet at 3.30pm, starting from Whittons Lane. The aim is for us all to be carrying lanterns and slowly walk towards St Lawrence Church, perhaps singing as we go. We will go into the church in time for the Advent Service at 4:00pm. If you would like to join us, please contact Helen Castle on 07786-385207 or the Benefice Office on 01327350459.

Cake donations for Benefice Advent Carol Service
If you would like to make a donation of cakes/biscuits/traybakes for the Benefice Advent Carol Service at St Lawrence Church on 30th November at 4:00 pm could you please leave in the kitchen area marked 'For Benefice Carol Service'.

Sunday 30th November 
Benefice Advent Sunday Service 10:15am at St Bartholomew’s with Archdeacon Richard and Benefice Advent Carol Service 4:00 pm at St Lawrence – Revd Paula is looking for volunteers to read one from each parish. Please call her or the Benefice Office 01327 350459

St Lawrence Christmas Tree Festival 2025
This will run from Thursday 18th December throughout the Christmas period. The theme will be “Peace on Earth, and goodwill to all mankind”.
If you would like to contribute with decorating a tree or a standalone decoration please contact the Benefice Office for more details.

Bradden Village Quiz
We are pleased to announce the quiz will take place on Friday the 12th December at 7:30pm (subject to a minimum number of villagers taking part). Will the Martin Family defend their title again? They’ve won the last 2 quizzes so who fancies giving them a proper challenge this time out? If you don’t have a team to enter, don’t worry as we will make sure you will team up with other villagers. This is also the planned date for the BIG Bradden Village Lottery draw, where the winner walks away with £200. So – lots going on, lots to enjoy, we really hope many of you can support the village by joining us. Tickets are £5. All we ask is that you confirm your attendance by the 22nd of November so that we can plan the event, and buy some cheese and biscuits, crisps and stock the bar.

Communion
Please can we ask and remind people to refrain from dipping (intinction) their wafer into the wine when receiving communion. Those administering the chalice do not wish to cause upset at the communion rail. The reason for non-dipping policy is on the bishop’s advice and twofold: firstly one of hygiene and secondly because we have members who are gluten intolerant. If you feel unable to receive the wine from the chalice then receiving in one kind means you are making a valid communion. Thank you for your understanding.

Easton Neston Church and Churchyard visitors
If you have previously registered your number plate for access to visit St Mary's Easton Neston Church and Churchyard and it is not working the gate, please would you let Bev know on 01327 354385.

Please click here, or on the image, for This Months Services