Advent: Hope

Dear church family,
Did you know that this Sunday is the first Sunday in Advent?  The season of Advent simultaneously looks back to the coming of the baby Jesus in Bethlehem and looks forward with hope to the second coming of Jesus.  It is at this time that we are particularly aware of living in the now and not yet of the Kingdom of Heaven.  Traditionally, on the first Sunday in Advent, the first candle in an advent wreath will be lit, representing Hope.  The Old Testament prophets foretold the coming of the Jewish Messiah and looked forward to that day with hope:

The people walking in darkness
    have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
    a light has dawned.       (Isaiah 9:2)

Advent hope is rooted with trust in the loving, faithful and unchanging character of God and his promise to restore the whole of creation when Jesus comes again.  This kind of hope acknowledges the difficulties and often painful experiences that we all go through whilst holding on with courage and tenacity, choosing to trust God and his promise that he will guide us through the storms of life.  Is your hope rooted in the eternal faithfulness of God?  

My prayer for you this week is worded perfectly by Paul in Romans 15:13: 'May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.'

Much love,

Paula x

SUNDAY GATHERING 10:30AM Join us in person this Sunday as we continue our series on the life of Elisha or join us online: https://youtu.be/Bw5-xXA3-d4



IMMERSE | THIS SUNDAY 30th November 6:30 for 7pm start | New Wells Ashford
This is our monthly evening service where we spend time immersing ourselves in the presence of God.  It is a wonderful time of Spirit-led worship, space to hear from God and a short message.


YOUNG ADULTS CHRISTMAS PARTY | Saturday 6th December 4pm | New Wells Ashford
If you are between the ages of 18 and 30ish, you are invited to an evening of festive fun including food, a photo booth and a quiz!  Don't miss out!

MESSY CHRISTMAS | Saturday 13th December | New Wells Ashford
We will have our Nativity photo booth, petting zoo, crafts, The Well refreshments, hot dogs and a gift for every child.
If you are able to help, please click here to complete a form.
We have 3 sessions.  Please register below if you want to attend with children:
Session one | 10:30am - 12pm | Register here : FULL
Session two | 12:30 - 2pm | Register here : https://willesboroughbaptistchurch.churchsuite.com/events/wfwcrzfa
Session three | 2:30pm - 4pm | Register here : https://willesboroughbaptistchurch.churchsuite.com/events/gxgn9ejw
Our spaces get filled up super quickly, so make sure you book soon!


CHRISTMAS FOR EVERYONE | Sunday 21st December
New Wells Ashford 9:15am and 11:30am
Finberry (Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce) 6pm
A modern Christmas service with songs, drama, hot chocolate, mulled wine, mince pies and a gift for every child.  Fun for Everyone!


CAROLS AT BRABOURNE | Sunday 21st December 3pm | New Wells Brabourne
Come along for Christmas Carols, a Christmas message and fun followed by festive snacks!  Bring your friends and family!




Sunday 30th November Immerse | 6:30pm for 7pm start New Wells Ashford
Saturday 6th December Young Adults Christmas Party | 4pm New Wells Ashford
Sunday 7th December Fancy Dress Christingle | 10:30am New Wells Ashford
Wednesday 10th December Kids Christmas Party | 5:30-7pm New Wells Ashford
Saturday 13th December Messy Christmas | 10:30am-12pm; 12:30-2pm & 2:30-4pm New Wells Ashford
Tuesday 16th December Church Family Christmas Quiz | 7pm New Wells Ashford
Thursday 18th December Carols on the Green | 6pm The Warren, Brabourne
Friday 19th December Youth Christmas Party | 7-9pm New Wells Ashford
Saturday 20th December Christmas at The Well | 9am-12pm
Sunday 21st December Christmas for Everyone | 9:15 and 11:30 am New Wells Ashford & 6pm Finberry (Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce)
Sunday 21st December Carol Service | 3pm New Wells Brabourne
Tuesday 23rd December Reverb Carols | 1:30pm New Wells Brabourne
Wednesday 24th December Carols by Candlelight | 6:30pm New Wells Ashford
Wednesday 24th December Christmas Eve Communion | 11:45pm New Wells Brabourne
Christmas Day Service | 10am New Wells Thursday 25th December Brabourne & 10:30am New Wells Ashford

Sparks / Flames / Firestarters | Sunday mornings | Side Hall & The Well | Age 0-3, 3-6, 7-10
Blaze | Sunday mornings upstairs in The Well | Years 6-8
Ignite | Friday | 7-9pm | Main worship space | Years 7-13
Furnace | Mondays | 7-9pm | Moyles' manse | Years 9-13
The Well | Open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays | 9am-12pm
Tots @ The Well | Mondays 9-10am & 10:30am
Crafty Cuppa | Thursdays every other week | In The Well | 2-4pm
Power Hour | Whole church prayer and worship meeting | Thursdays every other week | 8pm
Brabourne Craft Group | Fourth Thursday of the month | 10am - 1pm | Brabourne Church
Renew Wellbeing | Tuesdays in The Well | 2-4pm
Reverb | midweek service every fourth Tuesday in the month | Brabourne | 1:30pm
Prayer | Before our Sunday service | front of church | 9:45am - all welcome!
Facebook prayers | Mon - Fri 8am | facebook.com/wbc.ashford
Early Morning Prayers | Wednesday mornings | 6:30am | Join here: www.willesboroughbaptist.church/prayer