Brown Edge

As individuals and also as a group Connect2 are involved in a number of different activities in and around our village.

God, we ask for a flourishing community, where neighbours learn to care for each other and the beauty of the creation that surrounds us. We pray that we can be good stewards of Your love to each one of our neighbours. We ask that You help us to learn from each member of our community, the young and the old and it may be a place where all are welcomed.

Connect2 Parish News articles:

December 2023

Christmas baking with my mum, putting up homemade decorations, meals with friends and family, Boxing Day at Grandma Hilda’s house, mince pies, carol services, and time to read a brand-new book: these are my fondest memories of Christmas. These for me make Christmas the most wonderful time of the year. If these simple things are what matters why is it still tempting to get stressed when someone asks if I am ready for Christmas? The truth is that in all my adult life I have never really been ready for Christmas – not the way that the world seems to want me to be ready.

I was doing some research for work and came across some slightly concerning Christmas statistics. According to the 2022 figures for the UK:

• £21 billion will be spent on Christmas gifts each year,
• 230,000 tonnes of food will be wasted. This will include 11.3 million roast potatoes, 7.5 million mince pies, 740,000 portions of Christmas pudding.
• 383,400 km of wrapping paper will be thrown away – that is enough to reach to the moon and back.

I can hear myself echoing my Mum’s words: ‘What is the world coming to?’ In a world where people are struggling to pay bills, where there is unrest and wars on every continent, is this really what Christmas is all about? I really hope not.

It may feel superficial in our current world, to look to the brightest star, the true shining light of Christmas – Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us. But I believe it is because of the state of the world we must look to Jesus.  It is in the coming of Jesus we find a new beginning, a new life, and a renewed hope. Jesus, the brightest star in the darkest night helps us to fix our eyes on the future with an expectant hopefulness.

‘For to us a child is born,

    to us a son is given,

    and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called:

    Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,

    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the greatness of his government and peace

    there will be no end.’

A Blessed Christmas from everyone at Connect2.

Community Knitting Group

A group of local knitters are working hard to knit scarves for homeless and vulnerable people. If you want to join in this great work you can find out more by visiting our Facebook page Connect2 (just look for our logo) or email us directly on connect2brownedge@gmail.com .

‘I asked the people of Brown Edge if anyone would be willing to knit scarves for the homeless. I was quite overwhelmed by the response! Not only did lots of people say they would be pleased to do something worthwhile, but I was given a bin bag full of wool and several pairs of brand new knitting needles! Up to now we have 38 beautiful scarves, a beanie hat and 3 neck-warmers!! Many people have said that they appreciate being able to be useful in such difficult days. We have pledged 10 scarves each to 3 charities, and possibly a further 10 to a residential care home where some of the residents have no family at all…’
We are hoping that, in the summer, when government guidelines allow, all the lovely knitters
can meet as a group, in the garden, for tea and cakes, to celebrate being together!