Welcome to St.Nick’s on Sunday 16th and 23rd November 2025
Dear Friends,
One evening, a mum came home from work to find chaos in the house. Her four-year-old son was crying his heart out, running from room to room, shouting, “No, Daddy! No!” between sobs. His dad was following close behind, clearly upset—trying to calm the boy down but also feeling frustrated and helpless.
The mum stood quietly for a moment, watching. Then she gently asked what was going on. As soon as the little boy heard her calm voice, he ran to her, clung to her leg, and whispered, “I don’t want it.” His dad picked him up and carried him into the small front room, where two big crumpled posters lay on the floor. The mum knew what they said: “House for Sale” in big red letters.
They all sat down. The boy curled up on his mum’s lap, frowning at the posters. His dad explained that earlier that morning, their son had asked what the big signs in the window were. When he told him they were moving to a new house, the boy had burst into tears and refused to eat. He’d been upset all day, and by dinnertime, he’d had enough. While his dad was out of the room, the boy had climbed up and ripped the posters down. That’s when the mum walked in.
Now, tired and worn out, the little boy let his mum take him into the hallway. They sat together on the bottom step. She spoke softly, telling him she understood how much he loved their home—but they were moving to a bigger, better one. Then she showed him some cardboard boxes she’d brought home just for him, so he could pack up his toys himself.
A few weeks later, a moving van arrived in a quiet, leafy street. As soon as the ramp came down, the boy ran up it, excited. He knew his tricycle had been packed last so it could come out first. Before anyone could stop him, he was riding it down the ramp and into his new street.
By the end of that fun, busy day, it seemed like he’d completely forgotten how sad he’d been about leaving the old house. This new place would be where he’d grow up—go to school, make memories, and maybe even bring his own children one day. His parents didn’t plan to move again, so this would become the home he’d always remember with love.
Sometimes, what feels like the end of the world is really just the start of something new—maybe even something better. And with the love and support of those who care for us, we can find the courage to face those changes. St.Nicholas congregation will face change at the end of 2025 when Augustine leaves us and we will depend once more on priests from our benefice team and the wider diocese to deliver our worship. Whatever changes we face, we can trust our Father in heaven to guide us through.Alison Mills
Parish Leader, and ALM
Wednesday midweek Holy Communion 10.30 am
We will hold our usual Wednesday Holy Communion on 12th November. Please note there will be no Wednesday service on 19th November as Rev Augustine is away.
#Everyonewelcome #Refreshments
Sunday 16th November
On the second Sunday before Advent, we will welcome Rev Augustine to preside and Mark Vermes, Lay Reader from St.James and Emmanuel to preach. Elizabeth our assistant organist will be accompanying the hymns with readings and prayers from St.Nicholas team. Everyone is welcome to join us. #refreshments
Sunday 23rd November
We will welcome back Rev Mark Hewerdine from St.James and Emmanuel to preside and preach at our 10.30am Eucharist service. We will celebrate Christ the King during our service. Music will be provided by our assistant organist Elizabeth, with readings and prayers from St.Nicholas team. #worship #inclusivechurch 
