Advent’s exceptional Gaudete Sunday

** Our church’s flower team does not usually feature fresh flowers in the penitential season of Advent but there is one exception and it falls this weekend.

The third Sunday of Advent is traditionally known as Gaudete Sunday, which translates as “rejoice” and is also known as Rose or Refreshment Sunday.

We recognise that Advent is a time of waiting and this season invites us to be joyful as we await the coming of Jesus.

Through Zephaniah, God calls us to “Rejoice and exult with all our heart”.

On this day when rose-coloured vestments can be worn, it is deemed appropriate to   feature simple vases of roses flowers on the altar. Pink flowers will also appear on the Advent Ring and will stay in place for one week. They will then be offered to anyone wishing to take them home.

Abundant fresh flowers of red and gold will celebrate the oncoming season of Christmas which will stay in place until the end of the year.

Anyone wishing to join our enthusiastic flower teams in preparing the Christmas arrangements, please do let me know (Lynn Radnedge 020 3015 2302 / 07977 222708). It is always a joyful occasion and seasonal refreshments will be provided.

— LYNN RADNEDGE