WHY THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT IS IMPORTANT
It serves as a new beginning
Advent season marks the start of a new year for Christian churches. A new year is always an opportunity for growth, restoration, and renewal.
It gives people hope
One of the major celebrations of Advent is the birth and Second Coming of Christ. This is a hopeful time in the lives of Christians that paints a better future for the world.
It’s an opportunity for self-reflection
The Advent season is also a time for sobriety and personal reflection. It gives Christians an opportunity to renew their faith and solidify their relationship with God.
We think of ourselves as a group of people with Jesus in our lives. Everyone is welcome, without exception. – there is always space for someone else and we’d love you to be with us.
The Parochial Church Council of Holy Trinity Church, Swalwell is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for everyone, especially for children, young people and vulnerable adults. It has adopted and approved the Church of England policy for promoting a safer church. This policy deals with all aspects of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. A full text can be found here. The Parochial Church Council has also adopted and are following the complementary Diocesan Safeguarding Policy for Adults, Children and Young People. All our policies and associated guidance have been adopted, and can be viewed and downloaded from our Policies page and can be found here.
To discuss any safeguarding concerns relating to Holy Trinity Church, Swalwell please contact either our Parish Safeguarding Officer, Susan Royal mobile: 0739 586 9488, email: swalwellht@outlook.com or through the Parish Office 0191 488 1553 or 07376 172181, or via email: stmaryswhickham@hotmail.co.uk Similarly you can also contact our Rector, the Revd Barry Abbott on 0191 488 7397 or through the Parish Office 0191 488 1553 or 07376 172181, or via email stmaryswhickham@hotmail.co.uk
Concerns can also be raised with the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, Mrs Beth Miller. She can be contacted as follows: Address: Cuthbert House, Stonebridge, Durham DH1 3RY Email: beth@bethmillerisw.co.uk or beth.miller@durham.anglican.org or tel. 07968 034075
For further information please also see the Diocese of Durham safeguarding pages: https://durhamdiocese.org/category/safeguarding/