Women from our church family gathered on Sunday 30th November, the first Sunday of Advent, for an evening of fellowship, worship, reflection, and prayer—a gentle pause at the start of what can often be a busy season.

We began with refreshments and warm conversation, and our wonderful women were very generous in their contributions to the Food Bank. We then joined together in worship, singing Advent carols that helped centre our hearts on the hope and promise of Christ’s coming.

The focus of the evening was a reflection on Luke 10:38–42, where Jesus gently reminds Martha—and us—that “only one thing is needed.” Alongside this passage, we considered Henry Ossawa Tanner’s painting Christ at the Home of Mary and Martha. Together, they invited us to see ourselves in both sisters:

· Martha—faithful, busy, longing to serve yet feeling the weight of responsibility.

· Mary—still, attentive, resting at Jesus’ feet.

We were reminded that both postures matter. Advent is a season of preparation, but it begins with being in Jesus’ presence before serving in His name.

We then took time for silence and personal reflection, before responding in prayer. Using simple symbols, we considered what we might let go of this Advent and how we might draw near to Jesus in the weeks ahead.

As we move into this Advent season, may we remember that Christ meets us in both our Martha-moments and our Mary-moments. Immanuel walks with us—in our homes, our work, our preparations, and our waiting.

We pray that everyone who came left strengthened, encouraged, and ready to welcome the light of Christ in a fresh way this Christmas.