Sunday, December 3rd 2023 – Advent
Advent calendars have become a staple tradition of Christmas, helping us to count down the days from the 1st to the 25th December. Since their invention, they have evolved from having little doors which concealed a picture or a bible verse and now include gifts such as alcohol, make-up or even cheese.
German-born Gerhard Lang is considered to be the producer of the first printed Advent calendar in the early 1900s. However, with the outbreak of World War II, cardboard became rationed in Germany and Lang was forced to close down his business in the 1930s.
It was forbidden to produce calendars with pictures at the time. Instead, the Nazis produced their own version of an Advent calendar – a pamphlet which included images with swastikas and tanks being blown up.
After the war, Richard Sellmer of Stuttgart created a calendar based on a more traditional winter town scene. It was called “The Little Lown”. By 1946, Sellmer had taken up commercial production of Advent calendars and was producing them en masse.
This weekend we have a coffee morning at Elstow Abbey and Christmas Tree Festivals with Christmas Fairs at Cardington and Wilstead. Details on this weeks ‘Team Talk’.
At Elstow Abbey we are organizing another Abbey cleaning morning on Saturday 9th December 10.00 to 12.00 any help is most appreciated. On 16th December 10.00 to 12.00 we will be decorating the Abbey with flowers for Christmas and preparing Christingles if you are interested to help out we would also appreciate your support.
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In The Footsteps of the Northern Saints – Monday 27th – Friday 31st May 2024
A Pilgrimage is being organised next year. Numbers will be limited to a maximum of 20. I will need to know numbers soon to be able to secure the accommodation if you are interested and would like know more please contact Fr. Paul.
Assistant Area Dean of BedfordAbbey Vicarage
Church End
Elstow
Bedford MK42 9XT
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01234 261477
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07711098209
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vicar@elstow-abbey.org.uk