A successful return of our traditional candlelit carol service was superbly lead by Fiona. She steered us through the lessons all read by sons and daughters of church members. The choir performed some individual carols as well as leading the congregation as well as contributing some descant verses. The last treat you might have been lucky to see was a nativity play before all retired for mince pies and tea in the school room. Look out for the premiere of the nativity play film...
A full dress rehearsal of the play due to be performed at next weeks carol service was undertaken after the church service today. if this does not make you want to come and join us...
The lambs and donkey have finally reached the nativity scene along with the all important crib. These were being used by the "read the book" group who take bible stories into schools this week hence their delayed appearance. The scene is now complete ready for the carols to be sung around it this coming Tuesday.
Fiona came to preach today and reminded us about the signs we see. From the humble road signs to information giving notices surely none have been so important as Gods Star which showed the world where his Son was born in Bethlehem and guided in both the Shepherds and the Three Wise Men of the Orient. We were reminded of this with some lovely chocolate coins mounted on hand made stars as well as the almost complete external tableau which is now on view from the road outside reminding passers by of the signs of Christmas complete with its own star.
The church was packed with many from the local community, who came shopping for festive products ranging from reindeer food to cakes. Tea and coffee was being served and many festive hats were to be seen.
Lynda Gascoigne won the hamper. Jill Howell guessed the number of beads in the jar(188) Chris Mansel won the cherry cake which contained 29 cherries Colin Bowerman correctly named the bears, Harry and Haimish. Over £700 was raised on the day, towards our Chapel maintenance fund. Many thanks to all our helpers for such a fantastic result. Our Nativity scene was window 24 on the village trail and more socially distanced carol singing raised over £125 for Alzheimers charity. A good number of visitors came to listen and join in with the groups of choir singing from the church grounds on what proved to be a chilled but dry evening unlike the rain yesterday!
We gathered to sing some socially distanced carols on the grass in front of the church, beside the nativity scene. Two different groups of singers were distanced from each other for this and the singing was accompanied by Jill, our choir conductor. Quite a number of different people came to join in with the choir from the pavement. £47 was raised for Alzheimer’s society; mental health being at the forefront of people’s minds this year. Many children under ten who have been involved in our Messy Church events have recently received a copy of a small Christmas booklet which contains stories and colouring. The booklet has been adapted from "The Rhyming Bible" and issued through the bible society. The chapel hopes that the children enjoy following the journey of the nativity in glorious rhyme leading to God's Christmas present being born in Bethlehem.
A number of us have worked hard today to create the stand and then arrange the scene itself. Still got to be illuminated so it can be seen at night but its up and ready for viewing. |
Whitacre Congregation is a vibrant mix of young and old who enjoy meeting for Sunday worship. Do come and join us. Categories
All
Archives
April 2024
|