New From December
Obey the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart.
Remember the great things he has done for you.
(1 Samuel 12:24)
A Community Christmas
December as always was dominated with the celebration of Christmas. However, this year it was different because Pastor was still unwell and unable to take his normally very active part. As of writing Pastor is slowly recovering and is able to attend worship and to fellowship with us. Because of this the church community rallied round and between us took on the duties of the various services.
Christmas Services
We put on a range of services over Christmas with plenty of Carols and enough mince pies to last us into January. These included a traditional Carols and nine readings and a dramatised reading of the nativity story.
Our Christmas Eve service is very popular with people in the local community. This year two of our members, our own M & M - Mike and Mandy, bravely took this on and gave us a lively service with a strong message. Everyone was given their own M & M’s to take home (see picture).
The Downs School Reception and Year 1 Nativity
We also had our annual visit from the parents and children of the reception and year 1 classes of The Downs School for their annual nativity. We are always thrilled to have them in the Church and it was a lovely time.
Annual Christmas Dinner
Food and good company is always very popular here at the Church and this year our well attended annual meal raised £200 for the African Pastor's Fellowship.
Carol Singing
One thing we have rested this year was singing round the area. We were however invited to sing carols at a local care home, Sonia Lodge, and ten people from here kindly gave their time to do so.