There were plenty of opportunities to get together with St. Peter’s over Christmas and New Year. The snow meant that the planned celebration of the re-opening of the church building with Bishop Robert on 10th December, and Messy Church that afternoon, had to cancelled. However, those who were able to get to the church on the Sunday morning shared communion together, followed by canapes and ‘fizz’ in the newly re-furbished building. A few people also popped in for afternoon tea later in the day.
In a church adorned with red and gold flower arrangements a ‘Messy’ Nativity was held on 17th December when people of all ages came together, many in fancy dress, to celebrate the birth of Jesus. There were lots of opportunities to join in and the short service was followed with Christmas craft activities for the children and refreshments for all.
The Carol Service in the evening again saw people of all ages coming together. Readings were interspersed with meditations from ‘Mary’, ‘Joseph’, ‘the Inn Keeper’ and ‘John the Apostle’ who told the Christmas story through personal reflections.
The Community Choir joined regular choir members to sing two carols by Graham Kendrick – ‘Thorns in the Straw’ and ‘The Candle Song’. And, of course, there was time to be sociable over mulled wine, soft drinks and mince pies at the end of the service.
Carols abounded on Christmas Eve with Community Carols in the Memorial Hall. Paul and the Christmas Eve Band led us in our singing with the now traditional a
ccompaniment from the children’s band of drummers and a ‘guest appearance’ of a slightly smaller version of the Community Choir. Flowers were presented to Rev. Ros Murphy, who will be taking on a reduced role in the coming year and so will be handing oversight of the Methodist Church in Welford to a different minister.
Holy Communion was celebrated between 11 p.m. and midnight on Christmas Eve in St. Peter’s and the following morning a family service celebrated the arrival of Jesus the Light of the World with rainbow making prism glasses!
An opportunity to get together for an ‘after Christmas Tea’ was enjoyed by those who attended on Thursday 28th December in St. Peter’s Church Rooms. A delicious spread of sandwiches and cake was provided with an endless supply of tea. A pleasant and sociable time was had by all!
If the bell ringers had been given a mince pie for every time they have been up and down the tower steps over the Festive period they would pr
obably be struggling to fit through the door at the top by now!! As always the bell ringing team are happy to hear from potential new ringers.
If you have not had chance to see St. Peter’s Church since the refurbishment come along and take a look. The Bishop will now be visiting on January 21st when there will be a Family Communion Service at 10.30 a.m. to mark the re-opening- all are welcome.
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