Christmas Stories Part 1
As the Advent season continues and Christmas draws closer, we have loved seeing and sharing uplifting stories from parish events across the diocese, where many have been warmly welcomed into churches to discover the hope Jesus brings at Christmas!
St Nic’s, Nottingham
As part of their refugee support ministry, this week St Nic’s Church delivered 200 gifts to asylum seekers living in the city centre. Each gift contained chocolates donated by the congregation along with toiletries for the adults, toys for the children, board games, and an invitation to their carol services this weekend. Their hope is that through these gifts more asylum seekers will come to church and find out about the hope of Jesus this Christmas.
Use this link to find out about more Christmas services across St Nic’s.
Holy Trinity Lenton
Last week, Holy Trinity Lenton held a ‘Campfire Carols’ student event with nearly 50 students coming down to the church garden to enjoy mulled wine, hot chocolate and s’mores around the campfire. The rain didn’t dampen the mood as everyone headed inside Unity House (the church hall) to sing lots of Christmas carols, ending with a fun rendition of the 12 days of Christmas. It was a great event sharing the joy Jesus brings at Christmas, and a great chance to invite students to their Contemporary Carol service.
Use this link to find out about more Christmas services at Holy Trinity Lenton.
St Lawrence’s, Gotham
Over 120 people of all ages gathered at St Lawrence’s on Sunday for a vibrant Christmas service. Despite challenging weather, attendees gathered to reflect on the story of Jesus’ birth and its significance. The celebration featured an interactive retelling of the Nativity, complete with a real baby representing Jesus!
“We always have a real baby Jesus and everyone is involved – and we mean everyone!” Val Hopkins, one of the church members, shared.
This was followed by an explanation of the Christingle’s meaning and its connection to the message of Jesus. Attendees created their own Christingles, which were then arranged in the shape of a cross and illuminated—a powerful moment symbolising hope and light!
Use this link to find out about more Christmas services at St Lawrence Church, Gotham.
St Saviour’s, Nottingham
Last week the team at St Saviour’s headed out to the local Meadows Precinct to sing carols, meet people and pray for them. It was great to spread some Christmas joy and to invite people to discover Jesus for themselves this Christmas.
Use this link to find out about more Christmas services at St Saviour’s, Nottingham.
We are so thankful for the joy and hope these Christmas events bring across our diocese.
If you have stories or photos to share from your church or school this Advent and Christmas, we’d love to hear from you! Please tag us on social media or send any photos and stories to our comms that you would like to share. Click here to get in touch.