Christmas Stories Part 2
We’ve loved seeing and hearing about many more Christmas events and services taking place in churches across the diocese as we invite people to Come home this Christmas. Read below for a selection of stories, and explore even more stories in our previous round-up here.
St Mary’s East Leake
Last Sunday afternoon, St Mary’s East Leake celebrated Christingle with a wonderful mix of regular churchgoers and newcomers. Each person received a bag containing all the ingredients needed to make their own Christingle. The lively, interactive service featured several young people from the church, including one dressed as a giant Christingle!
As the lights were dimmed, everyone’s candle was lit from the Advent candle, symbolising that Jesus is the light in the darkness and reminding us of our call to pass that light on to one another.
Woven St Margaret’s Aspley
A Dementia-Friendly Carol Service was held in the place of their Midweek Communion at Woven St Margaret’s in Aspley. Residents, staff from some of the local care homes, 30 children from a local school connected with a care home, as well as the usual congregation were warmly welcomed.
Sue, one of the organisers, shared, “With a congregation of 100 with ages ranging from 4 to 100 years, it was a timely reminder, if one were needed, that we are all God’s children irrespective of age or ability.”
St Cyprian’s Sneinton
This year, over fifty people joined St Cyprian’s ‘Big Carlton Hill Carol Sing’, including more than thirty new faces, as they came home for Christmas.
It was a wonderful evening hosting The Big Carlton Hill Carol Sing on Friday 14th December. The merry organ and the choir’s sweet singing were beautifully joined by the voices of the large congregation. The service concluded with cheerful post-service festivities.
St Nic’s Nottingham
St Nic’s enjoyed sharing the Christmas message of hope through two carol services: Café Style Carols and Carols with Accord Community Choir. Café Style Carols featured a Christmas wrapping challenge, a quiz, carols, a reflection and plenty of hot chocolate and biscuits. The main carol service included fantastic performances from the Accord Community Choir and the church worship band, along with time to reflect on the birth of Jesus and, of course, mince pies!
Trinity Church Nottingham
Last Sunday, Trinity Church held its Christmas Carols in a full and joyful atmosphere. Echoing the Angel Gabriel’s words to Mary, this year’s message at Trinity Carols spoke to a fearful world: “Do not be afraid, because God is with us.” Through scripture readings, spoken word, and preaching, this good news was proclaimed. Carols, contemporary songs, and music born out of the church community celebrated the wonder of Christmas and worshipped the God who has overcome all fear.
Are you hosting any special events or services over the next few days? We’d love to hear and share about them in the new year! Use the link below to get in touch with the Comms Team.