A small bunch of intrepid singers ventured out in the fortunately clear dry and warmer night than we have had for the past few weeks to raise money for Mary Ann Evans Hospice. Carolling from door to door around Station Road, Cottage Lane and Birmingham Road finishing off at The Railway public house. A total of £438 was raised with thanks to all who answered their doors and gave generously and of course to the singers, young and old, who braved the elements.
|
The children and young people enjoyed making (and eating some) Christingles which were lit once they had returned to the carol service. Once again the chapel was lit by candle light and we wish you all a Happy Christmas. 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...
The choir led the carol singing outside the church tonight for just over an hour. A lovely warm evening made a distinct change to last year and around £52 was raised for Kids versus Cancer which is our nominated charity this year. 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. Once again a busy evening of carols, choir and readings all by traditional candle light. Derek led the service which included a tableau by the young people of the church based on the nativity scene, whilst the choir sang John Rutter's "Star Carol" and "Mary's Boy Child" which included a solo. Afterwards there were refreshments including two lovely gingerbread creations hand made by Gill Walley. Almost a shame to start them but lovely once we did. A dry evening whilst cold but a happy band of about 18 adults and 4 children entertained households around the village. The merry band finished in the Railway pub and sang some more in the warm. With the previous singing in the Church End Brewery the Dog Inn the grand total for all is £510. This will be split between Methodist Homes for the Aged and Ronald Mc Donald charities.
Our traditional carol service lit by over fifty candles was busy with a full house of one hundred people singing their way through a busy service. Rev Derek Shaw led the service which featured the choir and the young people singing their nativity set. We once again greeted our own baby Jesus - eleven day old Chester and his family were welcomed. Interjected with the carols a variety of readers completed nine bible readings. Afterwards all were invited to retire to the school room for cakes, mince pies, tea and coffee. Thanks to all our participants both young and not so small. We even had a young drier up learning the trade for future years.
A very wet evening with heavy rain did not deter a good number of singers from heading out along the village to raise £150 for Family Action in Coventry and CRPS which is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Later the group went and entertained at the Railway Inn and raise a further £45. A lovely gingerbread cake made by Gill Walley was raffled and raised another £107. Many thanks to all those who listened out for us and supported us. A grand total of £302 will be forwarded split between our two charities..
A busy service where we were joined by our Romanian friends. They sang some Christmas carols both in English and Romanian which was a pleasure to hear. These families from several surrounding areas, use our church as a meeting point to maintain their Romanian traditions of worship so their children experience them. They came and joined some of us for a meal on Friday evening making the whole weekend something of a meeting between the two cultures.
At the end of the service Xavier entertained us festively.
|
Whitacre Congregation is a vibrant mix of young and old who enjoy meeting for Sunday worship. Do come and join us. Categories
All
Archives
November 2023
|
RSS Feed
