For centuries the Church has played a crucial part in the life of rural communities, marking the great feasts of the agricultural year, supporting everyone who lives in our villages, and being present for significant life events. But those who are coming to the returning Lanchester show on 15th and 16th August may be surprised to find, amongst the cattle, sheep, horse trials, fur and feather, food hall and farmers' market, a stand run by Lanchester All Saints Parish church with an unusual invitation. This year we're travelling to Bethlehem to see the Christ child in the manger, and we'd love you to join us!Using an idea from Great Malvern Priory, visitors will be given the opportunity to make a peg self-portrait to be placed in our nativity scene during Advent. Members of the congregation and the children of Sunday Club and Messy church are already making the backdrop and stable, as well as scenes telling the Christmas story to be placed in our window niches. Each visitor will be invited back to church for an exciting range of Christmas services, and to collect their portrait peg on Epiphany Sunday.We're hoping not just to increase footfall but to enthuse people anew with the wonder and glory of Christmas, as we see ourselves gathered together at the stable to welcome the birth of Jesus.Please support us at the show, or follow us on Facebook and A Church Near You.