After a buffeting and drenching by Storm Claudia two days previously, the Sunday calm and sunshine was a real blessing for the special Family Service in Bergh Apton Church in aid of the Salvation Army ‘Be a Star’ Christmas Present Appeal on 16th November.
Parents from both Thurton Primary and Alpington & Bergh Apton Schools generously donated gifts which had earlier been gathered at the church ready to be supplemented and blessed at the service. Accompanied by teachers Amy Chittock and Laura Debenham, four ‘Ambassadors’ from Thurton school – representatives from classes 1 and 2 – had prepared a prayer of thanksgiving.
An older group of pupils from Alpington & Bergh Apton school, under the directorship of Head Teacher Mrs Rosie Welch, performed a lively enactment of the Christian song, ‘World on Fire’, by for King & Country.
This song, inspired by a quote from St. Catherine of Siena ‘Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire’ set the scene for a talk by Gary Watson, youth leader with Norwich Youth for Christ. Aided and abetted by Toy Story characters, Buzz Lightyear and Woody, Gary’s talk encouraged us to recognise that we are valued as we are, and that we all have a part to play in spreading God’s message and love.
The toys and monetary donations made at the service were taken to the Salvation Army Norwich Citadel office in St Giles, Norwich, where they were gratefully received by Alison Gibson and Major Tracey Bale.
This is the third year we have held this service, and we hope to make it a regular event in the church calendar.
For more information about the Salvation Army appeal, visit the website: