Thirty people of all ages gathered in the Octagon for our second Cafe Church in January. The service, led by our Licensed Lay Minister, Jan, reflected up the calling of the first disciples who followed Jesus during his ministry on earth. There were readings, prayers and live music, thanks to Kathy. Plenty of opportunity to sit and chat, colour, draw, reflect, take part in some activities and enjoyed some light refreshments too. The feedback to both Cafe Church gatherings we have held has, overall, been extremely positive and we plan more in 2024. Why not come and join us for this informal worship style? Watch this space for our next service date.
It was lovely to welcome adults and children to our Christingle service held on Sunday, 10 December in church. Thanks to the "back room" efforts of quite a number of people, bags containing the items needed to make a Christingle were handed out as people arrive.During the service, led by Canon Jan Payne (Licensed Lay Minister, 5folds), the meaning behind each symbol was explained and Christingles were assembled. Towards the end of the service, a large circle formed round the inside of the church, the candles in the Christingles were lit, the church lights were turned off and and we sang two songs. It is always a special moment in this service.Afterwards, Christingles already constructed were placed carefully back into the bags to travel home and some spares were taken for other members of the family, friends, neighbours and so on. A collection was taken for the work of the Children's Society and the church.Our thanks to everyone who came to support this service.
Despite some unhelpful weather conditions, the pre-Christmas sale of cakes, pastries and preserves was another hit with a steady stream of customers supporting the fund raising effort towards refurbishing the kitchen in the Octagon Hall. We thank everyone who came along.A separate fund-raising effort for Ukraine was also successful, raising just over £100 for relief aid.
