The Christmas season has come and gone but has left memories for those in attendance at one or several of the traditional services. The calendar for 2001 meant that these services were concentrated in just three days. On Sunday, prior to Christmas, we were blessed by the presence of the youth choir from Priory School. Tom explained that he is a governor there and that St Mary's have a long association with this local middle school. The choir sang three seasonal hymns which perfectly complemented the Nativity Play by our Sunday Club. Much work went into this year's story of the birth of the Saviour, culminating in a splendid tableau of the Nativity scene.

Sunday evening brought the Nine Lessons and Carols with St Mary's choir in splendid form. The reading by members of the congregation moved the story forward and included the prophesy from Isaiah, Chapter 9: “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light. for unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.” This candle-lit service remains a moving and inspirational prelude to Christmas.

Monday, Christmas Eve, found St Mary's to be literally filled with the joy of Christ's birth. In the afternoon, the Christingle service, ever popular with local families, and standing room only as 500 people were in attendance. All children felt as participants carrying their Christingle, and they enjoyed the Nativity Play. Later the Midnight Service marked the coming of our Lord with a Eucharist with sung carols. Well over 300 people attended this year's Midnight Mass.

The work and effort by clergy, choir and many others insured that the traditions of Christmas are kept at St Mary's and are well appreciated by the many in attendance, both regular worshipers and new-comers. The focus of Advent and Christmas has been “a time of change” and this reflection has taken place in a timeless setting.

John Combs

Christingle and Nativity Service

Over 500 people attended the service on Christmas Eve and 205 Christingles were given out. Highlights of the service included the Nativity Play, and the making of a giant Christingle. As a result of the collection, a donation of £444 has been sent to the Children’s Society.

Many thanks to all those who helped with the service.