Christmas at St Nicholas

The church was beautifully decorated for Christmas with red and green floral displays, candlelit windowsills and brass candelabras and a beautiful Christmas Tree.  As usual the church offered a rich variety of services, from the traditional Lessons & Carols, to the informal Children's Crib service and the quiet Midnight Communion. 

 

 

 

Many local families came along to the Christmas Eve Children's service which Andy Bell led, telling the Nativity story with the help of his puppets.  Lots of children dressed up and were able to take part, helping with the puppets including a camel sporting a black leather jacket!  The atmosphere was warm and friendly and many stayed behind for a welcome drink and cake. 

 

 

 

Lessons & Carols

4pm December 22nd

St Nicholas

This traditional service is based on The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, first held at Kings College, Cambridge on Christmas Eve 1918.  It is a service of Christian worship celebrating the birth of Jesus that is traditionally followed at Christmas.  The story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus is told in nine short Bible readings from Genesis, the prophetic books and the Gospels, interspersed with the singing of Christmas carols, hymns and choir music.

Christingle 8th December 2013

 

The church was beautifully lit and decorated for the annual Christingle Service. It was full of children who each received a Christingle to remind us of the gifts God has given us, an orange (the earth), with 4 sticks of sweets (the seasons and fruit of the earth), a red ribbon (the sacrifice of Jesus for the world) and a candle (Jesus the light of the world).   The trainee vicar Max reminded us that we are the crumpled up bit of silver foil whose job it is, is to reflect that light in to the world around us.   The children held their candles very carefully while anxious mums stayed close to ensure nobody singed their hair! Then they all blew them out in unison and tucked in to their sweets.  It was a beautiful and sweet service that has become a lovely Christmas tradition.  A collection was taken for the Children's Society.  Many thanks to all.

The Coming of God

Meditations for Advent using scripture, music, poetry and art led by Ann Persson

8-9pm  at St Mary's, Long Crendon

 

5th December - The Promise

12th December - The Fulfilment