As the nights grow longer and the air turns crisper, our community has been busy marking the changing seasons and coming together in spirit. In this article, I’d like to reflect on the past few months and look ahead with great anticipation to the upcoming Christmas celebrations.
An Amazing Harvest
We recently celebrated the wonderful harvest season, a time to give thanks for the abundance of nature’s gifts. It’s been heart-warming to see produce shared around the village. I’ve never seen so many offers of free apples, tomatoes, pears…….. The Harvest Festival brought us together to share in the beauty of the earth’s offerings and remind us of the importance of gratitude.
Remembrance and the Poppy Display
As we move from the harvest season into November, our thoughts turn to Remembrance Day. This day holds great significance in our hearts as we honour and remember those who made sacrifices for our freedom. Around our church, you’ll notice the solemn yet beautiful display of red poppies, a symbol of remembrance and a reminder of the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women. This act of remembrance brings our community together as we reflect on the past and pay our respects to those who have served our country.
Anticipating Christmas
With the darkening nights and the promise of winter in the air, our thoughts now turn to the joy of Christmas. The anticipation fills our hearts with warmth and excitement. It’s a time when we come together as a community to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and to share love, joy, and goodwill with one another. From the beginning of December (the start of Advent) our church will be adorned with festive decorations, especially during the Christmas Tree Festival in church at the of December. There will be even more refreshments available!
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, we have a variety of events and activities planned for the whole community. There will be numerous opportunities to come together in celebration from carol singing and special services. We encourage everyone to join us in spreading the message of peace, hope, and love during this special season.
As we prepare to embrace the joy of Christmas, let us remember that the sense of community and togetherness we’ve cultivated during the Harvest and Remembrance Day celebrations will continue to thrive throughout the holiday season. Our church is not just a place of worship; it’s a centre of warmth and connection for our community.
So, as the nights grow darker and the winter chill sets in, we look forward to the joyous celebrations of Christmas with hearts full of gratitude, remembrance, and the anticipation of the birth of our Saviour.
We’d love to welcome you all at the Remembrance Day service and at any of our Christmas celebrations. A warm welcome to be offered at any of our other services; head to our website for those details.
Rev Steve