Christmas is a wonderful celebration. Accordingly, many of us will be gathering with family – some of us will go away, others of us will host. (Before you ask, I will be staying at home for Christmas – it sort of comes with the job!) There will be presents and special food and drink and films and games and general jollity and joy. I hope that there will also be a moment for each of us to reflect upon the reason for the season. What actually is Christmas celebrating? It would be a real shame to overlook this.
In the church we have a range of different events and services over the Christmas period to help us celebrate and reflect as a community. We’d be delighted to welcome everyone to any of them. If you’re not aware of them, following our Facebook page, facebook.com/widfordchurch, would be a good start. We will be circulating more information as the events approach. But note well … the first event is TONIGHT!
Here’s a list of all the events:
20th December
We’re delighted to welcome the Salvation Army Band once more. Join us at 7:30pm at Daintrees (new venue this year) to sing some of the best known carols. Soup and rolls will be served from 7pm.
22nd December
We are hosting Carols by Candlelight at Widford Church at 6:30pm.
Hunsdon Church is holding their usual service of Carols Old and New in St Dunstan’s church building at 11am.
24th December
The benefice Midnight Service will take place in St Dunstan’s church, Hunsdon, at 11:00pm this year. It will be a service of Holy Communion.
25th December
We are holding the benefice Christmas Morning Celebration in our church building at 10:30am. There will be a short service of Holy Communion afterwards.
29th December
As usual, Wareside Church will be hosting the service on the first Sunday after Christmas. This year it is at 10:30am and will be a service of Holy Communion. All are welcome.
5th January
At 4pm, we’re coming together from all the villages for a special service for Epiphany (officially 6th Jan) with traditional Epiphany Carols and an interactive “Show and Tell” session.
I wish you all a very happy Christmas, and hope to see you at one or more of these gatherings over the coming days.
Revd Mark Dunstan