Christmas is usually a lively time for every church, and our own parish church of All Saints is no exception. So I’m letting you all know in good time, before all your diaries fill up, about the Christmas services and events in, and associated with, All Saints’ Church, Wootton Courtenay, for December 2023.
The first Sunday of Advent is 3rd December, which we will mark by lighting the first Advent candle at the 9.30am service – just like Blue Peter in the old days! This candle, the Hope candle, is lit to remind us of the Fathers of the church and that Jesus is the Hope of all God’s people.
On 4th December, there will be a ‘Thinking about Advent’ in the villagers’ stores at 6.30 for 7pm. Hope is a major Advent theme and it is in short supply these days. Brian Castle will introduce the discussion: ‘The Eucharist as the embodiment of Hope’. The following discussion will consider the importance and value of the Eucharist (or Holy Communion) among other topics. There will be seasonal cake and mince pies as well as a bar.
The second Sunday of Advent, 10th December, is ‘Songs of Praise for Advent’ in All Saints’ at 11am. There will be much singing and poetry – followed by coffee, cake and conversation. The candle that is lit for the second Sunday is the Peace candle and we remember the prophets who foretold the coming of the Messiah.
Friday, 22nd December at 6pm in All Saints’ Church is Wootton Courtenay’s Carol Service. Carols, lessons and poetry make this service something of an annual highlight – for me, anyway! Please join us to hear performances by ‘Moor Harmony’, Wootton Courtenay’s own natural voice singing group, and ‘Friends in Harmony’ from Porlock. Drinks and nibbles round off this convivial evening. The retiring collection is for Children’s Hospice (SW); the Exmoor Youth Project and the Children’s Society.
The last Sunday of Advent, 24th December, completes a busy month with a late Mass in the church at 10pm, which will include the lighting of the final candle in the Advent wreath. Remember to dress warmly – the church is chilly.
I look forward to seeing you at some or all of the above church events. Also, don’t forget: ‘A Christmas Carol’, with Simon Callow, on 18th December (7 for 7.30pm) in the village hall. Nothing at all to do with the church, but not to be missed! And, as Tiny Tim famously said: “God bless us, every one!”.
Amanda
Wootton Courtenay 