Advent and Christmas at All Saints’

Advent and Christmas at All Saints’ Church, Wootton Courtenay

I suppose it would be a bit odd if it wasn’t busy at the church at this time of year? The first Sunday of Advent was 30th November, and now it’s busy all the way to the late evening service at 11.30pm on Christmas Eve.

Thursday, 11th December, at 6.30 for 7pm in Skye’s Bar.
The Advent discussions this year, about the Nicene Creed: ‘Who can believe it? Words that brought an Empire to its knees’ are led by Brian Castle. On 11th December we shall be looking at the reasons early Christians felt the need for a creed. We shall also see how and why the Council of Nicaea came to be assembled. Advent cake and nibbles will aid discussion.

Friday, 12th December from 4pm
There will be a hour of carol singing in the churchyard beside our ancient yew tree. We are collecting for ‘Oasis for Peace UK’ so please bring some pennies. Mulled wine will be available after the singing in Skye’s Bar. Mince pies in the churchyard!

Sunday, 14th December at 11am
‘Songs of Praise’ for Advent, our informal locally-led service of hymns, poetry and reflection. After the service, musician Anthony Knight will be returning to play his violin and continue his fundraising for UNiCEF.

Wednesday, 17th December, 6.30 for 7pm in Skye’s Bar
The second Advent talk, in which we shall continue the story of Nicaea and consider the Creed itself, asking what it said 1,700 years ago and what it says today.

Sunday 21st December at 6pm
Perhaps I should get out more, but one of my favourite evenings in the year is that of the Carol Service at All Saints’. The Christmas story is told in lessons, poems and carols with a nice bit of Dickens to finish it off! I’m very pleased to say that this year we will again be joined by Moor Harmony, our local natural voice singing group, who will sing a few appropriate seasonal songs. The collection from this service is for three children’s charities: The Exmoor Youth Project, Children’s Hospice South-west and the Children’s Society. Refreshments follow the service.

Christmas Eve, 24th December at 11.30pm
Our run up to Christmas comes to an end at 11.30pm on the 24th December, with a late communion service in All Saints’.

Hope to see you at something Christmassy!

Amanda