Last Sunday, a brace of carol services kept everyone busy celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.
Amongst the congregation were several angels and three wise men; not a boast that many churches could make. There was even a donkey! All of these came together for a chaotic, but delightful nativity play, staged by all the children and three 'big children' of Emmanuel Gospel Fellowship.
Several seasonal solos were performed by members of the congregation, including 'Mary, Did you Know?' sung by Deborah Fiddy, 'Born in the Night' sung by Margaret Banfield, 'O Holy Night' by 'Red'.
In the evening, youngsters Natasha Fiddy and Sarah Evans took turns in singing verses of 'In the Bleak Midwinter'. A further duet was offered by Rev. David Cardwell and Gloria.
Many different musical styles were represented throughout the day, but quality was always high and every song gave glory to God for his gift of a Saviour.
The Pastor, Rev. Jonathan Fiddy, was speaker for the morning; Rev. Cardwell preached in the evening.
A joyful time with Hesed Christian Fellowship on Christmas Day was led by Rev. Peter Richmond, who showed how even the humble Christmas cracker could be used to demonstrate a Christian message.
This Sunday was a time to look forward to the coming year as Pastor Jonathan gave his manifesto. Encouraging everyone to work towards goals, he suggested that each person aim to bring one friend to a knowledge of God in 2004.
"Ask God to lead you to someone," he said.
While making it clear that he did not believe in a worldly, materialistic kind of church, Rev. Fiddy stated that God wants to prosper his people. To those who obey him he gives the blessing of Abraham, so it is right to expect success, numerical growth and financial provision for his work.
In the final part of his address, the Pastor advocated a plan of getting to know God's word; the Bible. A class is held on a weekly basis, to help people get the most from their reading. For more details about this, please telephone 01834 871975.
On New Year's Eve (Wednesday) all are invited to a 'bring and share' meal at 8.30 pm. This is followed by a time of prayer at 11.30. Next Sunday's service will be at the usual time of 10.15 am.