Penally Church's crib service and first Eucharist of Christmas are on Christmas Eve at 6.30 pm. Penally's ancient floodlit church on the green is where for many centuries Christmas has been celebrated and again this year, curate Dennis Baxter and church members welcome friends and visitors who will be joining another 'Penally Experience' over the Christmas season.
Team vicar Michael John with the young people will be telling the Christmas story as the crib is blessed which reminds the congregation that Christmas is for everyone.
It is the account of God with us and a human story for our time full of surprises and contrasts. There are moments of entering in to the dark crevices of human experience. It is not all sweetness and light. However, it is a story of hope, peace, light, generosity and love.
The two Celtic crosses in the church remind us that Christmas is only the beginning of a shared journey on which we travel to the cross and joy of Easter. As well as the singing of well-known carols, Amy Greenhalgh, a viola player with a major London orchestra, will, with Diana Lunn, organ, play festive music during the service as everyone celebrates Christ's birthday.
On Christmas Day at 9.30 am, there will be a Sung Eucharist with carols and short address.