Morning worship on Sunday celebrated the third Sunday in Advent with a family service 'Carols for Christmas'. A wealth of talent, expressed through music and the spoken word, brought the wonderful message of Christmas to life. All were welcomed by the Rev. Nanette Lewis Head and worship began with the carol 'O come all ye faithful'. Part of Luke, chapter three from 'The teaching of John the Baptist', was read by Mrs. Ann Maggs, who was then joined by her granddaughters, Syd and Maddie, for the lighting of the Advent candle. The young people, helped by Mrs. Hevena Lewis while Mrs. Sheila Noot read the narration, added further items to the Jesse Tree. Before the young people left for junior church, greetings for his 10th birthday were shared with Thomas Dunlop. The story of the creation from Genesis 1, 1-13, was read by Mrs. Melanie Walker. Her husband Jim, accompanied by Mrs. Pat Stubb,s played two pieces, 'Carol' and 'Christmas Dance' by Vaughan Williams, on the viola. 'Comfort ye, comfort ye my people', the well known passage from Isaiah 40, 1-11, was read by Mr. Graham Stubbs, and a quartet with Graham, his wife Pat and Bron and Ron Hurlow sang 'In the bleak mid winter'. A further reading from Mrs. Ann Maggs, from Mathew, was followed by prayers led by Mrs. Sonia Hurlow and the Lord's Prayer sung by the singing group. The final Bible reading was from John 1, 1-14, read by Mrs. Mollie Neate. Readings throughout were interspersed by musical items from the singing group under the leadership of Melanie and well-known carols sung by the congregation, with Mr. Alan Adams as organist. Mrs. Marion Griffiths contributed a reading of her own verses. Nanette thanked the singing group who had worked so hard in preparation for the worship and for their carol singing visits to local nursing homes. She also thanked the musicians and readers who had taken part. Worship for Christmas Eve will be at 10.30 am and will be 'The Christmas Story', which will include the children's nativity. At 4 pm, there will be a Christingle service with carols, candles and a crib. On Christmas Day, there will be a communion service at 10 am. All are welcome to any or all of these services.
