Friday night brought with it the first of two Pub Crawls around Adlington, with around 15 members of the congregation bracing the weather to bring Christmas cheer to the pub-goers of Adlington and beyond. We were pleased to be welcomed into the black Horse at Limbrick, the Bay Horse, The Elephant and Castle, the White Horse and the Cardwell Arms. It was a joy to be able to bring something of the Christmas message to the. regulars, and to be given the privilege of having conversations across the village. We see this as part of our mission to the local community, making the Church accessible to the people of our village. We look forward to repeating the experience this coming Friday, when we will visit the rest of the pubs of Adlington, beginning at the Top Spinners at 7.30 pm.The following night, we welcomed the Crickmore: Crewe, a group of folk singers, into Church to sing a concert of Gallery Carols and Christmas Curios. They took us back through the ages of Christmas music, and together with their humour, enabled us to get into the Christmas spirit, and prepare our hearts to welcome Jesus this coming Christmas time. thank you to the members of the band, and to all who worked hard to organise the evening.
It was a day full of festive fun, as St. Paul’s was transformed into a theatre as we welcomed both Hollybrook Nursery and our Primary School into Church for a busy day of back-to-back Nativity performances. The children performed wonderfully well, and it was a joy to see their obvious enthusiasm for both the singing and dancing, and for telling the Good News of the Christmas story to their parents and supporters. We wish them and their families a very happy and blessed Christmas!
For a number of years now, we have organised carol singing in the local pics, and this year will be no different. On the two Fridays before Christmas, we intend to embark on a journey around the local pubs, bringing some Christmas Cheer in the form of traditional Christmas Carols, to the regulars. It is always a most enjoyable evening, and a real opportunity for the Church to be seen in the community, and for some Christian witness to be made. Do come along and join us on these evenings. All are welcome, whatever you feel the quality of your singing might be. The itinerary for the evenings (approximate timings) is as follows:Friday 13 December:7.30 pm: Black Horse 8.30 pm: Bay Horse9.15 pm: Elephant and Castle 9.45 pm: White Horse10.15 pm: Cardwell Friday 20 December:7.30 pm: Top Spinners 8.00 pm: White Bear8.30 pm: Bistecca/JRs9.00 pm: The Bridge9.30 pm: Retreat10.00 pm: Bottom Spinners
Sunday 1 December marked the beginning of Advent for 2919, and St Paul’s did this in style, with a family Mass, in which our school was heavily involved. In addition, it was wonderful to welcome Bishop John Goddard, formerly Bishop of Burnley, to celebrate this mass for us. During the mass, children from the school read the first reading and led us in prayer, as well as offering a presentation on the meaning of Advent, which was thought-provoking and challenged all of ya as we begin our journey toward Christmas. In addition, reflecting on the a gospel reading, From Matthew 24.37-44, Fr David challenge us to remain alert as we await the coming of Jesus in power and great glory. As we journey through Advent, we are offered a number of opportunities to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Jesus. Let us use these opportunities, in order that we might be ready to great him when he comes, and that we might take our place in his kingdom.
