Our church home group will be meeting during Lent to discuss some of the group questions from the book that our vicar, Dana, recommended for Lent reading, "The Whole Easter Story - Why the cross is good news for all creation." It will meet on Thursday evenings ( this may be altered to Friday on occasions) starting on Thursday 13th and finishing 10th April. It is a continuation of our Bourton on the Hill advent home group although not all can make it - people come when they can! We say a time of 8pm for 8:15 to allow time to put children to bed and expect to finish at about 9:15pm. There are just a few of us and other people from other churches or villages are very welcome to join us - it is not exclusive and you do not need to be able to come to all the sessions!! For more information, <a href="https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/14287/get-in-touch/">click here and contact us</a>.
Our Candlemas party turned out to be a wonderful evening with folk from all three churches represented. Outside it was very cold and by the time we left snow was falling but inside the atmosphere was warm and joyful. Tables were laid simply and effectively and quiz sheets from Dana kept us occupied, if stumped at times! The wonderful and varied contributions to the home-cooked cold buffet were delicious and plentiful and between our main course and desserts young people from the Longborough Opera Youth Chorus entertained with some lovely singing and playing. All in all it was a most enjoyable evening. Thanks must go to Anne, Sarah, Dana and all the other helpers and contributors.
It was lovely to welcome people to fill our church on Christmas Eve as we celebrated and retold the Christmas story with a service of six lessons and carols. In addition, there were short imaginary reflections from key characters in the story who "wouldn't have missed it for the world"! Dana gave a brief talk which involved chocolate and sprouts and the customary mulled wine, mince pies and shortbread were served afterwards. The singing was great, the church looked beautiful, the baby was placed in the crib by our youngest member (age not quite 2) and his mum, everybody did their bit and the new toilet was much appreciated! There was a real sense of community, warmth and praise. Thanks go to all the volunteers who contributed in so many ways. This service is becoming a bit of a tradition in our church. If you haven't been before, do join us if you are spending Christmas in Bourton on the hill or nearby. The church moves on from Christmas to Epiphany on 6th January (Twelfth night) and so, on 5th January, we held an evening communion service for Epiphany when the coming of the Magi (Wise men) is remembered and God's love for all peoples celebrated. This was a quieter service with just a dozen of us gathered there but the church still looked beautiful and the Wise men were placed in our crib in place of the shepherds (who had returned to their fields!). The crib stays out for the season of Epiphany until Candlemas at the beginning of February. The church is open every day if you would like to visit to see it. Do help yourself to a hot drink and biscuit if it is cold!
