Now, a year later, mostly protected by those vaccines, St Luke's has renewed its work in the community whilst still seeking to be as safe as possible for everyone. In this week's Newsletter, you will see a picture showing the wonderful concert performed by Marjorie Seddon and friends in St Luke's on 28th November. You can also see Tittensor Tots meeting in the church hall on 29th November. The church building, locked for so many weekdays, is now again being opened and closed at dawn and dusk by a small group of volunteers, so that you and others may use the building for peaceful rest and thought or perhaps to just rest en route to somewhere else. On Thursday mornings, the 'Coffee Club' meets for a time of fellowship, mutual support and informal worship. If ever you've thought, 'I'm at the end of my tether. I need to meet people who won't judge me and simply talk and listen', Thursday morning at 10.00 a.m. might suit you.
As Christmas approaches, having those opportunities of being with others can become even more important. On these pages, under 'At the heart of Christmas', you will find details of some of the many events at St Luke's over the Christmas period. Several are listed in the Newsletter. They are opportunities for worship but they are also chances to participate in being people together. You don't have to be a Christian to enjoy a carol concert; it's just enjoyable to be with other people and have a good sing together.
Similarly, the Nativity story is so familiar to many of us but to small children in particular, it can and should be very exciting and special. That's why there is a Crib Service on Christmas Eve at St Luke's, where simple songs and carols tell the story in an age-old way that children and adults love.
Further afield in Tittensor, that's why the children at Tittensor CE (VC) First School will be holding their own Christingle service. It's why they have invited parents, carers and church members to come along and join them safely outdoors at the school for this (although if we get bad weather the children will do this indoors at school and the adults will not be able to attend). It's why the children have been decorating their Christmas tree, as excitement grows but with it there is a reminder that theirs is a Church of England school.
Yes, Christmas is a time for being together if we can, recognising that there will be many who are alone in their homes. To them, the hand of fellowship and of friendship is extended. When Jesus arrived, we learned that he came for each one of us because God loved us. He still does. If you feel alone this Christmas, please do come along to one or more of these many events. You will be made very welcome because guess what? We agree with Jesus! We love our neighbours (even though, believe me, it's hard work at times as no one is nice to love all the time, especially us) and we understand that Jesus saw every human being as equally wonderful. Jesus thinks and feels that about you too.