After the many restrictions imposed for Christmas 2021, it has been wonderful this Christmas to be able to throw the church doors open wide and welcome people in!
Over the course of December 2021, the churches of St Mary’s in the village and Holy Trinity with St Francis on the estate were able to welcome many, many hundreds of people:
some were school children coming to find out more about the Christmas story, some were families enjoying a Christingle service or seeing Santa at the Festive Fun event, some met Bishop Paul at the Nativity Fun event, some enjoyed carols by candlelight and some took a moment out of the busyness to come and light candles and remember loved ones who weren’t going to be round the table this year.
It was great too for the churches to be able to work with others around Clifton:
- Sue the Community Champion at Morrison’s provided the oranges for the Christingle services that raised money for The Children’s Society
- At the Clifton Lights Switch on, lots of churches from Clifton came together to provide music, refreshments and children’s activities
- The church was able to support the Santa Trail organised by Charlotte on the “Clifton Bidding Bargain Page” – offering space to store the selection boxes and hosting a wrapping party
- The Festive Fun event was supported by 45th Nottingham Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Association, 1st Silverdale Scouts and The Clifton Doves WI.
- The Summerwood Community Garden brought their Muddy Boots Toddler group into church for a Christmas Party
- Highbank Primary School used the space for their Christmas Concert
It was certainly a busy and joy-filled December, but for the churches in Clifton, the heart of Christmas continues beyond the festivities and into 2022, whatever it may hold:
When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among people,
To make music in the heart.
- By Howard Thurman – mentor of Martin Luther King
Wishing you every blessing for this new year!
- Rev Lydia Cartwright
