Advent at URC Mersey Synod: Week Three
This is our weekly roundup of Advent stories from across the Mersey Synod. Here we can see God’s love for us displayed in many different ways through the work of our churches in their communities this Christmas.
Stories from our churches
St. David’s Eastham - Carols in the Grounds
St. David’s Eastham - Carols in the Grounds
St. David’s outdoor carol singing for its community welcomes everyone from all walks of life to come and hear the Good News of the birth of Jesus. This event encourages and invites visitors to come and give other church activities a try, and to welcome and befriend people in the community and to let them know they are welcome through the doors at any time.
A Synod Mission Fund grant provided St. David’s with funding towards the Carol Sing with Port Sunlight Lyceum Band. The evening was a success, with around fifty people joining the church from the community. A few of the mums and children came along who are supporting the new Monday Club. There were also campers and some friends who are part of the Forest Church congregation. The money was used to pay the costs of the band, provide cake, hot dogs and tea/coffee, all of which went down well with the leftovers being served with the bacon butties at Café Church the next day. The Café Church was really busy welcoming many who had come the night before.
Formby URC
The Christmas tree at Formby URC has a special history. Around 40 years ago, the then minster had an exchange with a minister from America and came back with the idea of "Chrismons". Cut from white material, they are all Christian symbols and the plain white lights are candles which have been going since the first time the church did this. The overall result is most effective . You can find more about Chrismons at Chrismons and Chrismon Patterns - WhyChristmas.com
Chrismons on the Formby URC Christmas tree
Christ Church URC Haydock
Christ Church Youth Club at the Haydock switch on
Christ Church Youth Club was asked to do the Haydock switch on. They had a brass band and the local vicar gave a prayer, with Mike Nelson, the youth club leader, giving a small talk. The children gathered together and on count down all pressed the button. It was a brilliant community event.