Dear friends at All Saints,
It’s been good to show our love for the people of Hoole over the last two Saturdays as we ‘angel-bombed’ the parish and then gave out ‘Christmas Goodie-bags’ last Saturday and I know how much the community has appreciated those acts. Thank you again to everyone who has been involved in any way – the comments on Facebook and to members of the congregation from neighbours and friends have been very encouraging.
Although there are many things we can’t do this Christmas, we can still sing carols as we celebrate the birth of our Saviour and we can invite the parish to share in the hope which Christ brings to a dark and fearful world. This year, more than ever, we have the privilege and responsibility to sing and speak of the good news to our community.
On Sunday evening at 5.30pm we are all encouraged to take part in Carols on the Doorstep which is being organised by Dee Radio and Link Up. Dee Radio 106.3FM will play three carols and we are asked to stand on our doorstep and join with others from our neighbourhood in singing. The link for the words of the carols is https://www.linkup.uk.net/
This will still give us time to come to the church car park to sing carols with others from All Saints and the community at 6.00pm. The young musicians of Rising Generation and the Music Group Band will lead us in some carols and a reading; you can download the words of the carols here. In order to maintain social distancing, we shall put out some cones in the car park and on the grass and you’re invited to stand around those in households/bubbles or in socially distanced groups of 6. So, wrap up warm and let’s sing for the King.
Looking forward to Christmas Day, we shall hold a service of Holy Communion at 9.00am in the church building as usual. However, as we think the safe limit in the building is about 60, we are asking you to book for this service. Please phone (322056) or email the office (office@allsaints.church) to let us know you plan to come. We shall also live-stream the service.
And then Kate and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a peaceful and very joyful Christmas and New Year. I was reminded this morning of these words from My Lighthouse by Rend Collective which seem to speak into our situation:
In the silence, You won’t let go
In the questions, Your truth will hold
Your great love will lead me through
You are the peace in my troubled sea
My lighthouse, my lighthouse
Shining in the darkness. I will follow You
My lighthouse, my lighthouse
I will trust the promise
You will carry me safe to shore
With love and prayers in Christ,
John