Lower Wyke, Yorkshire
- Feb 2025

Preparations to celebrate Christ's birth once more started at the beginning of December 2024 when the Greenfingers group gathered to make Christmas wreaths under the expert eye of Sr Heather. Their many varied and delightful results were truly fit to welcome a king!

The 'Christmas Gathering' in the church this year included a 'Live Nativity' when adults acted out the nativity story interspersed with carols sung by those who had gathered to browse the stalls, play games and eat the hot pork sandwiches, Christmas cake, minces pies and drink the mulled wine. The festive atmosphere was gathering momentum.

The Christingle Service, led by Sr Claire Maxwell was, once more, the highlight of our church services. The Sunday School, Adventurers and friends presented the Christmas story to a packed church. 130 Christingles were made and we needed more! Baby Jesus was placed in the crib on Christmas Day during an inspiring service led by Sr Janet Cooper which completed our celebrations.

'The Lord is come! Thanks be to God' as our Christmas Day liturgy says, and we sang together 'Joy to the world'.

Brn Gledhill and Mallinson led the Watchnight Service when 21 people gathered in the Sunday School to share a 'festive lovefeast', reflect on 2024 and look forward to 2025.

What will it hold for us all? - love, laughter, tears and sorrow but through it all God will be with us.

We wish you a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year from all at Lower Wyke.

Sr Diane Thornton