Page 10 - Moravian Messenger March 2019

Brockweir
O come, you Dayspring, come and cheer
Our spirits by your advent here; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death's dark shadow put to flight.
The contrast between light and dark, hope and despair always seems more marked during the season of advent. It is, like lent, a time of preparation and anticipation, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ. Amidst the joy of new life however, is the ever present reminder of the Easter story with the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Advent is a busy time within our church life but added to that, villagers transform Brockweir into a giant advent calendar, marshalled with the help of Sr Mary Harris.
Each night in December a window is
revealed to an excited crowd with a
Christmas or biblical scene. Hot mulled wine, mince pies and sausage rolls are served, as we view each other's efforts with delight. It is a fun thing to do in itself but it also has a more important role as it brings together the most unlikely group of villagers. Many people, if honest, think that church life is
Lower Wyke
2018 was another busy year at Lower Wyke. The congregation are getting older but the activities show no sign of lessening or slowing down. Sr Dixon continues to inspire us with her services Sunday by Sunday and we have welcomed Srs Hopcroft, Woolford and Cooper and Brn Howarth, Kernohan, Evans and Hopcroft to conduct special services and fill the pulpit in the absence of Sr Dixon. The monthly Café Church is always a well attended service, some of the themes having been YPMA, discipleship, Spring, homelessness, promises, Father's Day, Summer Camp past and present and Toy Service.
The Art Exhibition in May is always a good time to meet up with friends, enjoy refreshments and appreciate the talent of local artists.
Our regular annual Summer events, benefiting from the beautiful weather, were all extremely successful. The Scarecrow Festival, once more wonderfully supported by the local schools and community, transformed the quiet hamlet as happy family groups excitedly commented on the vast array of scarecrows ranging from nursery rhyme characters to cultural figures such as the winning entry Van Gogh!!
Many of the same families returned to test their skill on a selection of outdoor games at the Strawberry Fair and to share in the delicious afternoon teas served alongside bowls of fresh strawberries and cream.
Proms in the Paddock has been held for ten years and in 2018 all attending enjoyed the warmth of a true summer evening whilst listening to the band and soloist Michelle Walker. There cannot be a better setting for the flag waving finale even in London!!
© Br P Ashton
not for them; they will socialise at Soup Lunch, attend coffee mornings and support us at a comfortable distance. Meeting people each night though, allows us to 'walk with them', mourn with them if they are mourning; provide a friendly smile if they are lonely and give some meaning to Christmas by providing a beacon of fellowship and hope.
Our Nativity Walk was popular once more with over 80 people in attendance including 25 children. The children, in particular, had a great time and reminded me of the Baker Street Irregulars as food and sweets disappeared in record time. Sr Patsy Holdsworth led the Christingle service and Sr Sue Groves took the service on Christmas Day which is always a joyful occasion.
As the first snowdrops and daffodils are appearing in the verges can Spring be far away?
Sr Judith Ashton
'Bacon Butties' and an interest in books combined to attract a room full of people in October and the Craft Fair in November was another chance to meet up with friends old and new. A record number of hot meals were served and, of course, there was the opportunity to buy gifts, stocking fillers and home made items in readiness for Christmas.
The Wyke food bank is extremely well supported by the congregation who generously give food, time and talents and several members are involved with other ecumenical activities including monthly prayer meetings.
As Christmas approached the Community Lunch celebrated with a special lunch and Greenfingers once more hosted a workshop, this year, making Christmas table centre pieces. The results were worthy of adorning any royal Christmas table!! The Belleplates played at the Christmas Gathering when hot pork sandwiches, cake, mince pies and mulled wine were enjoyed with a background of festive fun and carol singing.
As in most of our churches the Christingle Service was the highlight of the Christmas celebrations. A packed church shared in prayers and carols as the young people acted the nativity story. The entry of the trays of lit Christingles into a darkened church is always a special moment. This year, Lucy Thornton aged twelve, played Silent Night as a solo on her grandfather's cornet and the congregation joined in - something her grandfather did in years gone by.
As we start 2019 we hope that peace, good health and happiness will travel with you all from all at Lower Wyke.
Sr Diane Thornton
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CONGREGATION NEWS