There was an extraordinarily large congregation for this annual service on the Sunday before Christmas. Its size was due in part to the brilliant publicity Sheila Shaw had obtained with the support of the local press. It had certainly brought in some new faces. There was a tremendous porch welcome provided by the team led by Ann Shadbolt.
The church had been delightfully decorated for the occasion including the decoration of the font by our lovely friend Kath Kitchen. And on display for the first time this Advent was what will always been known as ‘Uncle Derek’s Christmas Tree’. (Derek was Sandra Davies’ uncle who died earlier this year and was famed for his tree and its decorations and donated to the church.)
Denise Berry’s singers accompanied by Amanda Ellarby included: Denise, herself, Lily, Chris, Jennifer, Sophie, Mary, Imogen, Jasmine, Rebecca and Lauren. And the readers were: Anne Shipway, Karen Abram, David Wilkinson, Joanne Leadbetter, Wendy Slattery, Jean Wadsworth, Robert Wadsworth, Rene Stevenson, Jean Roby, Jane Rimmer, Maggie Howarth and Stan Leadbetter. The prayer time was led by Tom Birch. The organist, assisted by Jonathan Davies, was Martin Jeffrey deputising for John Gibson.
INTROIT: Mary, Mary
READER 1:
This new Christmas Carol let us cheerfully sing, to
the honour and glory of our Heavenly King, who was
born of a Virgin, Blessed Mary by name; for poor
sinners’ redemption to the world here he came. And
therefore be merry, set sorrows aside; Christ Jesus
our Saviour was born on this tide.
CAROL (167): Once in royal David’s city stood a lowly cattle shed. (Tune: Irby. Music: HJ Gauntlett. Words: Cecil Frances Alexander.)
READER 2:
O the mighty Jehovah by the Prophets foretold
that the sweet Babe of Heaven mortal eyes should behold; both a King, Prince, and Prophet, nay our Saviour beside, let his name through all ages every be glorified. And therefore be merry, set sorrows aside; Christ Jesus our Saviour was born on this tide.
CAROL (144): It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old (Tune: Noel. Music: English traditional melody extended by and adapted from Arthur Sullivan. Words: EH Sears.)
CHOIR: Angels’ Carol
READER 3:
Now when Joseph, and Mary was espoused, we find,
having seen her condition, he was grieved in mind,
aye, and thought to dismiss her, whom he love so
dear; but an Angel from Heaven did her innocence
clear. And therefore be merry, set sorrows aside;
Christ Jesus our Saviour was born on this tide.
CAROL (139): The Angel Gabriel from heaven came (Tune: Gabriel’s Message. Music: Basque traditional carol melody arranged by C Edgar Pettman. Words: Basque Carol paraphrased by S Baring-Gould.)
READER 4:
He declared in a vision that a Son she should have,
by the Father appointed fallen mortals to save; and
the same should be called Blessed Jesus by name:
from the High Court of Heaven this Ambassador
came. And therefore be merry, set sorrows aside;
Christ Jesus our Saviour was born on this tide.
CAROL (614): Love came down at Christmas (Tune: Yuletide. Music: Sidney Hann. Words: Christina Rossetti.)
READER 5:
Then the righteous man Joseph believed the news,
and the sweet Virgin Mary he did no wise refuse.
This the blest among women she did bear and bring
forth a sweet Prince of Salvation both in heaven and
earth. And therefore be merry, set sorrows aside;
Christ Jesus our Saviour was born on this tide.
CAROL (145): O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! (Tune: Forest Green. Music: English traditional melody harmonised y R Vaughan Williams. Words: Phillips Brooks.)
READER 6:
Then the day of her travail did begin to draw nigh,
righteous Joseph and Mary they immediately to the city of David, to be taxed indeed, even as Caesar Augustus had firmly decreed. And therefore be
merry, set sorrows aside; Christ Jesus our Saviour was born on this tide.
CAROL: The Holly and the Ivy (Tune: Traditional. Music: Anonymous. Words: Anonymous.)
READER 7:
Being come to the City, entertainment they craved, but the inns were so filled, they no lodging could have. For the birth of our Saviour, though he was Prince of all, he could have there no palace but a poor ox’s still. And therefore be merry, set sorrows aside; Christ Jesus our Saviour was born on this tide.
CHOIR: Dormi, dormi
READER 8:
Now the proud may come hither and perfectly see the most excellent pattern of humility; for instead of a cradle decked with ornaments gay, the great King of Glory in a manger he lay. And therefore be merry, set sorrows aside; Christ Jesus our Saviour was born on this tide.
CAROL 147: Silent night, holy night (Tune: Stille Nacht. Music: FX Gruber. Words: Joseph Mohr translated by Stopford A Brooke.)
READER 9:
As the shepherds were feeding of their flock in the field, the sweet birth of our Saviour unto them was revealed by blest Angels of Glory, who these tidings did bring, and directed the shepherds to their heavenly King. And therefore be merry, set sorrows aside; Christ Jesus our Saviour was born on this tide.
CAROL (155): While shepherds watched their flocks by night (Tune: Cranbrook. Music: Attributed to Thomas Clark. Words: Luke 2:8-14 paraphrased by N Tate.)
READER 10:
When the Wise Men discovered the bright heavenly star, then with gold and rich spices straight they came from far, in obedience to worship with a heavenly mind, knowing that he was born for the good of mankind. And therefore be merry, set sorrows aside;
Christ Jesus our Saviour was born on this tide.
CAROL 162: In the bleak midwinter frosty wind made moan (Tune: Cranham. Music: Gustav Holst. Words: Christina Rossetti.)
READER 11:
Let us learn of these Sages, who were wise to obey, nay we find through all ages they have honoured this day ever since our Redeemer’s blest Nativity, who was born of a Virgin to set sinners free. And therefore be merry, set sorrows aside; Christ Jesus our Saviour was born on this tide.
CHOIR: Ding, dong, merrily on high
READER 12:
All this did he for us freely, for to declare his great mercy. All Christendom be merry therefore, And give him thanks for evermore. And therefore be merry, set sorrows aside; Christ Jesus our Saviour was born on this tide.
PRAYER
CAROL (135): Joy to the world, the Lord is come! (Tune: Antioch. Music: From W Holford’s voce di Melodia. Words: Issac Watts altered based on Psalm 98.)
PRAYER OF DISMISSAL
The service concluded with a retiring collection for Christian Aid and hot drinks and mince pies served in the main hall by Frances Thewlis’ team.