Message from Churchwardens
Par Parish News:
December began with a Festive Soup and Sweet, followed by the Little Lambs Nativity, which I unfortunately had to miss this year, but I was privileged to attend on the previous week for the last rehearsal, so did not feel quite as cheated. The children, although small in number (and most in size) did not disappoint (as you will already have read in Jan’s account) and I did not miss out on “my best bit of Christmas” after all.
On the first Saturday we had a morning of Coffee and Carols with the Parish Choir, where hot chocolate (with trimmings), mince pies and toasted tea cakes were on offer. It was an atrocious morning and attendance was a bit less than previous years, but we made a joyful noise, accompanied by Angeline on the keyboard and sang our favourite carols and some Christmas Songs and the choir gave a rendition of Frosty the Snowman to a plainsong chant. Different!
The Raffle for the Christmas Raffle was drawn and the winners were Miriam Tregunna and Amanda Knowles. Thanks to Anne T for organising this. It was a happy morning away from the rain and raised £225 for St Petroc’s.
Members of the choir joined Fr Paul and Ruth for a service with Carols at Hendra Court when many residents, relatives and staff joined us in the carol singing. The room was beautifully decorated for Christmas and there was a happy atmosphere although a tinge of sadness as we remembered loved ones and those who mourned their loss, especially the four relatives present who had been recently bereaved. We joined with them afterwards for mince pies and mulled wine kindly provided by the staff.
Six members of the Pastoral Team visited Biscovey Infants Academy with Rev Chris McQuillen-Wright to talk about the Christingle in their Assembly and to make Christingles with the whole school during the morning, enabling each child to take one home. Rev Chris did an excellent talk about the Christingle involving many of the children while talking about God’s Creation and the birth and life of Jesus. We had great fun with each class as they made up their Christingles, some of the younger ones were so tiny, most classes were keen to start eating the sweets and sultanas, but we managed to get them finished without this happening and hopefully most Christingles made it home complete and not too many sweets went into mouths in their making
On the same day the Junior Academy were in St Mary’s for the performance of their Nativity. The morning started out dry, but before long the rain and high wind came and parents arriving had to battle the elements. There were two performances and I am grateful to Barrie and Cathy, who unfortunately both got soaked in their task of Car Park attendants. Rev Chris was there to thank the school and to give a blessing at both performances. The performance by the pupils was excellent and it was a pleasure to have them in the church. They filled the sanctuary and lifted the roof with their joyful singing. Those with parts spoke well and the costumes were really good. Congratulations to the teachers for the production. It having been practised in school and then performed in the church must have been quite challenging.
We enjoyed The Carols at the Welcome with Fr Derek despite the choir being very much reduced due to various commitments and illnesses, but as Fr Derek’s music group was there too, together we made a good sound singing the carols, finishing with the 12 days of Christmas with actions which was hilarious! It is always a relaxed evening, who knows what will happen next with Fr Derek, he is good at getting everyone to join in especially at times, reluctant soloists. Thank you to Joy who accompanied the singing on the key board. A collection was made for the Sunrise appeal.
18 members of the Parish went to Lanhydrock Golf club for the Parish Christmas Lunch, it was a Christmas Carvery with a selection of Turkey, Ham or Nut Roast, and it was one of the best lunches I had during December. Everyone was in a happy mood and were goggle eyed when the large Sundaes appeared for those who had chosen it as a dessert. I was a lovely start to the weekend up to Christmas.
St Mary’s was decorated with poinsettia’s, fir and holly, with candles in each window that were lit for the Crib Service. We were very pleased to welcome so many children this year at the Crib Service, some of the older ones were a little reluctant to be too involved, but with a little persuasion by Fr Barry, they joined in and carried the larger figures to the stable. The little ones were delighted to put the woolly sheep and the baby Jesus into the manger and ran eagerly to Ann who was helping them place the figures. It was a joy to see them and their excited faces. Several stayed for Holy Communion which was our First Mass of Christmas. The altar flowers were donated in memory of Jean and Don Langdon, who were married at St Mary’s and beautifully arranged by Lorna.
The Good Shepherd was beautifully decorated with flowers and sparkle to welcome us to our Christmas Day service. There were lots of visitors making a good congregation to sing the carols and join in with Fr Derek’s sermon which told the message that Jesus was born on Christmas Day, during which George was summoned to the front to sing Mary’s Boy Child which everyone joined in although we were only supposed to sing the chorus, but it is such a meaningful and popular song that everyone wanted to sing. It was a joyful service and we all left with spirits uplifted and full of the joy and the true meaning of Christmas, to go to our various celebrations with family and friends (and with a Cadbury’s chocolate thanks to Jill) The collections at the Christmas Services amounted to £311 for St Petroc’s for the Homeless.
I wish you all a Very Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year. AW
Anne Weaver
Church Warden
St Mary's
The Little Lambs Nativity
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The Little Lambs Nativity performance took place on 2nd December in the Good Shepherd church. Even though there were only 5 children taking part, with the addition of adults, this did nothing to detract from the beautiful story of the Nativity with Mary, Joseph, Angels, Shepherds and Kings.
All was going well with the audience joining in enthusiastically with the singing of the songs and doing the actions to Father Abraham! However, this situation was not to last as it was interrupted with breaking news from Amanda Knowles.
Apparently, there was a bit of a traffic jam occurring along Par Green led by three camels walking along the road with 3 Kings resplendent in their robes and carrying gifts heading to the Little Lambs Nativity!
Not only did the Kings enter the church but so did some of the traffic that had been held up! A bike and two cars followed the Kings down the altar to the nativity scene, having to park up at the side of the church. The children were not at all perturbed by all of this and sat beautifully throughout looking lovely in their costumes, while creating the tableau of the story of the birth of Jesus.
Music was provided by Fr Derek with his guitar and mouth organ and Joy Romary playing the organ. Well done to all who took part in what was a wonderful and joyous morning ,especially the children who were so well behaved, with no dramas, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
After the performance seasonal refreshments were served in the Gott Hall and donations amounted to £125 for Little Harbour Children’s Hospice,
Jan Reid
PCC Secretary