A Splash of Advent across the Diocese

Community celebrates together

The people of West Moors turned out in strength to the return of ‘Carols on the Petwyn’, a popular community event cancelled last year due to Covid.

It was a joyful occasion with hundreds of people of all ages revelling in community spirit (despite the drizzly weather!). The event was a prime example of working together in the community as it was organised by Churches Together, the Youth Club, and the Parish Council. By working together we can demonstrate the good news of Christ and his Kingdom.

The event began with a torchlit procession led by the Town Crier and Rev’d Andy Muckle, Vicar of the parish church of West Moors, St Mary’s, accompanied by the Bournemouth Youth Marching Band. There was carol-singing, readings from the nativity, and well-known carols, prayers, and blessings. Santa even arrived on a motorbike! 

The event had a wonderful atmosphere, with church and community coming together again and sharing in the Christmas spirit, with love, joy, and hope at its heart.

Oh, Christmas Tree. Oh, Christmas Tree!

For many years now, St James' Church in Trowbridge has run a Christmas Tree Festival the week after Advent Sunday. This year, there was an overwhelming take-up and over 60 trees were displayed in the festival by various church, civic & community organisations, and schools. All trees were uniquely decorated, and Christmas Carols were played for visitors to enjoy whilst sipping on a coffee from the coffee corner. All profits made from the event will go directly towards helping local charities (Breakthrough and Stand by Me) this festive season.

Getting crafty

Revd Sarah Hillman, Vicar of St Mary’s, Puddletown was inspired by Revd Leila Mather, Assistant Curate in Charminster by running a festive Christmas advent course with a theme of ‘peace’. The group gathered and made mini Christmas villages, Christmas wreaths, and beautiful tree ornaments. Speaking about the event, Revd Margaret said:

“The group is brilliant. Sarah did a fab reflection on Peace, as we crafted and then played a lovely version of silent night. The ladies there all appreciated her hard work.”

Living Nativity 

Kingfisher Church, Trowbridge have been busy with doing five performances of their ‘Living Nativity’ in local primary schools, Castle Mead and The Mead. In this nativity, roles were reversed and adult’s dressed up as characters, allowing the children to ask questions. Here, the Angel Gabriel (Ruth Barber), Mission Enabler with Kingfisher Church, shared their favourite questions of the season: 

"Can you fly?"

"Yes, of course, I'm an angel, look at my wings."

"I mean, can you fly now?"

"Err (thinking quickly)... I'm too embarrassed to do it now in front of everyone." 

Toy Appeal

Saint Barnabas Church (Easterton), Saint Mary's Church (Market Lavington), and Trinity United Reform Church have been busy in the community collecting toys for the Trowbridge Salvation Army toy Appeal. An excellent example of outreach, well done! This is a great initiative that we can all get involved with, if you’re feeling inspired, make sure you get involved next year!

Congratulations!

To end this week's Advent round-up, we wanted to shine the spotlight on Emily, who recently became the Girl Bishop at St Mary's, Fordingbridge! A post she will hold until 2nd January, when she will give her address. This tradition comes from mediaeval times and stems from Cathedrals, when the Bishop (who was traditionally a man) would leave his throne and the Boy Bishop would take his place - a reminder that the first shall be last, and the last first.