St Mary’s Advent Trail Edition

Learn About the 2021 Advent Trail & More Updates

Some example nativity windows from last year

St Mary’s December newsletter provides details of this years, advent trail and a Christmas message. It also, of course, has the usual listings of services (and they look forward to welcoming you for their Christmas Services in both the Old Church & St Mary’s), and contacts.

Christmas Message from Revd Heather Wilcox

It’s that time of year, when we are bombarded with Christmas advertising, but one advert in particular has caught my attention, probably because it has generated the most complaints in 2021 so far, the Tesco’s advert.

It begins with a lady standing outside a Tesco’s store being asked, ‘Do you need a little help’ and she responds, ‘Don’t worry my love, this year, nothings stopping me.’ Queens ‘Don’t stop me now’ providing the soundtrack to the advert.

November 17, 2016January 6, 2017

St Mary’s Update – 17th November – Pickwick Special

St Mary’s Update – 17th November 2016

St Mary’s Church update for 17th November provides listings of services, bible readings and other events and news such as Children In Need, Mr Pickwick and Christmas including Messy Nativity.

Mr Pickwick’s Christmas

Adapted & performed by Robert MacCall, this performance takes place in the Methodist Church Hall at 7:30pm on Wednesday 14th December.

Mr Pickwick, and his friends travel by stagecoach to enjoy an exuberant country Christmas at Dingley Dell. There is a wedding, any amount of eating and drinking, dancing, games, skating, and a ghost story. All the delights of an age long past, brought vividly to life.

Inspired by the public readings of Dickens himself this one man show, adapted and performed by storyteller Robert MacCall captures all the zest and humour of the original.

A wonderful evening is guaranteed for all. Suitable for all from 9 upwards.

For more information or to reserve a ticket call Evelyne Conrad-Bell on 241916. Tickets on the door will cost £8 adults and £5 children.

November 19, 2013November 19, 2013

Mary and Joseph’s local journey

Will you meet Mary and Joseph on their journey this year?

The churches in West Bergholt and Great Horkesley, as part of their Christmas preparations, are supporting Mary and Joseph on their journey around the villages.

They will be visiting the various West Bergholt Guide, Brownies, Cubs, Beavers and Rainbow packs in the lead up to the Gift and Parade service with the Uniformed organisations at 11am on Sunday 1st December. This will take place in the West Bergholt Methodist Church, Chapel Road and all are welcome to come to this celebration service.

Mary and Joseph will also be visiting other groups/organisations that are happy to offer them hospitality. Their itinerary is still being finalised but it is already known that among others they will be visiting:-

Bluebell pre-school
Christmas tree festival at Great Horkesley
St. Marys for young people’s activities

Posada

This custom of the figures of Mary and Joseph going on a journey in the local community stems from Mexico where it is known as ‘Posada’. As we welcome the figures of Mary and Joseph we are encouraged to remember those who are homeless and outcast today and to reflect on how we might offer hospitality to others this Christmas. These figures of Mary and Joseph are travelling around West Bergholt and Great Horkesley to remind us of that first Christmas journey to Bethlehem. When they arrived no room could be found for them, except in a stable, but hopefully this year they will receive a warm welcome in the groups that they visit and there will be places for them to stay. They are keeping a diary of their travels which will be available at West Bergholt Methodist Church from their Candlelight Carol service at 6.30pm on 22nd December onwards.

If your group is interested in having a visit from Mary and Joseph and would like to welcome them please contact Andrew Wilks to arrange this (01206 242511; [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”]).

On behalf of West Bergholt Methodist Church, St Mary’s Church West Bergholt and All Saints and St John’s Churches Great Horkesley.