Churches from across the Diocese have been keeping in Christmas spirits by arranging safe activities for all to do despite the restrictions. Here are three inspiring stories on what some of them have been up to…
The residents of the nursing home at Stowlangtoft Hall have been able to do Christingle in lockdown!
The Revd Katherine Valentine, Rector of Pakenham, Norton and Tostock with Great Ashfield Hunston and Stowlangtoft, has held Christingle in lockdown with residents of Stowlangtoft Hall. By supplying the candles and red tape, the Activities Manager Claire could do the rest, so that the residents could make the Christingles and then join a service led by Claire.
In normal times they hold monthly Songs of Praise and communion services at the Hall, and although joining online services proved difficult because of hearing difficulties, the team have continued to support Claire and her colleague Lynn with resources to enable worship to continue, as well as keeping in touch with regular emails.
Saxtead Benefice has created a nativity trail around Framlingham - The Revd Chris Davey, Priest in Charge of Framlingham with Saxtead Benefice has created a nativity trail around Framlingham with an activity sheet that people can download from their website. Twelve local businesses have taken part of the nativity story and placed it in their window so young families can enjoy exploring the Christmas Story in this new way. The businesses are mostly small shops which had to close during lockdown and it is hoped the trail will increase footfall in what has been a hard year. The whole town is now involved in telling the Christmas Story! They are also building a Christmas Tree of hope, filling 200 brightly coloured hearts with messages of hope for the community in 2021, which also allows for people to remember someone from who they will be separated this Christmas.
Advent wreath making over zoom - The Revd Tracey James, Assistant Curate at Benefice of Debenham & Helmingham and Lightwave, has started a project with a group of families as they start to meeting on Zoom once a week during Advent to make a wreath and light the candles and to talk about what each candle represents. Tracey delivered kits to the families include the base, pre-drilled with holes for the candles, candles and greenery to get them started.
For further information check out our Christmas and Christmas Resources pages.
Published 7 December 2020.