We welcomed our military friends for our annual Remembrance Service both at the memorial and at the church and afterwards at the Vines for light refreshments. We are privileged to have the war graves in our churchyard and also to have the commitment and support from our military neighbours when it comes to this important time of the year. It was unusual to see all the chaps in their fatigues this year as normally they are very formally dressed in their Number Ones but it made not a scrap of difference as the church was full and we were very ably led by Jeremy Lane. And everyone sang at the top of their voices which was excellent!
A big thank you to all who contributed to the Christmas Bazaar last Saturday whether by manning tables, making cakes, donating items for sale or helping with the general setting up. In spite of the horrid weather, it was good to see so many people in the church enjoying a morning of festivity and friendliness with a variety of gifts and handmade items for sale and some very tasty refreshments. I am happy to report that all your efforts enabled us to raise nearly £1,000 which is absolutely amazing and will help us to continue making our lovely church a nice place to gather.
This Sunday is the beginning of Advent and so we mark this day by having a joint benefice service at 10.30 a.m. Do come along and meet our friends and neighbours from our two sister churches and enjoy some tea and cake afterwards. Christmas seems to come round quicker and quicker each year so before we know it we will be enjoying some lovely choral music from the Voicebox Choir from Witney (a big hit last year) and our own Santa’s Grotto and Carols complete with mince pies and mulled wine. Our Christmas Eve Holy Communion service is at 10 p.m on the 24th and I am pleased to say we have Phil Waite playing the organ for us so that we can all have a hearty sing song of all our favourite carols. Details of all the above in this newsletter so hope to see you at one or all events.
A very Merry Christmas one and all!!