Let us tell you about some of the things that are happening in and around the church this coming week.

We have a beautiful nativity scene in the main outside noticeboard, made for us by Chloe, George, Oliver and Millicent Vanhegan -with a little help from Rachel!! Just next to it is our giant advent wreath which is lit every afternoon somewhere around 3pm and 3.15pm until 8pm. We have also been ringing the church bell for a couple of minutes each afternoon as the children come out of school here in Ruardean  –  a sign of Advent hope.

Then we have ‘big’ Mary and Joseph made out of old oil drums, standing underneath the magnolia tree. Jesus will be arriving shortly  – all made for us by Sally and the manger bed by Alex.

This weekend we’ll be putting up a Nativity trail around the church with simple pictures and text for the Christmas story, suitable for children; it’s called ‘Follow the Star’.

And talking of stars we’ll very soon, if they are not already there, have a basket of stars in the church porch with some pens for writing an Advent hope, the name of someone we’re remembering at this time or our own names to hang either on the Christmas tree or any other tree in the church yard!

If you like painting and decorating, there is a box of ‘cobbles’ just inside the rectory gate, for decorating with Christmas images. Then you can go and put them somewhere in the churchyard for others to enjoy – you might find some too.

Next week:

The church will be open every morning from 10am-12noon. If your children are at Ruardean school you’ll be able to see some of their advent art work hanging up inside and the wreaths made by one of the classes.  Social distancing applies.

We hope there is something that will be of interest to you and your family..