Despite the snowy weather and freezing temperatures we have just enjoyed a Sunday of Carol Services, each well attended.

In the morning KAOS (Kids Alive on Sunday), together with the whole corps, enjoyed an hour of carols arranged by leader Tracy Wood

Tracy

Included were ‘Away in a Manger‘, ‘On a Starry Night‘, ‘While Shepherds Watched‘ and ‘The Splendour of the King‘. Scripture was brought from Matthew 1:18-23 and various children’s groups gave individual items. These included ‘The Rocking Carol’ by the Young People’s Band, ‘Rainbow Christmas’ and ‘We are the Children of the World’ by the Singing Company and some nativity songs by the Ark Parent and Toddler Group.

The KAOS feature of ‘Newstime’ was undertaken with the children bringing Christmas news.

lining up to bring news

a young soloist

a first solo

Tracy brought a short message in which she compared the preparations for Christmas today with those of the first Christmas and encouraged the congregation not to become so involved with modern trends that the first preparations become forgotten. Let’s get it right when we worship Christ the Lord.

In the evening the Corps Carol Service was held, given that name to distinguish it from the Central Theatre event held three weeks ago. Carols sung by the congregation included ‘Once in Royal David’s City‘, ‘How far is it to Bethlehem‘, ‘Away in a Manger‘, ‘O Come, all ye Faithful‘ and ‘Hark the Herald Angels, Sing‘. Readings from Luke 2:1-19, John 1:1-18, John 3:16-22 and Isaiah 9:6-7 were brought by members of various activity groups within the corps including the Cameo Club, Parent and Toddler Groups, Ladies Fellowship and Youth Group. Musical contributions were made by the Singing Company (Christmas Night), Songsters (Welcome to our World), Young People’s Band (Midwinter) and the Band (Suppliant Heart).

An appearance by the now famous Community Gospel Choir, fresh from its performance at the Central Theatre, brought a touch of excitement to the evening by bringing two songs, ‘You are Holy’ and ‘Solid Rock’.

A message was brought by Major Beverley who again spoke about the comparisons between today and the   first Christmas, inviting people to remember that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, the Saviour of the world.

Major Beverley McComb

Looking ahead to the coming week our Christmas services begin on Thursday (Christmas Eve) with Carols at Midnight, starting at 11.30pm. Our Christmas Day Worship will take place at 10am and next Sunday there will be only one meeting, at 10am. We cordially invite anyone wishing to worship with us on any of these occasions.

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