Christmas 2019 at the churches of St Benedict Biscop and the Venerable Bede
With Christmas fast becoming a distant memory and Easter eggs starting to appear in some of the shops, it is perhaps timely to reflect on what happened at St Benedict’s and the Venerable Bede over the Christmas period.
To start with, a series of very successful events took place ranging from a ‘Messy Advent’ workshop aimed at our junior members to a Christmas lunch enjoyed by all the adults that attended. We also held a successful Christmas Concert at St Benedict’s, featuring the West Midlands Concert Band, and our annual Advent Fayre, both of which raised valuable funds for our church.
As Christmas drew near the spotlight fell on the range of church services to be held over the actual Christmas period. Leading up to Christmas we hosted the Smestow Team Advent Carol Service whilst a week or so later we held our Christingle service. The week before Christmas then saw the church host six school carol services. Christmas Eve was then upon us whereby we held two ‘Carols around the Crib’ services, followed by a Carol Service and then Midnight Mass. To round things off there were then 8.00am and 10.30am Holy Communion services on Christmas Day.
Thus a busy time for all, especially for our Rector, whereby over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day we saw over 1,120 people attend, necessitating extra chairs having to be put out to accommodate people at our two ‘Carols around the Crib’ services and the Carol Service.
Our ‘Carols around the Crib’ services seem to increase in popularity year-on-year, with the children enjoying the activities and placing the various figures in the crib. We were also fortunate to have our church’s Junior Choir make their inaugural appearance at the second crib service, their contribution being much enjoyed by all.
Thus a very successful series of services were conducted over the Christmas period; it is hoped the above and following photographs give you some idea of what went on. If you couldn’t make it this time then we do hope you will be able to join us at one of our services next Christmas. We look forward to seeing you then, if not before!
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