Chapel in the Garden Yule celebrations are underway!
A wonderful advent service took place at the Chapel to mark the start of the Advent period. Candles were lit and carols sung by our newly formed choir: Christmas was anticipated. Rev Elizabeth Harley, Minister of the Unitarian Chapel explained “The Chapel is also celebrating the light in the darkness that is recognised in different faiths and in the pagan tradition. Many of these practices have been incorporated into modern-day Christmas celebrations, a fire’s warmth and candles with the light symbolizing hope and the return of brighter days. A feast is almost always in order and wreaths, music, and dancing all play a role in winter solstice traditions – and the Chapel in Garden embraces them all!”
The Chapel is holding a Candle Lighting Service on Sunday 15th December – a quiet service of dedication to those we love and miss this season. This service is at 11.00 am for those who find the festive season difficult and would like to share a memory of a loved one by lighting a candle and being with comforting people.
Margie Barbour, a member of the congregation, described a very different gathering. “I always make sure I can squeeze in to the big Winter Festivals Carol service on Friday 20th December (5pm). It’s part of our winter ritual, an annual gathering where Christmas feels like it has really come. The Chapel fills with people of all ages, pets are welcome and there is often a surprise visitor of the four-legged variety. The service includes favourite traditions like (jumping)the twelve days of Christmas and walking the Advent Spiral after the service.” enthused Margie.
Rev John Harley and Rev Elizabeth Harley will lead an uplifting Christmas Carol service on Sunday 22nd December, which will be followed by a Bring and Share lunch at 12.00; there is always plenty to eat and everyone is welcome. On Sunday 24 December at 4.30 pm, come to Carols in the Garden, bring lanterns, candles or torches to add to the Christmas glow. The short Christmas Day service on Monday 25th December at 11.00 will be followed by mince pies and good fellowship. Its theme will be Light in the Darkness, and will reflect on how in these times of trouble we can seek the light of the spirit.
Rev John Harley outlined the Chapel’s relation to other traditions and faiths “These services acknowledge our connection to the turning of the seasons and ancient civilizations around the world that celebrated and revered the winter solstice. Its significance lies in the interplay between darkness and light, death and rebirth. The pagan roots of Christmas lie in the tradition of celebrating the winter solstice. This is a period of time in which the sun is at its lowest point in the sky, signalling the start of a new year and the return of longer and brighter days. The ancient pagans believed that the sun was being “born” and celebrated this event with festivals that featured feasting, singing, and gift-giving, and our services include all these elements.”
For more information please contact rev.eaharley@gmail.com or call 07917704305