Chapel in Garden Christmas Service.
The Chapel’s special big winter carol service on 20th December led by Rev Lizzie Harley was very well attended. Many people regard it as a precious family tradition to get them in the spirit of the season.
It is not a conventional Christmas service as it contains many diverse elements, including the jumping 12 days of Christmas, when people jump up on the number according to the month of their birth. This year Mother Christmas made a visit, bringing laughter, love and gifts for the children and Bridport artist, Louise Riley brought one of her much loved statues of an Angel. Our Ukrainian choir, ‘Cheremshina’ sang a Christmas song and Anna Vee brought a very much loved four legged guest (Grub the sheep) who is very happy to be petted.
There was also lots of singing, a Christmas story, dancing, and the meditative advent spiral with candles of joy and concern. After the service many people stayed for the delicious refreshments and opportunity to share their Christmas hopes for peace.
There were several other services, the special quiet service in the Chapel on 15th December for those who find the festive season difficult, with a chance to honour a loss, share a memory to be and to be with a comforting friend as they light a candle as a tribute to their loved one. The annual Carols in the Garden took place on Sunday 24th December at 4.30. Angelica Kennard played the piano accordion and Angie Porter led the gathering as the famous carols were sung. Good King Wenceslas was thought to be the favourite as the men and women took the parts of the King and the page. Chris Savory, who led the Christmas service with his wife Margie said “ It’s a very special time of year for the Chapel when we host many people from the community, offering them a spiritual home for all faiths and none, and so serve a range of the town’s needs”
The Christmas Day service was attended by visitors to the town, as well as by members of the congregation, it’s theme was light in the darkness, and again the candles of joy and concern offered the participants an opportunity to share their hopes and fears at this challenging time of year. Margie said “The poem “Cat in the Manger” by U.A. Fanthorne offered a light note while the poem “Light” by Rabindranath Tagore reflected upon “Light, my light, the world-filling light, the eye-kissing light, heart-sweetening light!” and it was read by Rebecca Hilton.”
On Sunday 31 December at 11.00 am there will be a special service for all ages at the Chapel to be held in the white room. It is called Peace of Cake and led by Rev John Harley. He explained “It will spread the light as we ease into 2024, I invite everyone to join us for the intergenerational service with time for creativity, sharing, fun, singing and reflection. There will be the chance to make your own chalice, share cake and consider resolutions/revolutions for the coming year and all ages are welcome.”