Classic return of the tea towel!

Author: The Revd Andrew Whitehead

Published on: 2 June 2018

The Advent and Christmas period in Cawston is a very lively time for the church.

As well as the things you might expect in a village church, like carol services and Christingles, we also try to get out into the community when we can.

Walking Nativity

For the last two years we have had a Walking Nativity in place of one of the Sunday morning services in Advent. The event begins in the Primary School, where adults and children are encouraged to dress up as characters from the Nativity story. We provide our own collection of nativity outfits, and people innovate with dressing gowns and tea-towels. We then begin our pilgrimage through the village, hearing the nativity story as we go.

When we arrive at The Bell Inn, the landlady (who gets into the spirit with her own costume) declares that there is “no room in the Inn”, but eventually relents, and welcomes us in for some hospitality. The journey then continues to the church, where the first of our nativity characters are placed in the crib scene as carols are sung.

The event attracts a wide range of people including families connected to the school. We send out flyers through the school to let people know it’s happening and we publicise the event through our Facebook page.

Beer and Carols

Also in its second year is our ‘Beer and Carols’ evening. For the 2017 event, we designed a beer mat bearing the date of the event, and this was put on the tables in the pub in the weeks running up to the event. We also posted them through doors in the village with the parish Christmas card.

It was ‘standing room only’ in the pub as we worked our way through the Bethlehem Carols backing track CD. No musicians were required, though there was an excellent turn-out from our choir and congregation. Everyone had a fantastic time and the pub reported an amazing night’s takings.

These events are only possible because of the good relationships we have with the school and the local pub, and we look forward to doing it all again this year.


The author...

No Image Found

The Revd Andrew Whitehead

Licensed clergy - Incumbent: Team Rector, Aylsham & District Team Ministry (Benefice)

This article is from...

Articles in this issue...

Twinkling bright in Sheringham

I’m now in my tenth year of ministry in Sheringham and it was soon after my arrival that I thought a Christmas Tree Festival would look wonderful in the light, wide-open spaces of St Peter’s Church.

More

Orienteering and the Nativity

To mark the season of Advent, Victory Villages and St Mary’s Church, North Elmham last year had a nativity trail.

More

School children involved in Church graffiti

With leaking roofs, rusting downpipes and gutters with large holes, St. John the Baptist Parish Church was urgently in need of repair.

More

Provisions for the local community

In October 2017 I received a phone call from the Heritage Lottery informing me that our application for urgent repairs and a heritage project focussing on some of the church’s key features had been successful.

More

Food safety law & church activities – a brief guide

Food provided by churches is subject to food law and must be safe to eat.

More

Welcome to ‘OUR’ parish

St Mary’s Church likes to give a Welcome Bag to new people moving into the parish of Watton, as a means of introducing the Church and its activities, enclosing other items to welcome the new residents to the community.

More

Serious about entertaining

The process starts with a visit to your local council office to register your interest, obtain the necessary forms but most importantly seek their help and advice!

More

No bullrushes, but a catwalk and basket!

Recently I was asked to swap the aisle for the catwalk, I can assure you it was all in a good cause.

More

Licensing law & church activities – a brief guide

The Licensing Act 2003 may affect some church events, regulating entertainment and the sale of alcohol. Fortunately, it makes exceptions for some occasional activities.

More

A welcome addition at our event

Having a ‘Temporary Events Notice’ (TENs) allows you to legally sell alcohol on your premises ie church hall/rooms. Without a TENs you cannot sell alcohol, only give it away!

More

Keep up to date

Subscribe to our eNews for a snapshot of news, events and resources, usually emailed once a fortnight

Signup to newsletter