Dear Prime Time member,
With just two days to go before Christmas Day, I thought I would send one last quick email to check in and see how you’re doing. I am very aware that it is likely that some Prime Time members will have had their plans for Christmas significantly impacted by the changes to the Christmas Bubble rules that were announced at the weekend. Having to change plans at the last minute is never easy, no matter the circumstances – but when it concerns such a focal point of the year for family gatherings, as Christmas undoubtedly is, the realisation of what we’re missing out on can seem particularly difficult to process, especially given the many other losses we’ve also experienced this year.
If you’re searching for something to make you smile today, look no further than our 10 minute take on a Nativity play created by the youngest members of our church family (with a bit of help from their mums and dads!) It is pure joy – my personal highlights are the donkey that asks “Are we nearly there yet?” and the shepherds going off to search for the baby Jesus in their pedal-powered cars – having stowed their sheep in the back (of course!)
To view what we are calling the Unlocked Nativity, please click on the following link – it should take you straight to it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFx_Gpp3L_Y&list=PLwt7pih05hN73XXlaK5nWZJW60ZAInOty&index=3
We hope you enjoyed our Afternoon Carol Service that went live at the end of last week. As of yesterday evening, it had been viewed 109 times which is amazing – that’s even more than we usually have in church for that service! If you haven’t had a chance to view it, the good news is that it will be available on our YouTube channel throughout the Christmas period, so you haven’t missed out if you didn’t tune in last Friday. The service has some lovely contributions for everyone to enjoy, including Busbridge Junior School children and the choir from King Edwards School, Witley. You’ll find it on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1TxJZWR1vI
Due to the increased prevalence of the virus in our local communities – we have reluctantly had to take the decision to cancel some of our Christmas services and activities, as we do not feel it right to be bringing large numbers of people together at this time, even in outdoor spaces. If you would like to take communion on Christmas Day – there will be a short service in the garden at the Old Rectory at 9am on Christmas morning. Pre-booking is essential, although priority will be given to people living alone, especially those without access to the internet. So please do share this news with friends or neighbours to whom this may apply and who you think might be interested. For further details, please go to our website: www.bhcgodalming.org At the time of writing, our drive-in services on Christmas Eve are still going ahead as planned, so if you have booked to attend these you should still be able to. However, please do keep checking our website for updates as changes to the guidance are coming all the time.
If you should find yourself in need of assistance over the Christmas period, then our volunteers will remain on standby to help with shopping, prescription collecting or a friendly phone call; so please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Over the holiday period it would be best to use my mobile number to access such help ( 07766 572934 ) as the Church Office will be closed from Christmas Eve until January 4th. I will continue to answer my phone throughout this period – so please do use it if you find you need to.
And if your Christmas plans are up in the air, looking a little paired back, or downright disappointing, here's a comforting thought...
It will be a very different Christmas experience this year, but I pray that however you find yourself spending it, it is enjoyable for you and that the joy and peace of the season is something that you feel able to carry forward into the New Year.
On behalf of the Prime Time Team, may I wish you ‘Merry Christmas’ and thank you for so faithfully supporting all the initiatives we’ve attempted during this very strange year.
Take care and stay safe – I’ll be in touch again soon,
Penny x
Penny Naylor
Prime Time Befriending Co-Ordinator
Part-time - currently working flexibly from home!
t: 07766 572934 (mobile)| w: bhcgodalming.org | Find us on Facebook & Instagram
the Old Rectory, Old Rectory Gardens, Godalming, GU7 1XB