The Spirit of Christmas at St Mabena

Christmas was celebrated throughout the festive period in a record number of joyous activities:
Our great team of bell ringers attracted a large number of villagers to all services, where the Church was found to be warm, welcoming and beautifully decorated with a massive tree and candle light.
The Carol Service, led by Rev David Pollard, contained modern readings spoken by people representing a cross section of the village. Traditional carols were augmented by Angie’s Angels. Nb. Rev Dave E. coming from ‘up north’ has yet to warm to the Cornish version of ‘While Shepherds Watched’!
Rev Pollard also took the St Mabyn YFC Carol Service - attended by over 65 young farmers.
Afterwards everyone enjoyed mulled wine, minced pies and Cornish cream.
Numbers exceeded 120 at the popular Christingle Service for St Mabyn School, staff and parents . Rev Jonathan Mosedale, who visits the school every week, presented all 70 children with a Christmas orange with candle and red ribbon.
On Christmas Eve the Crib Service, was attended by a record number of 120 parents, grandparents and children. They were thrilled by the arrival of the donkey and were each given a Nativity mobile to take home and make. For an emotional finale Rev Dave spread a choir of infants across the Church to sing ‘Away in a manger’. 58 people attended the candle lit 10 pm Bethlehem Mass and they were challenged by Rev Dave to believe that-------‘ GOD IS FOR REAL’
On Christmas morning 48 worshippers were entertained by a thought provoking sketch questioning how the actions of the Shepherds would appear on the Psychiatrist’s couch of today.
On the evening of 6th January a New Year’s party was held in the Church. This was a very successful innovation, which will be repeated next year. 70 people enjoyed the convivial atmosphere in a unique setting with good food, laughter and entertainment : Roscarrick Singers; Angie’s Angels; a sketch on how humans treat nature by Rev Dave—John and Angie; John’s Quiz- won by Liz Williams, who received a Christmas Hamper generously donated by Laura & Jo from the Post Office

Thanks to everyone for making our Christmas a great success :

Bell ringers; Organists; Musicians; Singers; Actors ; Church Wardens; Readers; All of our unsung helpers for doing so much –decorating the tree, lighting candles, preparing the catering for New Year’s party.
Our team of Clergy for their support throughout 2012 and in particular Rev Dave for his enthusiasm, creativity, tireless energy and inspiring vision for the growth of our village church.
Everyone in the parish who came to Church at Christmas.
Last year attendance at St Mabyn Church more than doubled and we hope that this growth will continue in 2013.
Please join us for any of our services in February :
3/2/13 Informal Praise Service with Rev Dave Elkington and Peter Coster at 10 am
10/2/13 Holy Communion with Rev Jonathan Mosdedale at 9.30 am
17/2/13 Sunday worship led by Rev David Pollard at 9.30am
24/2/13 Praise and worship led by Rev Dave Elkington with Peter Coster @ 9.30 am

ST MABYN CHURCH –WHERE EVERYONE IS ALWAYS WELCOME
RJ