For all of us 2020 has been different in so many ways. It has been hard for us all, some more than others. In the words of our resident scribe, Rosie Akeroyd:
“A droplet. A virus. A fear. Cough persistent and taste lost.
Smell gone and skin hot. Hands washed and faces masked, contact distanced and traces tracked. Exams deferred, tests delayed, shelves cleared and spirits drained.
And yet love endures.
Light still shines. A star. A stable. A manger. A hope”
BUT … Christmas isn’t cancelled…
St John’s Church will be holding our Christmas Tree Festival this year, despite the current restrictions. It is felt that this community outreach is more necessary than ever before and our aim is to share some festive cheer. The overall theme for our Christmas celebrations this year follows a text from St John 1: 5
“A light shines in the darkness”…
Of course, the 2020 Festival will have to be different! There will be 22 sponsored trees, many of them outside in the churchyard, brightly lit to show the Light of Christ in the world and to try to bring cheer in the gloom. We have to abide by whatever level of Covid regulations are in force at the time, but it is planned to also have a limited number of large and medium decorated trees inside the church, some of them sponsored and decorated by schools in the parish. There will be no admission fee, but all donations will be gratefully received.
The church will be open from 10am – 5pm Thursday 17 – Tuesday 22nd December (except Sunday when it will be open for Worship only). All are welcome to come and see the trees in a socially-distanced manner. Do come along and enjoy the light in the darkness!
On Saturday 19 December there will be Outdoor Carols at 2pm. In addition, from 12noon-4pm on the Saturday, we plan to operate Hot Dog and Glühwein stalls and also stalls selling cakes and produce (preserves). A voucher system will operate for the stalls to limit the handling of cash.
The times of all Christmas Services can be found on our website, stjohnsboxmoor.org.uk and are displayed on the church notice boards, and in the Parish Christmas card which will be delivered to every house in Boxmoor Parish. In order to control numbers and ensure social- distancing, admission to services over the Christmas period will be by free tickets available from our website and via ticket@stjohnsboxmoor.org.uk
