Magazines and newspapers at this time of year often look back over the past twelve months and recall happily, or sometimes critically, the events that have occurred.
I would just like to look back, totally happily, over the month of December 2010 at East Cliff Church, the “best” Christmas period I can recall here for many a year.
Our Christmas season started with a “Christingle” Service led by our Church Leader Linda Pain on 5 December with the ribboned oranges with candles representing Christ as the Light of the World, His sacrifice for us and His love surrounding us all.
Linda also led our Candlelight Carols Service on the following Sunday, a most enjoyable traditional mixture of lessons and carols. The sound of Bournemouth Concert Brass really enriched the evening.
December 19 saw our Nativity Service and what a joy that was with Toby and Ellissa; Rosie and Mollie; Leila, Saskia and Gabriella; and Isobel making appearances in a captivating tale of The Angel Who
Couldn’t Sing. The story was continued on a subsequent Sunday. It really gladdens the heart to see these children attending our church.
David Young again led worship at the late night Christmas Eve service and all who attended enjoyed a well prepared and delivered service, followed by warming Christmas fare.
All in all a busy and enjoyable Christmastide involving a good number of church members and friends which prepared us well to face the challenges and opportunities of 2011.
John Tout