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CHRISTINGLE SERVICE - updated 24th December 2008

All Saints was full to capacity for the Christingle Service last Sunday for a timely reminder of the Christmas Story. Starting at 4 pm the early arrivals were treated to an unexpected pyrotechnic experience when a hastily refurbished Snowman went up in a puff of smoke, fortunately without any collateral damage. ( I would like to make it clear at this point that , contrary to certain rumours, the cause of the ignition was not a thunderbolt from the heavens in response to the presence of your reporter who was nowhere near the Church at the time and, as usual missed the picture scoop of the year)

Strategically placed candles on the interior columns set the tone as the service followed the traditional mix of Carols and the retelling of the Chrismas Story by the Reve Tony Pears.

Numbered parcels underneath the pews contained the figures from the nativity scene and as the tale proceeded the appropriate parcel was carried forward by the appropriate seat holder opened and the figures arranged in the crib.

The last and most important figure was carried forward with great enthusiasm and joy and set the tone for the entire service as a celebration of the Christmas story.

Then came the distribution of the Christingles to the younger members of the congregation and as the Chirtingel Candles were lit, the lights were dimmed the Church was lit by the flickering candlelight.

At the end, one member of the congregation took the opportunity for a closer examination of the nativity scene assembled during the service while the more senior members of the congregation . . . . .

 

 

. . . . .employed a variety of techniques to blow or snuff out the candles around the Church.

 

 

 

 

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