ON SUNDAY December 21 at 10.30 am in the Main Sanctuary a “Christmas Festival Service” was conducted by the Minister Rev Eric Massey.

All the windows had been beautifully decorated with poinsettias and the Christmas tree was adorned with angels and doves made at Café Church the previous Sunday.

Eric had borrowed the back drop from Gastrells School Nativity which gave authenticity to the occasion.

He read about the Angel Gabriel coming to Mary and a little angel came and lit the four candles on the Advent Crown.

All through the service Glenis set the story of the good news that something special was to going to happen the bad news Mary and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem for a Census.

Diana read of what a difficult journey it had been for Mary eight and half months pregnant and having to walk eighty miles.

Eric invited the children to take part in the Nativity and they quickly changed into their costumes to bring the scene to life.

Glenis proceeded with good and bad news of no room at the inn and Mary giving birth in a stable and how the shepherds were told by the angels of the birth of Jesus and the Kings coming to visit him.

Anomaly, the Tab’s own folk group, sung alternative renditions of “O little town of Bethlehem” and “Away in a Manger” and Eric asked the children to sing “Twinkle, twinkle little star” with the congregation joining in.

A simple, memorable way of sharing the Christmas Story.

On December 24 at 11.15 pm in the Little Chapel a “Carols by Candlelight” took place conducted by Eric.

All the windows had been lit with candles.

The readings by Richard.

Liz and Ron were from St. Luke’s Gospel and set the scene interspersed with the singing of carols.

It was a very meaningful occasion for Richard as he had been recently baptised and become a member and for Eric being his first adult baptism in twenty two years of Ministry.

“Away in a Manger” was sung unaccompanied and then Diana played “Infant Holy” and the beautiful music filled the old building.

Eric said that the anticipation on Christmas Eve is wonderful.

There is still terrible hardship and fear in the World of uncertainty but we have to let of these fears and bring peace.

There followed prayers of intercession and the singing of “O come all ye faithful.”

At midnight the white candle on the Advent Crown was lit and Alan brought the baby Jesus and laid him in the manger.

Eric had conducted his marriage earlier in the year and he and his wife had joined with Tab folk to celebrate Christmas.

He invited everyone to wish each other a “Happy Christmas.”

Holy Communion followed to remind everyone of why Jesus Christ came to Earth and the suffering he would endure at the end of his earthly life.

On Christmas Day at 10.30 am Eric conducted the service “Come and Celebrate.”

The Advent Crown was lit and carols were sung.

He asked everyone what they had had for Christmas.

He had socks which were colour coded and also for days of the week.

He went on to talk about day time television and the experts Martin Lewis and Tommy Walsh giving everyone the benefit of their expertise but the most important gift anyone can give is oneself.

On New Year’s Eve at 8.30 pm in the community room Liz Shankland had organised a bring and share New Year’s Eve Party and Tab folk did not disappoint with a delicious array of food.

Liz had organised anagrams of Christmas songs, people in history and famous actors.

There were games of human bingo, find the clothes pegs, charades and the key game involving teams.

The Gay Gordons and the St. Bernard’s Waltz were danced and Peggy sang comical songs of “Daisy Daisy” and “My old man’s a dustman.”

Auld Lang Syne was sung at midnight and people wandered to see the fireworks being let off around the area.

A fitting way to start 2015 with fun and laughter in fellowship.