Saint James' Church, Quedgeley: A festive family service

ALTHOUGH the festivities for Christmas were over youngsters at a church service in Quedgeley still had the chance to party.

The popular family service held once a month at Saint James’ Church, Quedgeley, celebrated its second birthday.

Balloons, cake and a tasty buffet lunch concluded the morning’s act of worship and craft activities.

During the morning, youngsters helped to re-enact the story of the three wise men visiting the baby Jesus.

With camels cut out of cardboard, sand and paper palm trees plus the ‘stable’, the scene was set.

Youngsters carried pretend boxes of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the stable all of which helped to bring the story alive.

The craft activity followed through, with the same theme being gifts.

Each child decorated a gift box and filled it with sweets to take home.

Father John Rector and Parish Priest said “We’ve been holding these services once a month for two years now. They are still very popular. The act of worship is very informal and the youngsters find it easy to relate to. There’s always a craft activity and story plus Cedric the fox puppet sometimes makes an appearance which the children love.”

STJ Family Worship and Praise is held on the first Sunday of each month.

Each month the service follows a different theme.

In February the theme is Candlemas and children will be making Christingles.

The service starts at 10.30am and finishes around 12noon with lunch.

There are a range of craft activities as well as singing and prayers.