Christmas spirit

Christmas Eve 24th December 2012

Loading chainsaw sculptures into horsebox

Policeman escorts Joseph
whilst other neighbours bring the crib

Mary, Joseph and the donkey admire the baby Jesus

                                             

All the schools

Tuesday 18th December 2012

Ringing the church bell

     I have been with all the schools in my parishes in the last week or so:  Greenhaugh First School had an Advent theme at St Aidan's Club; Otterburn First School visited St Francis' Church and decorated the outdoor Christmas tree with edible gifts for the birds; at Kielder First School I conducted a Christmas assembly; whilst at Bellingham First School and West Woodburn First School I was invited to watch their Christmas performances.  I was rewarded for taking an assembly at Bellingham Middle School by being invited to Christmas lunch, after which the readers at the forthcoming Carol Service in church came for a rehearsal.
     Today five of these schools came together for carol singing after which I went off (in my capacity as Rural Dean) to a gathering with the Bishop for retired clergy. 
     Perhaps I'll spend time with some middle-aged people soon.

Gradual thaw

Thursday 13th December 2012

Light on the horizon!  What more do I ask?

Still no pictures

Wednesday 12th December 2012
     Imagine a picture of frost or ice and you will know what photograph I might have posted if I could manage the technology  --  which is claiming at the moment that I have my full share of pictures swirling around in the blogosphere.  I don't quite know how to deal with this and I haven't got time to work it out, since Advent is a time of intensive work in the Church's year.
     Watch this space! (please)