Our series of Advent meetings were themed around 'Songs of the Season' and these culminated with a well attended community carol service which focussed on the real Christmas X-factor, 'The Excelsis Factor', a joyous celebration of the birth of Jesus. The hall was decorated with 'angel' art work provided by the pupils of St Leonard's school. The congregation were invited not only to 'Sing like an Angel', many wearing their tinsel halo, but also to be 'an angel' by supporting the work of Spurgeons Children's Charity and giving in the free will offering. Our special guest vocal soloist, local student Jossie Evans, brought an X-factor of her own by singing like an angel and others took part with music, readings and drama and stayed afterwards to share the fellowship of a cup of tea (and mince pies).

In contrast many also turned out on a late and cold Christmas Eve to share in a midnight candlelit carol service of thoughtful worship and reflection, followed on by our Christmas morning service where people brought along their Christmas gifts and shared in the celebration of the birth of Jesus, the greatest gift of all. Both of these events were followed by a time of fellowship over a cup of tea (with of course mince pies again).