As we had reached December, and the end of another year we celebrated Christmas and the coming of Jesus. The aisle was decorated with a number of wonderful and different Nativity sets and Sparkling Christmas fabric and a magically lit display . . . .
. . . . setting the scene for the unfolding of the Nativity Icon by Andrei Rublev.
Alex then explained the painting dating from Russia in the 15th century and painted by one of the best iconographers. The different images within the picture were identified and described in detail.
The morning’s festive activities all focused on symbols of the season.
Alison brought paper to fold into tall and majestic angels, all the participants were delighted with the result. The conversation included a discussion on angels and who had felt their presence!
There was also a second paper folding table led by Maggie and involved folding paper from books into a circle to make a candle. [although one participant caused merriment and havoc by reading aloud from a book.] The candles were impressive and patience was needed.
Cherry led a sewing activity using cross stitch which was delicate and once again concentration was needed.
Circles of wood were made available by Sue to turn into a hanging decoration with a Christmas scene drawn painted or made as a collage.
The writing focus was very open; to write about Christmas and the thought-provoking results are available on our Creative Writing page.
The usual opportunities for colouring were not available this morning, causing someone to exclaim they had to do some work!
There was a tree to decorate.
You will find samples of some of the morning’s creations in this month’s Gallery.
The conversations abounded around the tables and we were kept refreshed by Pam with coffee, tea and mince pies.
We ended the mornings activities by gathering to share our efforts and we sat with lighted candles in a darkened church to sing “Like a candle flame”
It was a moving ending.
A lunch followed with soup, made by Jan K, this month it was “purple” soup(!), or carrot and coriander. There was bread, cheese, fruit, home-made cakes, and more mince pies.
We wish you all a Very Merry Christmas.
We hope you will come and after a month’s break we meet in 2025 on Tuesday, 11th February. Coffee from 10.00, followed by worship and activities, with lunch around 12.30.