4 December 2010

 

Tavistock parish church is gearing up this week for its Christingle Service on Sunday.  This celebration brings together people of all ages from the community.  During the service, children receive a Christingle made of an orange, a lighted candle, a red ribbon and sweets on cocktail sticks  -  each part representing a different aspect of Christian faith.

While children receive lighted Christingles, the whole congregation is able to enjoy seasonal songs and carols, and see the children’s faces lit up by the candlelight as the church lights are dimmed.

During the service, a collection will be taken in aid of the Children's Society, which last year raised almost £1.2 million through more than 6,000 Christingle services nationwide.  Funds from Christingle services help those children  -  over 100, 000 in the UK  -  who each year run away from home or care before the age of 16, many fleeing family conflict, bullying, abuse and neglect.

After the service, which begins in St Eustachius’ church at 3.30 pm, a light tea will be served in church, for which there is no charge.

The priest-in-charge of Tavistock, the Reverend Michael Brierley, said ‘The Christingle Service is a hugely special and inspiring occasion, showing us, in the busy run-up to Christmas, just what it’s all about  -  Jesus, the light of the world.  Absolutely everyone is warmly invited to join us.’