Faith news (Including festive nativity drama with real animals)

Bovingdon’s outdoor nativity drama with real donkey and sheep!

The churches of Bovingdon put on a nativity drama with a difference when four key scenes of the Christmas story were acted out in the village, with real animals including sheep and a donkey to add realism.

Starting in the church yard of St Lawrence, the drama then moved up Bovingdon High Street, with scenes outside an office and the library, before concluding at the Baptist Church.

Well over 100 spectators watched the nativity in bright sunlight; 14 adult actors were involved in the story and 16 members of Bovingdon Primary Academy choir sang carols to complete the atmosphere.

Revered Mary Moody, minister of Bovingdon Baptist Church and Revered Charles Burch, vicar of St Lawrence Church, said: “We think this is by far the best way to bring the Christmas story alive for our local community.”

Tring’s own Salvation Army helps out over the border

Community carol singing was held for the first time on bordering Buckinghamsire’s Coombe Hill, and attracted a good crowd of all ages.

Countryside ranger Joe Mayled said the event was organised with the help of Salvation Army members from Tring. He said: “One of their members walks his dog regularly on Coombe Hill and approached us about singing carols for Christmas.”

The event was held in the picnic area next to the car park, the band provided the music and handed out carol books. Ranger Mr Mayled said: “We would definitely do it again, it went really well.”

Return of the travelling crib to All Saints Church

Christmas Eve saw the return of the Travelling Crib to All Saints Berkhamsted at a special service for children and their parents.

The Crib had spent the night at the home of a different family each night in Advent on its journey towards Bethlehem. The Midnight Communion service was held at 11.30am and on Christmas Day there was an All Age worship at 10am, followed by Holy Communion.

St Peter’s Church, Berkhamsted - crib service

St Peter’s Church held two crib services on Christmas Eve, because the church became so full at the service last year that some children couldn’t see what was happening, so the vicar hopes to avoid that this year by holding two services instead.

Looking ahead to 2015...

A New Year Concert will be held on Saturday, January 10 at 7.30pm at St. John’s Church in Boxmoor.

The event will feature the St John’s String Orchestra conducted by Rufus Frowde and the Gildas Quartet Admission £10 including one child free, and additional children £5.

Tickets are available from Peter Garner by calling 01442257023 or emailing masj.org.uk.

Christian Viewpoint

Jesus Christ brought us the gospel, or ‘good news’, that God loves us and wants us to change our ways and love one another. Today, most Christians try to show what the Christian faith means to them by doing as Jesus taught us, that is, by obeying God’s laws and loving everybody, of whatever nationality or culture. Why then, are so many British young people looking for more and allowing themselves to be radicalised or indoctrinated by other faiths? Are we guilty of neglecting our faith and not teaching our children about Christ? This Christmas let us put Christ into Christmas.

Pat Marlow, Carey Baptist Church