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All four congregations from Hope and Emmanuel Churches gathered together yesterday for 2019’s Celebration & Vision Night. We gave thanks for all that has been achieved in 2018 and committed ourselves to continuing to serve God in our churches and communities in the year to come. The opportunity was taken to thank Barry and Angela Smith for their service to the Parish over the last 30 years and more. In particular Adam expressed everyone’s gratitude for their unstinting work in running the Church Hall as that responsibility now passes to others. 
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 by Allan Poynton
Rob and Pam Attree organised a wonderful quiz night for us on Friday. This photo was taken as Rob was explaining the rules at the start of proceedings. We do look serious, but we had a lot of fun. As you can see, we had plenty of teams. There was a good mix of people from across our congregations and also the community. We were grateful to Rob for a quiz that tested our knowledge of music, film and television, sport, product branding and much more. Thanks also to Pam and Georgia for the smooth running of the quiz, also the ladies for half time refreshments and raffle. At the end of the quiz, the best team won!  Hope.4.All has been our weekly all age service which has been going for exactly one year! Although Hope had a monthly all age service, meaning accessible to all ages, Hope.4.All was created to give an option for weekly worship to everyone - old and young. Have you been to Hope.4.All? We would love to hear what you think! If you haven't attended and want to know what it is all about, see the poster below.  
There was a very festive atmosphere at Pop In’s Christmas party. The Pop In team served soup as well as a wide selection of sandwiches, cakes and Christmas goodies. These included a gift for everyone from Gloria and Christmas crackers to pull. Students from Castell Alun came along to provide the entertainment. They performed a selection of musical items on a variety of instruments which was much appreciated by the party-goers. Thank you to them and to everyone who contributed to this joyous occasion.  
A big thank you to all who contributed to this most enjoyable evening.              The annual Stable Trail landed at Hope Church again this year, with all new activities. The Stable Trail is like a nativity grotto! There were lots of people going around the trail learning all about the origin of Christmas. First, everyone visited King Herod in his palace and met the wise men. They needed to decode a special message to work out where to go next. The message said "follow the star" which they did and found the shepherds. While speaking to the shepherds, an angel appeared! The angel told them they must continue following the star. The shepherds had lost their sheep though, and needed help getting them back. Once everyone had helped get all the sheep back into their field, the shepherds were worried that they were about to visit a very special baby in dirty clothes. The angel told them not to worry! They can come as they are, to follow the star. While following the star, the ink keepers needed some help to finish making their cakes. There were also refreshments available before and after the trail including some yummy mince pies. The trail ended in the stable, meeting a very special baby called Jesus! Everyone learned about why he is so special, and that He is the reason we celebrate Christmas.
A huge thank you to everyone involved in making the Stable Trail a reality, including our two special angels who guided the children through the trail! 50 children got to hear about the true meaning of Christmas, and why we celebrate it this year. To find out what else is happening this Advent and Christmas season, click here.
The Christmas countdown has started in Hope with our Christmas Starts service and light switch on. It all started inside, where we heard from Mary, the angels and the centurion Dave Healey !  The church was full of people ready to hear who was about to arrive! They proceeded outside to be led by the angels in song until we were ready for the countdown.  Unfortunately though, there was no room at the inn (Red Lion) meaning Mary and Joseph needed to find somewhere to stay, so she could give birth!  Once they found their way over to the stable, the countdown started for the star to be lit! Play the video below to see the moment it happened. Once the bells had stopped ringing, all the lights were switched on!  A massive thank you to everyone who helped support our service, it is not possible without you all!
Did you enjoy Sunday? Why not come along and try Hope.4.All, every Sunday at 4pm in Hope Church. |
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