Approaching Christmas

Ice is my major preoccupation at the moment. I spent much of this morning consulting on whether a regular Eucharist due this afternoon in sheltered accommodation should go ahead, and then ringing round people who might turn up to tell them that for the second time we've had to cancel it - just too dangerous for many who might have wanted to go.

Last Friday we lost the planned concert by the Leadgate Gleemen and our Handbell Ringers - the second year running. Last year it was deep snow that caused the problem. This year the plummetting temperature which rapidly and dramatically worsened our road conditions.

But we're not too downhearted. This evening we have carols round the Village Christmas Tree - I think we'll aim for no more than thirty minutes! And an order for 200 oranges ready for the Crib Service cum Christingle on Christmas Eve is even now being prepared... Let's hope that people are not put off, whatever the weather!

Last week we did at least manage to do a fair bit of eating. The Lunch Club had its Christmas Party in grand style last Tuesday, and some of its members were back for more as the Mothers' Union celebrated its Christmas Lunch at Derwentside College. Excellent fare at each - and I gather that some people who were at both events also managed to fit in another one or two festive meals in between.

Thanks to everyone who is helping to keep things going: some of the Lunch Club workers are pictured here; no photos yet of the church's magnificent Christmas Tree which a wonderful team managed to erect last Wednesday just before the weather had taken a further downturn. And Rosie Junemann, our Reader, preached this sermon the Sunday before last (Advent 3) managing to get Coronation Street's 50th anniversary, John the Baptist and the call of the Kingdom all into the space of 10 minutes. I preached yesterday - but no written record exists of what I said...

Now the sun is shining, the sky is clear and blue - which might give me an hour to go out before dark and another temperature drop. At least it should keep tonight's singing up to pitch.