It has been a busy weekend, I had four services today, two Advent Communion's, an Evening Worship Service, but just before that at 4pm an All Age Nativity... it was tempting to call it Messy Church but it wasn't really Messy Church it had a life and format all of its own! The idea began to form after our Mothering Sunday Service; and took shape in the mind and imagination of Pam our Senior Steward and Leader of the Tots and You Group.
Over the last few months the plan came together, people were asked to help in a number of ways, invitations were sent out and the plan began to unfold with lots of prayer. The Cast for the Nativity were all church members (adults), families were invited and tables were set up with craft materials. I welcomed everyone and started the afternoon with a prayer. The story was told in sections, we had a narrator and members of the cast made their way through the tables to form a tableau at the front where a manger scene had been set.
As each person/ group made their way through the tables they chatted to the folk there... Joseph asked for room for himself and Mary... one of the shepherds kept introducing his lamb "minty", while the other one was intent on looking for a baby... the magi arrived on the scene distributing gold coins and looking for a star that would lead them to a new king.... the angel kept appearing in different places, but they all ended up at the front!
There were some funny moments, Mary gave birth in moments, but the facial expressions were something to behold.
All the way through the children were enthralled, and happily gave directions and advice to the cast.
When the Magi had come it was our turn to give, we brought gifts that will be taken to a shelter for needy families in Leeds. We were overwhelmed with the generosity of folk!
The family groups at the tables were also engaged in making a Christmas story mobile so there was a break between scenes. We sang and prayed and had a thoroughly good time, and finished the afternoon of with tea- lots of cake and some sandwiches...
There is already talk of doing something on Mothering Sunday, and something at Easter.
Well done to all involved! (Photos with permission)
Joseph is woken by an angel.....
The Shepherds make their way through to the stable ( they were sticking to the script at this point!)
The Magi are very generous with "gold coins"
Everyone brings gifts to the manger, these will be taken to a refuge for needy families in Leeds.
More and more gifts were brought...
Mary and the angel admire the gifts...
The cast... don't they make a lovely Christmas Card...
Tea is served...
Mobiles have been made...
