A light shines out at St John’s

‘... still a desire to be in church’ at Christmas

A NEWBURY church has been able to open its doors again this Christmas and once again welcome back its congregation to a number of services.

St John’s Church also hosted its fourth Christmas Tree Festival – bringing in charities, community groups and businesses to all decorate 25 trees that were displayed throughout Christmas.

Vicar at St John’s the Rev Gary Collins said it had been “lovely” to be able to hold a lot of the services again.

“It was deeply encouraging to be able to do these things, especially given last year,” he said. “There was still a desire to be in church.”

The church was also lit up in blue, with the message ‘the light shines in the darkness’ projected on to the side, for two nights this month to coincide with the carol service and on Christmas Eve.

Mr Collins said the lights had helped encourage people into the church and photos of the message of hope had been shared around the world.

“It is a line that is read every Christmas Eve, but it is also a universal message of hope,” he said. “In the midst of it all is a story of beauty, love and hope.”

The High Sheriff of Berkshire, Willie Hartley Russell, was also present at the carol service and gave the first reading. The event, which was held in conjunction with St George’s Church, involved members of the choirs of both churches joining together.

Christmas Tree Festival organiser Jennifer Wright, said the event provided community groups with a platform to show people what they do.

“It is lovely,” she said. “There’s a very nice feel to it and it makes people feel like it’s their church.”

The trees were displayed until Christmas Eve. All money raised over the festive period will go to Newbury Soup Kitchen.

Ref: 51-0321H Staff and residents at Argyle Nursing home decorate their Christmas tree

Lee Sainsbury of Equinox UAS Photography captured this beautiful shot of St John’s Church lit up at the weekend

Ref: 51-1521B The Rev Julie Howell, High Sheriff Willie Hartley Russell and the Rev Gary Collins

Newbury mayor Billy Drummond with Jennifer Wright and Rev Gary Collins Ref: 51-0321A

Ref: 51-1521P The choir arrives at St John the Evangelist

Lighting a candle at the carol service Ref: 51-1521T

The carol service at St John the Evangelist Ref: 51-1521W

The Rev Gary Collins and mayor Billy Drummond Ref: 51-0321R

Ref: 51-1521E A moment of reflection at the carol service

Rev Julie Howell and Rev Gary Collins Ref: 51-1721A

Ref: 51-0321N One of the tree decorations