All I want for Christmas is………..
You may remember the film or the song in which these lines were sung. But they ask us the question what do we want for Christmas? You may put world peace up there, a day without Brexit on the news. For some
people Christmas will pass them by as any other day, a day full of sorrow and sadness, a day where they have no home, a day filled with abuse, a day of cold and hunger. At this time of year our charity focus moves to the work of the Children’s Society, Some people collect for this society all year round with collecting boxes in their homes, if you would like to join them, just let me know and I can get a collecting box round to you for 2018.
We have two events which particularly focus on the Children’s Society, formerly called the Church of
England Children’s Society. The first event is the Christingle Service which has been used for many years as the flagship for the society. This year our service will be at 4pm on 3rd December at All Saints
Croughton. Here we will make our Christingles and a collection will be taken for the charity. This is a lovely
service for all the family, do come along if you can. If you cannot make the service and want to make a donation, please drop it off at the Rectory marked ‘Children’s Society’ and I will make sure it gets to them.
Our second event is the “Carol Singing on the Green” or round the Christmas tree at Aynho on Christmas Eve at 5pm, usually followed by mince pies and mulled wine in the village hall.
We support the charity because of the work they do to help tackle child sexual exploitation, they work among the young refugees and migrants, they have an advocacy service that speaks up for the
children in areas such as child protection and government policy. They work with children affected by adult
substance abuse. They work with and for those who go missing from their homes and families, they work
supporting young people experiencing mental health and emotional wellbeing problems. They also work with post adoption and care services for those who have been adopted and want to trace relatives.
See https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk for more details.
One thing the Children’s Society highlights is our need to be vigilant about caring for or safeguarding
children where ever we may find ourselves. The church’s commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults is shown by all PCC members and group leaders attending Safeguarding Awareness courses to help set the standard for our communities and to help protect them.
May I take this opportunity to wish you all a peaceful and Christ filled Christmas and look forward to seeing you at our many events and services over the Christmas time.
God Bless Simon (Rector)
Croughton Christmas Tree Festival
Come and enjoy the festive decorations from village groups in the first of our new Christmas Tree Festival at Croughton Church. The festival is open
Sunday 10th December 2pm – 5pm, Saturday 16th December 2pm – 5pm, Sunday 17th December 2pm – 5pm Entry £1 for adults, children free Come and help us judge the best dressed tree. The festival will finish with a special Christmas Tree Carols at 4.30pm Sunday 17th December to which everybody is invited and at which the winner of the best dressed tree will be announced.
Mid week viewing for groups can be made by arrangement-please contact Peter on 01869 810023
We are very grateful to CT Walters Electrical Ltd for their support of this event.