Donaghadee and Willowfield parishes used very different methods
Carols by BBQ
Another Christmas tradition was born in Donaghadee Parish recently when the congregation enjoyed carols by BBQ on a beautiful moonlit Sunday night.
It came after the parish’s annual Christmas Celebration Service and, on a variation of ‘Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,’ the young people wasted no time in toasting marshmallows for dessert.
The service came at the end of a busy weekend for the youth. It included their Christmas party, complete with Christmas crafts, cooking, food and (of course) a visit from ‘you know who!’
Video readers used at Willowfield carol service
Willowfield Church took a novel approach to their nine lessons and carols by candlelight this year.
Three of the readings were given by parishioners via pre–recorded videos filmed in unusual settings.
• Isaiah 9:2,6–7 was read by John Menagh in the Longfellow Bar (A local bar used for Pub Ministry)
• Luke 1:26–33,38 was read by Margaret Murray at Towel House Nursing Home and Rebecca Walker at IGNITE:WillowfieldYouth
• Philippians 2:5–11 was read by David Crymble on the Cregagh Road (Healing on the Streets Ministry)
“With the video idea we felt it was a great way to show what we are about as a church,” said Stephen Mayes, Church Administrator & Worship Coordinator.
The service featured a variety of music, led by Willowfield Church Choir with organist John Lyttle and an extensive worship band and singers.
Song list Once in Royal David’s City In the Bleak Mid–Winter The First Noel O Little Town of Bethlehem Silent Night O Holy Night Go Tell it on the Mountain Hark the Herald Angels Sing I’ve found a love Joy to the World O Come all Ye Faithful
All three videos filmed and produced by John Hamilton – see them at:
http://www.youtube.com/user/downanddromorevideo