On the Friday before Advent 4 it snowed big snow upon South Wales. They said it was worse elsewhere but that's an exaggeration. It was so bad that we had to cancel the Sunday School Nativity rehearsal. Then in the week leading up to Christmas it snowed again. It was also freezing cold. It hasn't been so cold and and snowy since my mate Martin fell in the canal in the great freeze of 19.. and his mother bashed me. 

However I would like to acquaint you with a few stats as they say:

Advent 4: Atrocious weather

8.30   10 Communicants + children

11.00  75 (approx) people in church for the Nativity Play which was excellent. Sunday School teachers came to the Vicarage for sherry and pressies.

Christmas Eve:

5.00    c75 people in church inc lots of children for Carols and Crib Service with new Olive Wood Figures from Bethlehem. The figures were placed on the Altar as the story proceeded. Everyone said what a wonderful service it was. A brand new venture for us.

11.30   25 people received Holy Communion but there were more people in church and they were very brave. The weather was "deep and crisp and even".

Christmas Day

9.00     Yes I was really tired but it was a beautiful morning and there were c 10 communicants. I played Carols on the ghetto blaster.

10.00    15 communicants at this service + children - a very nice service.

Boxing Day

10.00    There was just a said Eucharist on this day but at least 10+ brave souls ventured out and some came back to the Vicarage for drinks!

I dug out the church drive and Vicarage drive in preparation for the visit of friends whilst my wife went to the pub! Yes I did know it was Sunday.

Christmas 2

The weather had improved and we had some lovely services. Someone said I worried about money!

A few small things:

*The gentleman who carved the olive wood figures is from Bethlehem and has had by pass surgery, paid for by the sale of the figures

*Thank you to the people who donated rock salt, which helped in my snow clearance

*Thank you to my neighbour who helped me clear snow and ice from the lych gate

*Thank you to everyone who made such a valiant effort to come to church and celebrate the Saviour's birth in such atrocious weather

*Thank you to all who gave me pressies including pressies for people in the third world