THE GRAPEVINE – DECEMBER 2025/JANUARY 2026

THE GRAPEVINE – DECEMBER 2025:JANUARY 2026

Christmas is around the corner and we have lots going on by way of seasonal services which you can read about on a special page 4 that condenses them all.   The robin cover picture was taken on the wall of the Editor’s garden.  She particularly likes the legend (and there are several!) that Mary lay with her baby in the cold stable and with the fire about to go out. She called to the animals for help but none responded, save one little robin who flew to the stable to help her.   He flagged the dying embers until the fire rekindled and continued fanning the embers until his breast was burned.  Mary thanked him for his efforts and blessed him, so that ever since, the robin has had a red breast.  Amongst other things, we have a touching tale of a little girl who, every time she visited the hospital where her grandad was having cancer treatment, handed round a bucket of sweets to share with all the patients – the true spirit of Christmas!  We have our usual greetings on the Christmas Tree from members and friends of the church.  There is a double page spread on Remembrance Sunday, recognising its 80th anniversary year.  We look forward to a concert by our “resident’ band, Stratus and particularly remember our friends in ArtPeace as they face a bleak Christmas but, hopefully, one on which they are buoyed up by our love and support from across the seas.  A very Happy Christmas and all the best for 2026!