Church Bazaar

Our Church Bazaar, held in the Church Hall on Saturday 3rd December was very well attended and offered a variety of stalls, ranging from books and bric-a-brac, cakes and crafts, to plants and pickles.

“Guess these” included name of teddy, weight of cake, and even the combined weight of St George’s Choir!

There was a chocolate tombola, a large main tombola and a grand raffle, with a first prize of £100 and many other prizes.

Teas and coffees were served all day, together with burgers, hot dogs and soup “brunches”.

A very busy day produced a magnificent £1,600 for our church funds.

Pantomime

A coach full of excited children, parents, grandparents and “extras” who just like panto’s went to see Cinderella at the King’s Theatre, Southsea on Saturday 10th December. This was a “traditional” pantomime with modern songs but with all the much loved “he’s behind you” moments. Not a quiet afternoon, but a really enjoyable one!

Christmas in the Shopping Precinct

On Saturday 17th December we gathered at 12 noon for a joint open-air carol service in Waterlooville Town Precinct. A quite large congregation from our local churches sang carols and listened to the readings and prayers.

Film Club - Miracle on 34th Street

This was the version made in 1994 with Richard Attenborough as an elderly, slightly confused looking Santa Claus. The “baddies” were really bad, the “goodies” obviously destined to get together and live happily ever after. A nice Christmassy film for December.

Memorial Service

Our annual Memorial Service was held on Monday 19th December.

We had previously written the names of departed loved ones onto stars which were hung on a large tree, very kindly donated by J Edwards, Funeral Directors, and during the service each person was prayed for and candles were lit.

It was a lovely and very moving service. Afterwards refreshments were served, these being also provided by Edwards.

Carol Services

A season of beautiful carol services, Advent, Christmas and an extra (on 8th January) entitled “The Light is With Us”. With favourite, traditional, much loved carols, seasonal readings and some wonderful choral music superbly sung by our choir. Candlelit for added atmosphere and our Christmas service finished with mince pies and hot punch served in the church hall.

Film Club - From Here to Eternity

January 18th. Unexpectedly (since the picture on the DVD case was in colour) this film was in black and white.

It followed the exploits of some American soldiers based in Hawaii in 1941 and consisted of them being almost constantly “in drink” or in trouble. It finished with one of them being shot by his comrades during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour, but by this time, mainly due to the two main characters’ casual betrayal of the women who loved them, I had ceased to care!

Janet Johnson

Winter Edition 2012

St George’s News from the Pews

Carols in the Precinct