Rugby's St Andrew's is celebrating Christmas differently this year - here's how you can get involved
Christmas at St Andrew's this year will be a little different, but the church is still playing an active role in the community
From Christingle kits, charity events and pre-recorded services - Rugby's St Andrew's is find innovative ways to make sure residents are able to celebrate Christmas safely.
Rugby’s Rector, Canon Edmund Newey, said: "None of us is going to forget Christmas 2020, but let’s make sure that we remember it for the right reasons.
"The first Christmas was a time when Jesus’s family faced isolation and rejection, but God’s love still found a way.
"Despite all the hardships the world is facing this year, I pray that we may all know again the Christmas tidings of comfort and joy."
Many of the church's services have moved online, but the building remains as active as ever in charity fundraising and action in the community.
Each evening Rugby Rotary’s Tree of Light is shining out on Church Street, raising money for Rugby Myton Hospice, with each light dedicated to a departed loved one.
And the Rugby Rokeby Lions’ Santa Sleigh visited the church on Saturday, December 12.
Sadly, covid concerns prevented Father Christmas from giving out sweets, but the sleigh raised crucial funds for the many good causes supported by the Lions.
Usually St Andrew’s hosts a Christmas Tree Festival during December.
The festival had to be cancelled this year, but the Rugby charities and organisations who usually support it have instead made baubles to decorate a single tree inside the west end of the church.
The hugely popular Christingle services look a bit different too.
For 2020 they will be in a bag. Two hundred kits, including everything needed to celebrate safely at home, will be available to pick up outside St Andrew’s on Friday December 18 and Saturday December 19, between 11-1pm on a first come, first served basis.
A pre-recorded service will be on the church website and Facebook page from December 23.
There is no charge but donations to the work of the Children’s Society are warmly encouraged.
For the latest information, see www.standrewrugby.org.uk and www.facebook.com/StAndrewsChurchRugby