Billed as ‘The Big Sing’, the Over Wyre Joint Benefice service, led by Fr. Peter, was exactly that! Members of the six churches came together on
New Year’s Eve to celebrate the joy of Christmastime through popular carols in addition to traditional and modern readings.
There was indeed, something for everyone.
The church of St. John the Baptist, Pilling hosted the service and regular attendees, visitors and four-legged creatures were all warmly welcomed.
Voting had previously taken place to establish the rank order of the nine most popular carols. ‘Silent Night’ topped the list, with ‘Away in a Manger’ and ‘O Come All ye Faithful’ coming close runners up.
The readings, chosen and presented by representatives from all six churches proved to be quite an eclectic mix! Ranging from the familiar New Testament narratives recounting the birth of Jesus and the visit of the Magi, to a personal, amusing poem penned by the reader on the subject matter of ‘The Turkey’ – the trials and tribulations of cooking Christmas dinner, there was plenty of food for thought! A poem entitled, ‘Santa and Political Correctness’, delivered a pertinent reminder of our increasingly woke world, whilst a jumbo-sized candy cane provided a visual symbol of ‘The Christmas Gift’. Some musings on Trip Advisor reviews ‘on this thing called church’ proved how difficult it can be to please church-goers.
Looking forward to the year ahead, the penultimate carol, ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’, with words penned by Christina Rossetti, generated a moment of quiet reflection before the grand finale and prompted the congregation to consider what we have to offer Jesus at the start of the New Year.
‘Yet what I can I give him – give my heart’.
The service closed with a rousing rendition of ‘Hark! The Herald-Angels Sing’.
Fellowship was shared in the church hall over some welcome refreshments.
The Big Sing on the last day of 2023 may have been over, but messages of unity, joy and celebration were carried out of church in hearts, minds and souls to welcome in 2024.
