Reindeer have become synonymous with Christmas time. They are a very unique deer, native to parts of Europe, Scotland, Asia, and North America. The males and females grow antlers, unlike any other deer. The males lose them in autumn during the mating season, but the females keep them to protect their young. Their antlers are huge and so account for their particularly majestic look. Their eyes are not bad either, allowing them to see ultraviolet light and spot predators more easily. Their special noses can allow them to warm that cold air.

Folklore has them travelling, pulling Santa’s sleigh throughout the skies of the world, but they can actually travel very long distances. In North America, they are known by a different name. Caribou. Whatever the name, we enjoy them as a beautiful feature on our cards and calendars during the Christmas and winter season.

What a night Sunday!! It was our Carols and Panto gathering, and probably the wackiest service of the year. We sang our favourite carols, heard some lovely, humorous readings, and then it was time for the much-anticipated pantomime. This year, it was Alice in Wonderland. Steve Lidgett Williams played an Alice Cooper kind of Alice, while Rob Harvey was The Evil Queen donning Freddy Mercury regalia. As if that wasn’t enough, we had Sarah Dorgan as The White Rabbit and the Mad Mad Hatter, Alison Keogh as the Mad March Hare, Graham Searle as a Dozy Dormouse, as well as a playing card. Chris Elliot was our Cheshire Cat, and also a playing card, and Virginia Gordon was a caterpillar and a playing card, also. Chris Shore narrated the buffoonery. We also had Santa and the Elves coming by. Thanks to Julie, Nerina, and Sue.

We thank our readers and prayer people, Ailette lit our Shepherd’s candle for JOY, and Lisa ran our music. Carol and Sue brought us some delightful Christmas baked goods with mulled wine to wash them down with. It was a very festive night enjoyed by all. Thank you Everyone for all the work and effort!!

PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Please pray for Peace around the world.

Calendar up later!!

Have a beautiful week, everyone, and slow down.