Churches Together in Lancashire’s County Ecumenical Officer, Rev Anton Muller, shares an update on their county-wide carol concert…
It began in 2010 when Churches Together in Lancashire teamed up with BBC Radio Lancashire to broadcast a carol service with a difference. Churches, community groups and individuals were encouraged to take their radios, carol sheets and Christmas cheer out into pubs, coffee shops, residential homes, village greens and sitting rooms and join with the rest of the county in singing well known carols.
Over the last few years we have encouraged Lancashire to be mindful of those who are unable to get out to these places because they are at home alone, limited by age, health or simply lack of transport and social support. Over the years more and more church groups have been supporting the socially isolated and providing much needed company for perhaps the only carol service that some folk may be able to enjoy in the company of others.
Last year the impact of the coronavirus meant that we couldn’t gather in the public places to sing, and so many more faced the prospect of being home alone at Christmas.
For 2021’s event – on Thursday 16 December, starting at 7 pm – we are continuing to focus on the socially isolated once. We are encouraging participants to bring the joy of Christmas into each other’s homes and hearts. Of course we urge everyone to gather inside and outside only with the utmost caution and with the safety of all in mind.
“Hope inspires at Christmas” is this year’s theme. Pray that we may all receive afresh the light and the joy of the Christ Child that God gives to the whole world walking in the darkness of these times.
Read more about Lancashire Sings Christmas and how to tune in.