The term ‘carol’, as generally used, includes some items that appear in hymnbooks and are sung by congregations – such as Away in a manger and Once in royal David’s city.
The term is also used sometimes for items that are not congregational hymns.
Some would not normally form part of a church service – such as We wish you a happy Christmas or Past three o’clock. [Read more…] about Christmas Carol? Christmas Hymn?
Here are a few more recollections – secular and spiritual – about the land in which Jesus lived and which is now the focus of attention for an increasing number of pilgrims.
Nearly all of them arrive at Bethlehem in coaches which park in the large central square. The name of this square? You might think it would be something like Central Square or Bethlehem Square, but it is Manger Square.
[Read more…] about Israel – Ancient And Modern (Part 2 of 4)
Until fairly recently few people from Chandler’s Ford had visited Israel, but now there are some of our parishioners who have joined groups of pilgrims and flown to the Holy Land. Some had pre-conceptions, other had eyes and minds open, ready and willing to accept anything which would strengthen their beliefs.
Here are a few of my own observations – certainly not all with a religious connection – which I hope will bring back happy memories. [Read more…] about Israel – Ancient And Modern (Part 1 of 4)
Yesterday I left work early to attend the carol service of Age Concern Chandler’s Ford at the Methodist Church.
Thornden School Wind Band and Toynbee School Choir, with their youthful energy, enthusiasm and talents, impressed the senior members of our community, making the carol service a much cherished event. [Read more…] about Age Concern Chandler’s Ford Carol Service 2014
By Reverend Tim Searle
Christmas is undoubtedly a special time of year, but it is often quite a frantic time too.
Our ‘To Do’ lists seem endless and the mountain of cards waiting to be signed grows year-on-year. We spend more, eat more, travel more, get stressed more … we even go to church more!
I begin to suffer from Christmas fatigue [Read more…] about Being Human – Christmas Message From Churches Together in Chandler’s Ford
On one of my educational cruises we had three or four PE students with us to help conduct deck games when we were at sea.
On this day we were sitting in the shade enjoying a cold drink after visiting the pyramids: beside me one of the students a young lad of about nineteen, starting speaking. He didn’t realise he was expressing his thoughts aloud and his voice was filled with awe. [Read more…] about Travel Journal: Whereto next?
Christmas is approaching! This is very obvious when you visit a major shopping centre, watch adverts on television, etc. Indeed, the first invitation to buy Christmas cards came to me as early as September (or was it August?).
It’s understandable that businesses work this way, as Christmas sales contribute so much to their turnover. But, for those who don’t run businesses, weariness can set in, until Christmas becomes [Read more…] about Christmas Is Coming – But Not Just Yet
There are many Christmas events going on in Chandler’s Ford this year. Christmas and other local events are on Upcoming Events page, but here is a summary:
(Update: Uplifting: Chandler’s Ford 42nd Joint Charities Christmas Market 2015)
The 41st Christmas Market by Chandler’s Ford Joint Charities today was magnificent.
Many local people visit the annual Christmas Market in Chandler’s Ford every year, as it is considered the best, and the most meaningful Christmas Market. [Read more…] about Heart-warming Chandler’s Ford Joint Charities 41st Christmas Market 2014
Updated on 30th July 2017:
The Coffee Room will operate from the Purple Room from Monday 31st July until Tuesday 15th August 2017 while the Dovetail Centre is being refurbished.
The usual range of teas and coffee and biscuits will be available from 9.30 am to 12 noon Monday to Saturday. Access to the Purple Room is from the car park.
Follow the signs.
Below is the original post dated 28th Oct 2014.
My son and I visited the Coffee Room in the Dovetail Centre of the Methodist Church on Winchester Road yesterday.
I went there to buy some tickets for MDG Players’ upcoming comedy: Ladies of Iniquity.
Three things at the Coffee Room surprised me. [Read more…] about How Methodist Church Dovetail Centre Surprises Me
By Stephen Dominy
Last weekend, I spoke at the Fairtrade event at St. Martin in the Wood Church about why we are passionate about tackling climate change. We also want to urge our politicians to act, to create a better, safer world.
We are collecting signatures from Chandler’s Ford to give to Steve Brine MP. We are raising our voices for the things we love. [Read more…] about Letters to Steve Brine MP: Chandler’s Ford Cares About Climate Change
Last week, two new book clubs were born in Chandler’s Ford. One is called Valley Park Readers, and one is called The Bonny Book Club.
We all are book lovers in Chandler’s Ford. Thanks to Streetlife, a local social network for neighbours in our own communities, we get to find one another, and now two book clubs have been set up. [Read more…] about Two New Book Clubs In Chandler’s Ford
Two years ago there was a Scarecrow Festival in Chandler’s Ford, at St. Boniface church.
I always thought scarecrows only existed in children’s stories or places like Midsomer where DCI Tom Barnaby (or DCI John Barnaby) ran around solving triple murders in the quaint English village. I’m not sure why, but I’m pretty scared of scarecrows. [Read more…] about Pirbright Scarecrow Festival
I was surprised the vicar started his sermon last Sunday with the news of England’s defeat, with additional updates from Facebook. The fervour of the World Cup is all consuming, and it is almost impossible to escape from the excitement and passion around us. Even God had to come second.
The only footballer I know of is David Beckham. In March 2013, David Beckham lifted up his shirt to show off his Chinese tattoo (and torso) at Peking [Read more…] about David Beckham’s Chinese Tattoo
The Church of England church in Hursley Road, St Boniface (SO53 2FT), is one of relatively few parish churches locally that has the service of sung Evensong on most Sundays (at 6.30pm).
The Book of Common Prayer is the basis of the service, although the prayers of intercession are in modern language and concentrate on contemporary events and situations. [Read more…] about St. Boniface Church Evensong
The Choir of St. Boniface church, Hursley Road held a coffee morning, cake stall and raffle recently to help raise funds for new books for the Evensong service (most Sundays at 6.30).
Well over £200 was added to the choir’s bank account as a result, and the books will be bought soon.
I met John Lankester a few weeks ago at Hocombe Mead. He told me some exciting projects at the newly revived Eastleigh & District Local History Society.
Many of you know that John and his wife Hazel both are active members of Friends of Hocombe Mead in Chandler’s Ford, where Hazel is the Chairman. Now they are also promoting Eastleigh & District Local History Society, where Hazel is Secretary and John Treasurer. [Read more…] about Eastleigh and District Local History Society
Last weekend it was my privilege and pleasure to visit Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk for the annual conference and AGM of the Guild of Church Musicians, and particularly so as the Guild was making me one of several new honorary fellows (Hon. FGCM for short).
About 150 honorary fellowships have been awarded in the past 25 years or so, some to clergy (including Archbishop Desmond Tutu) [Read more…] about The Guild of Church Musicians
At St. Boniface Church this morning, a large wooden cross decked out with daffodils was brought in to the church. It was a beautiful scene.
As the music director Hugh Benham explained in this post, during Lent at the parish church, a large wooden cross is on display, and on Good Friday the altar is bare. Symbols of the Passion are laid at the foot of this cross [Read more…] about Easter Day – from Tragedy to Triumph
If you haven’t seen The Crossroad, musical drama at Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church, I would suggest you grasp the chance to see it.
There are two more shows: Friday and Saturday (11th and 12th of April) at 7.30pm.
I watched The Crossroad with my son this evening. The story was thought-provoking. [Read more…] about The Crossroad: Brilliant Performance
