St Nicholas' Church News

Thank you to everyone who helped to make the Hurst Millennium St Nicholas' Day service such an enjoyable and memorable occasion - from the torch-lit procession to the church to the refreshments and entertainment back at the village hall writes the Rev Douglas Loveridge.

As Vicar, it was truly a wonderful sight to look back down Church Hill to see the procession of light from torches held by 300+ villagers. Many people have commented on the wonderful sense of community and the warm atmosphere in the church, which was filled to capacity. The service was a unique celebration of life in our village community and a great prelude to the Christmas festivities.

We were pleased to welcome many people to the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols and Christmas Eve family service and Midnight Mass. For many, these services and our Sunday Club's Nativity Play are the essence of Christmas celebrations. We intend to install amplification in the church in the coming months to overcome any audibility problems that we regret some people experienced this year.

Details of all services at St Nicholas' and St Mary's can be found in the window of the village Post Office and in the parish magazine sold there. Special forthcoming services include:

	11 February 3 pm		Marriage Dedication Service (St Mary's) - renewal of vows
	24 March 7 pm		Organ Recital by Nigel Ogden - with refreshments, tickets £8
	25 March 11 am		Mothering Sunday - a special family service.
	8 April 11 am		Palm Sunday - with procession from the vicarage at 10.45am
	13 April 2 pm		Good Friday - an hour at the Cross
	15 April 11 am		Easter Sunday celebration

For further information or spiritual guidance please call Rev. Douglas Loveridge (Vicar) on 0118 934 xxxx