Dear parishioners and friends,

 
Our annual Crib Service on the afternoon of Christmas Eve always proves very popular with both children and adults. This year we can’t hold it due to the public health restrictions. It would not be safe to have lots of children gather around the crib in St Luke’s Church and put all the animals and characters in it, as they usually do.
However that does not mean that we can’t hear familiar carols, read the story of the first Christmas and make the crib ready for the birth of the baby Jesus on Christmas morning. 
You will find the link to this online Crib Service from St Luke’s Church here:
 
 
It is available now and I hope you will enjoy this short, but very special service as we all look forward to Christmas Day. I have also attached a nativity colouring sheet to this email, which may help keep some of our younger parishioners busy for a little while, on this day of excitement and anticipation for them!
 
While our churches are open for services, I am aware that many of our more vulnerable parishioners will not be venturing out this year. I have also recorded a Communion Service for Christmas Day. It will be available using the same link to our Parish YouTube Channel from very early tomorrow morning. I hope you enjoy it too.
 
 
 
Please note that after Christmas Day, our churches will be closed for public worship for the foreseeable future due to the Level 5 public health restrictions. While there will not be an online service available for Sunday 27 December, I hope to produce one for Sunday 3 January as we anticipate The Epiphany. Over the 12 days of Christmas you may like to view the online Carol Service, if you have not had an opportunity to do so yet.
 
I take this opportunity, on behalf of both the Revd Hazel Minion and myself, to wish you a peaceful, happy and safe Christmas in these most extraordinary of times. While there are challenges ahead, we still look forward to a brighter and better year in 2021.
 
Every blessing,
 

Adrian

 

—

Archdeacon of Cork, Cloyne and Ross.

 
The Rectory,
Carrigaline Road,
Douglas,
Cork.
T12 A2RC