St Peter and St Paul’s Church News for February

Ladies Guild
On Monday 23rd November the Guild joined the ladies at the Methodist Church Hall for a talk by Anne Hughes with songs, poems and stories. Anne kept us amused with her version of the Twelve Days of Christmas. We closed with a drink and biscuits. An enjoyable evening was had by all.
The Ratcliffe Chorale entertained us on Monday 14th December with music, recitations and John Rutter’s version of Wind in the Willows. In spite of the terrible weather a large number of people came and afterwards enjoyed drinks and mince pies in the Church Centre where a raffle took place. A total of £662 for the Premature Baby Unit at the Leicester Royal Infirmary was raised.
Sheila Borderick

Christmas Celebrations
Christmas Eve
In the morning the hand bell ringers braved the piercing cold to return to the Town Square where they had played the previous Saturday. Once again the people of Syston responded generously to our collecting tins. Over the two sessions we raised £116. Thank you to everyone who contributed.
Over a hundred people attended the Christingle and Crib Service. Before and during the service the youngsters made their Christingles before circling the church to have them lit and in the darkened church sing the Christingle song. It was magical moment.
The church was packed for the Carol Service where many traditional carols were sung as well as some new ones. The choir sang two songs and young Tyson and Charlotte, the soloists, captivated the congregation with their singing. The hand bell ringers also took part, some of the children present were transfixed by the sound!
Later the Midnight Mass heralded the birth of Jesus Christ. What a joy to be able to sing “Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning” just after midnight.
Christmas Morning
The bells rang out and the congregation sang out the Good news of Jesus’ birth.
All this took place in a church beautifully transformed with every space full of flowers.
Christmas Bazaar
The room buzzed with anticipation as we opened for business and a steady stream of customers came in. Throughout the time there was a happy atmosphere as we sought to part the customers from their money! There were a variety of stalls with the cakes and Christmas decorations being very popular, as was guessing the dog’s birthday. The tombolas did a brisk trade and the craft stalls did well.
In the kitchen the gang did a great job of providing all day snacks and plenty of tea and coffee. The result was that we raised over £1100.
Eleven30
This now occurs every week at 11.30am. The pattern continues as before with a Bible story, prayers and songs. There is always an activity for the children and refreshments for everyone. Despite the appalling weather there has always been a group of adults and young people enjoying the stories and fellowship.