St Peter and St Paul’s Church News

Ladies Friendship Circle
On Monday 23rd November we held an open meeting, we were joined by husbands and friends to hear our speaker Kevin Barfield speak about the life of George Formby. A very entertaining speaker, Kevin had some recordings of George for us to enjoy. Kevin also played his ukulele and sang to us.
We finished with Kevin singing three of George’s favourite songs.
An evening enjoyed by all.
On Monday 7th December we held our Carol Service in the hall.
We had carols, readings and prayers followed by a drink and mince pies.
Our thanks go to Geoff Morton for playing for us and to Cynthia for arranging the service.
Sheila Borderick
Team Service
Despite the best efforts of the County Council to make life difficult by closing High Street, enterprising members of the Fosse Team Churches found their way to Syston Parish Church on Sunday November 29th to enjoy worship together.
This being Advent Sunday, thoughts were about the significance of this season. The sermon was given by The Revd Canon Alison Christian, Warden of Launde Abbey, who reminded us that even from the depths of desolation there will always be hope by opening the door and letting Jesus in.
Confirmation
On Sunday 22nd November members of the Fosse team and St James the Great, Birstall gathered in Syston Parish Church to welcome Bishop Christopher Boyle, the assistant Bishop of Leicester. He was with us to baptise and confirm 22 people. It was a totally uplifting and joyous occasion followed by special refreshments in the Church Centre.
Edwardian Christmas Fair
Well, on a pretty grim day so far as the weather was concerned and, on a day when the Christmas Event in the park had to be cancelled because of the horrendous wind, we were able to continue and many people braved the weather to come to our fair!
The church was filled with people enjoying the many stalls, the refreshments and, of course, Father Christmas!
At the start we were entertained by the children form St Peter & St Paul’s Academy singing Christmas songs and carols. They sang really well and definitely deserved the applause they received.
Round the church were stalls selling quality china and glass, a Prize Every Time, Pick a Card which had a prize every time as well, also a Bottle Stall tombola, a stall with a fascinating array of plants and table decorations, and a laden cake stall! There were some beautifully crafted jewellery and Christmas Tree decorations for sale. There was a chance to stir the Christmas pudding and make a wish and for children to create their own table decoration.
Then, of course, a chance to sit and rest with tea and cakes.
It was a great occasion on a dim and windy day which raised £1860.00 for church funds.
Thanks to all those who braved the weather and helped to make this such a success!
New Year Sausage and Mash
Revd David and Jane White generously opened their home on New Year’s Day to members of the congregation for a Sausage and Mash lunch. Many people crowded into the Rectory and enjoyed the sausages and mash followed by some amazing home prepared puddings!
A collection was taken and totalled £248 for the Delhi Women’s Empowerment Project. A charity which endeavours to empower women suffering domestic abuse to speak out and to promote the wellbeing of all family members.
The Big Knit
Several people from the congregation and friends got busy with the knitting pins and in total we were able to send 158 bobble hats to our local branch of AgeUK in Syston Age Concern Syston. Look out for the hats which appear on bottles of Innocent Smoothies in February. Each bobble hat raises a donation of 25p so Age Concern Syston looks forward to receiving £39.50!
Sing Christmas
The BBC Leicester Big Christmas Sing at the Dog and Gun on December 21st was very well supported. There was some very enthusiastic singing of the familiar carols and readings relayed from Radio Leicester. We even got a mention from the presenters. A collection was taken for The Carpenter’s Arms charity in Loughborough.
Thanks to Revd Jackie Bullen and Theresa Morgan who arranged this.
Hand bells
Shoppers in Wilkos and Tescos were entertained by the hand bell ringers from Syston Parish Church on the Saturday before Christmas. They managed to raise £92.56 thanks to the generosity of the shoppers. The ringers are very grateful to the management of the two stores who allow them to ring.
Collections
Money raised at the Christingle service was £235.35 and this goes to The Children’s Society and at collections at the Carol Service and envelopes in church was £726.27 which goes to Shelter.