CREDITON Parish Church will be soon be bringing some Christmas spirit to the town.

The Church is being floodlit from the beginning of Advent on November 29 until Epiphany on January 6.

The “Big” tree will also be lit up every evening to shine through from inside the Church conveying the message of “Comfort and Joy”. If you would like to remember a loved one please email: [email protected] or telephone Stella on 07960 388198. The names will be placed under the tree and on the church noticeboard depending on individual preferences.

The church will be open at various times so please check the church website for details. Any donations towards electricity costs would be appreciated but not a requirement. Names can be added any time up until January 2 so do get in touch.

FAMILY CAROLS

Family Carols from Holy Cross will be held at the Church on Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and Sunday 6, both at 6pm.

It will be an opportunity to go along and hear readings and carols sung by Holy Cross Choir with the “Big” Tree shining for “Comfort and Joy”. Due to social distancing arrangements prior booking is recommended – please contact Anne Jerman - 01363 772865 or email: [email protected] to book places. Masks are required to be worn unless exempt and seating is socially distanced.

The “Family Carols from Holy Cross” will also be streamed on the Church’s Facebook page from 6pm on Sunday, December 6 and will include images from previous Christmas Tree Festivals along with words to carols so that people can sing along at home and replay during the festive period.

COLOURING COMPETITION

A picture celebrating the nativity has been created on this year’s theme of “Comfort and Joy” for anyone to colour in. Anyone under the age of 16 can submit a picture for the competition. However you are never too old or too young to colour it in! Please post finished coloured pictures in at the Boniface Centre or leave it in the box in Crediton Parish Church by December 6. Judging will take place on December 7 and Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Frank Letch has agreed to judge, having enjoyed the Flower Festival judging so much.

CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION

The Church is looking forward to receiving many more cards for this competition. It is open to all ages. Cards should depict “Comfort and Joy”. After judging the cards will be delivered to care homes in and around Crediton and those that are housebound wishing them a Happy Christmas from the people of Crediton. Depending on how many cards are submitted depends on how many people will receive a card – it would be lovely to have one for everyone in Crediton. The more the merrier.

To enter please make your Christmas card no bigger than A5 and please write your name and contact details on the back (your contact details will be blacked out before delivery). Please post your finished Christmas card in at the Boniface Centre or leave it in the box in Crediton Parish Church.

Winning pictures and cards will be published in the “Crediton Courier” as well as uploaded to the Crediton Festival’s Facebook page and Bishop Furry’s Facebook page and church website.

The closing date for submissions is Sunday, December 6. It is free entry to this competition and people can submit as many Christmas Cards as they like.

For any questions regarding the competitions please telephone Stella on 07960 388198 or email: [email protected] .

If you wish to donate some hand-made cards to be distributed to people in Crediton then please drop them off as above with no contact details before December 14.