There was a good attendance at the Carols by Candlelight Service held on 18th December. We were joined by our friends from St Colmans. The service was led by Rev David Knox and the theme of the service was "God has come in".

The choir under the leadership of our Director of Music, Nicholas Trimble sang 5 carols: The Carol Singers, Jesus Child (soloist- Louise McIvor), See in Yonder Manger Low, Candlelight Choir and God has come in. The music was provided by Nicholas accompanied by the Praise Band. The full congregation sang the carols: O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Angels From The realms of Glory, O Little Town of Bethlehem, The First Nowell , Good Christian Men Rejoice and Hark the Herald Angels Sing.

The readings were: Isaiah 11:1-10 Rev Helen Freeburn, Luke 1:26-38 Lucy Oswald, Matthew 1:18-25 John Blair, Luke 2:1-7 Father Paul Byrne, Luke 2:8-20 Christine Semple, Matthew 2:1-12 Carla Crawford and John 1:1-14 Rev David Knox.

The offering at the service was for the World Development Appeal.

After the service everyone was invited to tea and shortbread in the Alec Watson Hall.

Our church was filled to capacity on 13th November 2011 for the annual Remembrance Service. All the uniformed organisations from the church were on parade under the general leadership of Colin Hewitt. The minister,  Rev David Knox, spoke on the importance of the poppy as a symbol in remembrance of soldiers who have died during various wars and referred to the increased politicisation of the poppy in reecent times.

The poppy is a common flower in Europe and is found in many locations including Flanders which is the setting of the famous poem  "In Flanders Fields" by the Canadian John McCrae. Each year the nation expresses its support for the Royal British Legion's charity work through the Poppy Appeal which helps members of the armed forces and their families. The red poppy has therefore become a symbol of those who sacrificed their lives or were injured for us. Rev Knox said the this should not be forgotten just as Jesus Christ gave His life on our behalf. He died in our place to pay the price for our sins.

A two minute silence was observed during the service. Mr Gary Lindsay read the familiar words from Binyon's famous poem 'For The Fallen':

They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old

Age shall not waery them, nor the years condemn

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

The service concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.

The photographs below are of the floral arrangements for Remembrance Sunday.