Pub goers were singing from the same hymn sheet as church representatives during a festive sing-along in North Tyneside.
Members of St Mary’s Church, Monkseaton, joined regulars and others from the community at The Kittiwake Pub and Kitchen on 14 December. It was an ecumenical effort which also involved Whitley Lodge Baptist Church.
Copies of the Bethlehem Carol Sheet were handed out at the pre-arranged carol singing session, while musicians provided the soundtrack.
Revd Nigel Taylor, Vicar of St Mary’s, said the event billed as ‘Beer and Carols’ was a great success, with about 50 people attending and joining in the festivities.
Carol singing at the local pub is one of various outreach initiatives at St Mary’s, where two new noticeboards have been installed outside the church – a large one at the front entrance and a slightly smaller equivalent at the side entrance.
Nigel said: “It’s all about engaging with the local community. We want to let people know when our services are happening and to give them an idea of what they look like.
“People walk past our church. We want them to know we are open and active, and that they are very welcome here.”
For epiphany (6 January), St Mary’s is planning a light party for the community. It will include a children’s play either in church or in the car park, depending on the weather. For the adults, tea and coffee will be served , as well as jacket potatoes with filling. There will also be a variety of games, while candles will be lit as a sign of bringing light to the darkness.
Photos (top to bottom)
1. The Revd Nigel Taylor and his wife Kate are picured with one of the new noticeboards.
2 & 3. Images from the Beer and Carols event.
4. The other new noticeboard at St Mary's Church.