Carols on the prom for Sheringham church

Lighthouse Community Church joined forces with Cromer and Sheringham Brass Band for an evening of carols by the sea on Sheringham promenade – just one of several community initiatives by the church this Christmas. Tony Rothe reports.

Around 120 people gathered on Sheringham promenade and the path above to enjoy a time of traditional carols played by members of the town band, led by Jane Bussey. Ian Savory, from Lighthouse, introduced the songs, and shared some thoughts. SALT café opened especially for the occasion, providing hot drinks, mulled wine, and amazing mince pies.
 
Ian said, “Singing carols on the prom, with the sea crashing onto the stones a few feet away, was lots of fun, and a great opportunity to be reminded of the world-changing event of Jesus birth that we are celebrating.”
 
Two days later, back at the Cromer Road church, Lighthouse held a Christmas family service with pop-up nativity. Anyone present, whatever age, was invited to don one of the huge range of nativity-style garments available and take part in tableaux to accompany modern readings of the familiar Christmas story.
 
These events followed a busy week during which hot drinks and snacks have been delivered to market traders, right, and chocolates have been taken round to local shops and businesses with a greeting from the church.
 
Café Manager Maggie Rothe and her team have provided a festive “Family Fridays” evening, as well as a Christmas Community Lunch, and have been giving out free food bags, below, to provide some festive cheer in the community. Maggie said, “We simply want to engage with our community, and provide a bit of joy at this special time of year, especially where families are hit by the rising cost-of-living.”
 
Lighthouse will be showing the family film “The Star” (cert U) at 4pm this Friday, 22 December, to which everyone is welcome, free of charge.

There will be a midnight communion service at 11.15pm on Christmas Eve.
 
Lighthouse Café, ThreadBear shop, and office are now closed for Christmas, and will re-open on Tuesday 9 January 2024.  
 
Photos courtesy of Nigel Pegg and Sue Savory.
 

Do you have a news story or forthcoming event relating to Christians or a church in North Norfolk?  

If so, e-mail tony.rothe@networknorwich.co.uk with details and, if possible a suitable picture.