The Christmas Tour

Jane Butcher

This was the sixth year of 'The Christmas Tour' at St John's Church, Harborne.

To set the scene... the 'tours' left every 45 minutes and took about 35 minutes to complete. The children/adults are led by their tour guide - this year the Angel Gabriel, who tells the story as they travel. Various rooms throughout the church are 'transported' back in time to become a specific scene. As people enter each scene, it lights up and is acted out with the additional use of some modern technology and some 'special effects' and several bales of hay from a generous farmer within the congregation.

The weekdays were given over to school tours, whereby local primary schools were invited to attended. During these days, we welcomed all year groups from Reception to Year 6 at different points.

On Saturday the tours are open to be pre-booked by the public. It is encouraging to see many attending each year as it has become a 'regular' feature in their Christmas preparations. Many who come do not have any connection with St John's or any other church. Over the course of the three days, 650 people of various ages and faith backgrounds took the tour, and it is good to be able to welcome people an event like this.

This has been a part of my work over these past six years and something I very much enjoy. I am encouraged not only to see people who have been involved for many years taking greater ownership but also those members of the church for whom this was their first year of being involved - one said the only sadness that she and her husband had was that they hadn't done it sooner.

Working alongside such a committed and enthusiastic team of volunteers was a great privilege. Many took annual leave in order to do the school days, and three people gave the time to do all three days, which takes a very high level of stamina.

We were joined on one day by a BRF supporter as he considers ways in which he might offer something to the local community through his church.

As ever your prayers were appreciated for a very rewarding if a little tiring journey through this exciting story.

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