On the road to Bethlehem

Directed by Martin 'Scorcrazi' Walker, casting, rehearsals, dress rehearsal and main performance all in one go!

The angel Gabriel spoke to Mary, and then to Joseph

 A host of angels appeared to the Shepherds, who had arrived to the sound of a flock of bleating sheep!

 

The director explained the ‘Good News’ to the Shepherds

 

 

They were amazed by what the angels told them

 

 

It was a long and tiring day for the angels too

 
A star appeared over the stable

 

Wise men arrived to see what was going on

 

They all took it very seriously . . .
 

 

. . . especially the angels with their important message

 

What a very special retelling of the Christmas story!  Thanks to all the performers, including choir and musicians. (And no, the angels weren't in a cage, it was a balcony!)

Join us this evening (Monday 23^rd December) for Carols in the Square in Long Crendon, 6.30 – 7.15pm

 

So close to the finishing line

Although we had hoped to be back in the building for our Christmas services it just isn't possible.  Instead we now have a date of 26th January for our first service enjoying the new facilities and refurbished building.  Work is continuing to progress and we'd like to share a selection of the latest photos.

The front path on a typical day:

The new entrance taking shape:

The Chapel lights are installed . . .

 . . . and the balcony bench seating is almost ready

Looking towards the glazed doors into the new concourse:

The concourse, showing the new entrance and the stairs:

The new stairs are well-lit:

We praise God for the progress and achievements to date and we are so grateful to Graeme the site manager and all his teams/sub-contractors for all their efforts reaching this stage.  We wish them all a very Happy Christmas!

 

Christmas updates

We hope you will be able to join us for our Christmas services this year.  Due to the minor delay in returning to the building in Long Crendon, we will NOT be holding our Carols by Candlelight Service on the evening of Sunday 22nd as advertised, but we will still be celebrating as follows:

Sunday morning 22nd December
10.30 at Lord Williams' Upper School, Thame (Main Hall)
Morning Service with children's Nativity play

Monday 23rd December
6.30 - 7.15 in Long Crendon Village Square
Our traditional Carols in the Square, this year with the Salvation Army providing the music and LCBC preparing hot refreshments.

Wednesday 25th December
10.00 - 10.45 at Lord Williams' Upper School, Thame (Main Hall)
Our Christmas Day celebrations

We look forward to welcoming you to one or more of these events.

Spectrum Arts update

Stuart Currie, Arts Evangelist 
with London City Mission, 
led two guided tours 
of a London Gallery 
as a special outing 
for Spectrum members 
last month.

Spectrum Arts is an art group which meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 9.30 - 1.00. Whatever your ability there is help and encouragement in this non-competitive, friendly, enthusiastic group of men and women.  

A new development is Start-up Spectrum for those who are just beginning with watercolours, meeting on the second Tuesday. 

During the transition we have been meeting in the Village Centre and from February 2014 we will be back in the LCBC building.

Look out for an exhibition of our work in the Spring, or come and join us one Wednesday and have a go.

Introducing Mark Herbert

We are very pleased that Mark Herbert will be joining the LCBC staff team next summer.  He and Steph are getting married on July 19th and moving to the village soon after. 

He writes, “I was delighted about the recent invitation to join the church and come and serve you and the community. Steph and I will be moving to the village in July shortly after our wedding and are really excited about getting to know everyone better and welcoming you into our home. Getting married, moving house and both starting new jobs is a daunting prospect but we are up for the challenge!"

 

 

Mark is currently finishing some Theological training at Oak Hill College in London, and has previously been a school teacher and also worked for a church in Bedford.  He loves sport, outdoor adventures, reading and open fires!  He was born a carnivore and cooks a mean steak.  Steph is currently working in a women's refuge in Surrey and plans to pursue some further counselling training over the next few years.  She loves dancing, shopping and time with family and friends, but was born a vegetarian and so is not able to enjoy Mark's steak nights.

We look forward to Mark and Steph joining us next year.

Nearing the end of the journey…

The rear path:

 

The new main entrance and pathway:

  

Ceiling lights are in:
 

 

From the bottom of the stairs through to the entrance hall:

The new central concourse between the chapel and rear hall:

 

 

 The chapel and balcony:

 

 

 

 

The upper rear hall:

 

 

Christmas is coming

 

Christmas is coming, and we hope to be back in our refurbished building in Long Crendon for our Christmas services, but keep an eye on our website for updates about venues.

 

Christmas services

Sunday 22nd December

10.30 Christmas all-age service with children's nativity play

18.30 Carols by candlelight

 

Monday 23rd December

6.30 - 7.15 Carols in the Village Square with the Salvation Army Band and hot refreshments

 

Christmas Day10.00 - 10.45 Family Celebration Service

 

We would love to welcome you at any of these services. Our website Visiting page has useful information including how to find us.

 

 

 

 

 

On the first day of Christmas......

...a building with a balcony!

Work is progressing fast as we near the end of the project.

 

Windows for the rear of the building arrived on 20th November and are being installed.

Glazing is in between the upper hall mezzanine and the double-height void in the lower rear hall.

 

On the second day of Christmas?

... two internal windows and a building with a balcony!

 

View up to the mezzanine from the rear wall of the ground floor hall:

 

A new, more accessible rear path is going in:

 

Please continue to pray for on-going site safety and good working relationships.