Carols in the Community

The gift of music and song has been bestowed on revellers at a pub in Farnborough. Members of the North Camp Methodist Church, in the Blackwater Valley Circuit, along with local Cove Brass band, have been treating regulars at The Squirrel to carols and Christmas songs. While customers are happy to join in with the festivities, some worry they can’t sing and admit they might not necessarily have all the notes in the right order. The Revd Anne Day urges them to do as the Bible says and “make a joyous noise”. A great time is had by all, and taking part “makes everyone feel good about themselves”.

The image of carol singers, huddled together in the snow, robed or cloaked, sporting red scarfs or red cheeks, is a timeless one. It features heavily on Christmas cards and is used to create atmosphere in films. But this performance is very real and very different. It’s much more than carol singing. Through this connection it’s hoped that people will realise that the Church is approachable. The Revd Anne wants to gradually strengthen links and “be with people in the future, through their highs and lows and everything in between”.

Without the barrier of church walls the Revd Anne points out that “here we’re able to talk to lots of local people about the good news whilst singing carols and probably raising more money than if we were at the church or going door to door”. The money raised will be donated to the charity Parity who support people with disabilities.

North Camp Methodists have also been taking the news of ‘Gifted’ to those who come along to enjoy the festive performance. ‘Gifted’, the Advent and Christmas campaign by The Methodist Church in Britain, reminds us – “You are a gift. Made with love”, encouraging people to reflect on the ways they bring light to others at this time of year, whether through generosity, service, hospitality or simply by their presence.

This is the third year that the churchgoers have sung in The Squirrel. The Revd Day says they’ve built up a good relationship with the landlady and her husband. This has been developed throughout the year, not just at Christmas – regularly attending the pub quiz has helped to forge that close relationship “and now it is expected that we come and sing carols with them; an amazing privilege”. She adds that performing in a non-church environment breaks down any barriers, showing that “Christians are normal people who like to socialise and be happy!” Of course, there’s the added bonus that a pub performance is warmer and altogether much more convivial than standing out in the cold wet streets.

The evening closes with the Revd Anne Day giving a blessing in the middle of the pub, “and everyone feels lifted up”. She is looking forward to “next year and more opportunities to be with our community who are indeed gifted and made with love”.