St. John’s Christmas Market 2010

At the same time as the Christmas Tree Festival (see separate blog above) St. John’s ran its annual Christmas Market Last weekend. Was this really our Church Hall? It was totally transformed by magical decorations and stalls burgeoning with home made cakes, hand made gifts and cards plus a whole range of Christmas goodies and gifts! These ranged from a bicycling Santa windmill to exotic toiletries, from beautiful knitted tree decorations to amazing Christmas teapots!

There were also many activities including the ever popular tombola, face painting, and nail art and, of course, Santa was there to meet the kids. I should mention that Lucy was even able to paint Sue’s nails to show off her BRAND NEW ENGAGEMENT RING to best effect! Well done Lucy and congratulations Shaun and Sue!


The café was as busy as ever if not more so. They not only supplied coffee and mince pies, but baps, shepherd’s pie and snacks for those wanting to eat a full tea or lunch. I know at least two people who came down just to get a meal (possibly because their wives were too busy to feed them)!

We would like to thank all those who worked hard, in many different capacities – some seen and many unseen, to make the Market a success. It certainly was a success generating many satisfied customers of all ages. It was also a financial success generating over £2,900, which is much needed to support the work of the church.

So well done to Sylvia Kent, the market coordinator, and an enormous THANK YOU to all you people who supported the market with your custom.

Rehearsing for The Christmas Tree Festival

The Children of St. Johns Church have been working hard, learning their words and rehearsing for their performances of “Stable Story” at the St. John’s Christmas Tree Festival and Fair. They will be performing immediately after the Mayor opens the festival at 6.00 p.m. on Friday 7th December and again at 2.00 p.m. on Saturday 8th December. They would very much appreciate your encouragement so please do come along, soak up the atmosphere, support the charities and join in the fun.

The Civic Service

I was both delighted and honoured to be invited to the Civic Service on Sunday 24th June, which was attended by the Worshipful the Mayor and Mayoress of Sefton, Councillor Richard Hands and Mrs Katy Hibbert, and was conducted by Revd Philip Caton, Vicar of St John’s and Chaplain to the Mayor.
Among the distinguished guests were the retiring Mayor and Mayoress, Lord and Lady Ronnie Fearn, Mr and Mrs John Pugh MP, and many Councillors past and present. The Vicar and Choir led the Mayoral party into Church for the service with Holy Communion, during which the Mayor read the Gospel and Mr John Pugh read the Old Testament reading. The occasion saw the Church filled to capacity.
At the end of the service, the guests were escorted into the main hall by the Mayor, followed by the congregation, where we were served with an assortment of delicious cakes and a glass of sherry (or tea/coffee for those who were driving!). The ceremony was concluded with a speech by the Mayor, prior to him leaving for another engagement in his busy diary. A most enjoyable time was had by all and it is hoped he will enjoy his term of office.

Sylvia Kent

Thanks for this, Sylvia. It's good to haer from you!