From the Church in Wales

From Pop Up Nativities to Stable Trails – the Christmas story is being told in ever more imaginative and interactive ways in – and out – of churches the length and breadth of the country.

Here Naomi Wood, who works with families and young people in Bangor Diocese, describes some of the events she is involved in. Naomi is one of the diocese’s four CYFME workers and works in the North Meirionydd synod. CYFME stands for Children, Youth and Family Ministry Enabler. They were appointed this year as part of the diocese’s mission to reach out to young people, which is also a key part of the Church in Wales’ 2020 Vision strategy for growth.

Naomi writes: “We know that relatively few families come to church regularly through the year – but many more do at Christmas. This time of year gives the Church a perfect opportunity to try something a little different. It’s also refreshing for those who do attend regularly! Finding new ways of telling a story that is so familiar to so many is a challenge, but we know that the Christmas story is becoming less and less well known. So what can we do?

“Already this year I have been involved in Stable Trails, school assemblies, Carol Services, Christingle Services and Star at the Stable events – with Messy Churches, Pop-up Nativity Services and a Crib Service still to look forward to.

“Stable Trails are a great way of introducing each character from the Nativity Story. Different ‘zones’ are set up around the church or venue: Mary’s home, Joseph’s workshop, the inn, a stable and Herod’s Palace. The children follow the trail around, meeting the characters who tell their part of the story – they might even be led around by a star or an angel.

"Although volunteer-heavy, this event has received strong, positive feedback from the schools where it has been offered. It can also be done at a time convenient for whole families to attend. At the end of the trail, a quiz, song and simple message can be shared as well.

“Pop-up Nativity services are great fun and chaotic at times! Children and families are invited to come along dressed as their favourite character from the Nativity story. During the service the scene is ‘built’ at the front – sometimes with three Marys, four Gabriels and six Wise Men!

"In one of these services a year or so ago there was a truly beautiful moment when a six-year-old Wise Man walked up to the crib, took off his crown and placed it on the floor in front of the manger before kneeling down. Totally unrehearsed and totally un-prompted, but perfect. Given the opportunity, children can show an understanding and depth that we rarely get to see.

“Christingle Services seem to occur at various times over the Christmas and Candlemas season. They are great services which allow us to share the message of ‘Jesus, the Light of the World’. My favourite way of organising them is to give the Christingle un-made in a bag to people as they arrive. Slowly, through the service, we focus on each part and what it represents, forming the Christingle as we go along. Top tip: Red elastic bands are a great substitution for red tape or ribbon!

“Star at the Stable is an event that works best as part of a larger event – perhaps the switching on of the community lights. Based on Get in the Picture (www.getinthepicture.org.uk), Scripture Union’s Star at the Stable is a stable scene with costumes in which families and groups of friends can dress up.

"A photo is then taken for the family of them as the Nativity story (on their own camera or phone – doing it this way simplifies safeguarding and data storage issues). By taking the activity out into the community rather than inviting people into the church, we create the opportunity to engage with children and families who we might never otherwise meet.

“Allowing people to engage in different ways is so important. For those who learn by seeing or listening the ideas above are great, but some people need to touch. Craft is an excellent way of helping people to interact with a message. Messy Church allows people to take part in a simple, informal, interactive format and gives time to explore more aspects of the story than a shorter ‘slot’ during a service.

“This list is by no means exhaustive of the ways we can help people to hear about, learn and celebrate the birth of Jesus. There are many, many more ways in which we, as individuals and collectively as the family of the Church, can share the hope, joy and love of Jesus.”

Fr David Morris, priest at St Paul’s Church, Grangetown, Cardiff, held a Christingle service in the church’s newly refurbished hall this year. He says, “The Christingle service was introduced during Advent two years ago and it has proven popular with families. Children find the Christingle fascinating because of its symbolism, the sweets and the lit candle are also a big part of the attraction!

"We hope that the Christingle helps children to understand that Christ is a light for the world and that we prepare to receive that light at Christmas time.”