Alternative Service at St Nicholas Church

The Alternative Carol Service held at St Nicholas Church was fully booked and packed full of worshippers of all ages.  On arrival, members of the congregation were met with cups of mulled wine and mince pies.  The service, led by Rev'd Toby Flint, marked the second anniversary of St Nicholas being open as a church to the public since its closure 70 years ago when it was bombed during World War II.  The size and commitment of the congregation proves that the seeding of the new Church addressed an unmet need within the City.  Traditional carols were sung to the accompaniment of guitar, cello and keyboard and featured a choir comprised of young people from the local Universities.  The significance of the theme of 'home for Christmas' was underlined through an offering to address homelessness.  Across two services held on 8th December, St Nicholas Church raised over £500 for Bristol Churches Winter Night Shelter and Spring of Hope women's shelter. 'The service was very meaningful for me.  Christmas brings back vivid memories from childhood, many of which are joyful.  However others are tinged with sadness as we think of those no longer here to celebrate with us,' remarked Mrs Peaches Golding OBE, HM Lord-Lieutenant for Bristol, who said a few words at the end of the service.