Christmas Day Dinner at Swanmore Methodist Church
On Christmas Day twenty seven people sat down to Christmas Day lunch in Swanmore Methodist Church Hall. Every Christmas Day since 2008 anyone locally who might be alone has been invited to partake of a festive lunch on Christmas Day hosted by Swanmore Methodists.
After our Christmas Day service at 10 am, the cooks and helpers for the big feast continued the preparation they had started on Christmas Eve. Elegant table layouts had been set with crackers and flower posies. Our guests were collected by car if they required a lift to the church. As everyone arrived they were offered mulled apple juice and lunch started with grace led by Revd David Moss. The turkey and ham were sliced and put out with the vegetables on the plates so everyone could enjoy the meal. Cranberry sauce, gravy and sprouts had not been forgotten. After a number of guests had partaken of second helpings the Christmas pudding arrived. Again some managed second helpings, all accompanied with white or red grape juice.
After coffees, teas and chocolate mints those who could managed it sang carols. Finally each guest was given a Christmas goodie bag to take home containing homemade mince pies, shortbread, a cracker and small gifts made by members of Swanmore Methodist Junior Church. Additionally, six meals were sent out to people who could not make it along to our church. Everyone had a very happy time and several messages of appreciation have been received since.
We would like to say a very big thank you to all who worked so hard to prepare our festivities and host our guests, and to our generous suppliers. May we wish a very happy, healthy and peaceful time in 2019 to you all. God bless.
Martin Letts
