This is a text-only version of an article first published on Tuesday, 17 November 2015. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
As preparations for Christmas get underway, churches in Caversham and Mapledurham are highlighting the true meaning of Christmas - Christmas starts with Christ.
That is the message not only on Christmas cards and posters from the three churches of Caversham Thameside and Mapledurham Parish but also proclaimed on a banner across Church House in the middle of Caversham. The build up to Christmas - Advent - starts with all three churches gathering at St Peter's, Caversham, for a Toy Service at 9. 30am on Sunday, November 29, as part of the Reading Family Aid Toy Project, giving a better Christmas to local children living in poverty. Everyone, including the uniformed organisations parading, is invited to donate new or good-as-new toys and games for children and teenagers up to 16 years of age.
At 6. 30pm, St Peter's also holds its annual Advent Carol service. Christingle services for all the family are scheduled for all three Caversham Thameside and Mapledurham Parish churches, starting with St John's, Caversham, on Gosbrook Road, at 9. 30am on December 13.
Christmas Eve brings Christingle services at 4. 00pm at St Margaret's, Mapledurham and at 3. 00pm and 4. 30pm at St Peter's, Caversham. Nativity Live! sees St John's, Caversham join with Caversham Methodists, Caversham Baptist Church and two ponies for a dramatic retelling of the Christmas story on the streets of Caversham, starting at the Baptist Church at 4. 00pm on Christmas Eve. Throughout Advent, St Peter's, St John's and St Margaret's join with churches across the country in a national advertising campaign in preparation for Christmas.
The Christmas starts with Christ campaign is run by the Churches Advertising Network and backed by the Church of England, among others.
The campaign's red gift tag will appear on cards and posters around the area from Advent Sunday, November 29, and will be shared out at services."It is important for the Christian churches to remind everyone of the simple truth that Christmas starts with Christ," said the Revd Mike Smith, Rector of Caversham Thameside and Mapledurham.
"Without Jesus, there would be no Christmas, so, this year, alongside all the presents, glitter, and celebrations, we are encouraging the people of Caversham to celebrate with us through Advent and Christmas, and remember: Christmas starts with Christ."