Last year All Saints Anglican Church Algarve in Almancil had a huge challenge. How to celebrate Christmas together as a Congregation in the midst of a worldwide pandemic?
They rose to this challenge by organising a “Drive-In Carol Service” in the centre of Almancil. Almost 150 people within the community attended that service from far and wide throughout the Algarve including All Saints gracious hosts ASCA and Junta de Freguesia in Almancil.
This Christmas, although Covid is still with us, All Saints are inviting everyone to join them at two carefully arranged and socially distanced worship services to celebrate the Christ Child, one service in person and one service online.
The first worship service will be on Sunday, December 19, at 5pm, at their new worship space in “The Church in the Park” in Almancil. Why at 5pm? Because as dusk is falling all around, everyone is invited to join them as they flood the church and the surrounding deck with candlelight and music.
“Carols by Candlelight” will be the traditional service of Lessons and Carols with live music. Mince pies and mulled wine will be served following their service. Please bring a mask, some warm clothes and come and enjoy the celebrations!
For the second worship service, All Saints have returned to the Zoom platform, something they have used continually over the past 18 months of being unable to meet together to worship. “Midnight in Bethlehem” will be live and interactive at 9.30pm on Christmas Eve (December 24) and will be led by the Rev’d Mike Clarkson. Why at 9.30pm? Because at that time it will be 11.30pm in Bethlehem and worship will be about to begin right there – at the birthplace of Jesus Christ.
“Christmas is such and special and magical time of the year for our Congregation and we want it to be truly memorable for them,” said Janet Martin, Warden of All Saints. “Our new church building is at the centre of the community and is highly visible – we hope that the candlelight and music will bring great joy to all who see and hear it. Please come and join us. All are welcome. We are also especially blessed that the Rev’d Mike will be leading us in our Christmas Eve Midnight Service, and this being on Zoom means that so many more of our friends and families from around the world will be able to join us.”
For information, contact 934 809 369 or [email protected]
Article submitted by All Saints Anglican Church Algarve Almancil
