Christmas Welcome Day

‘Look at the little one dancing’ said one visitor turning to her friend.

And there, up at the front was a small figure, wearing her finest glittery Christmas jumper, exuberantly dancing to the joyful sounds of the Praise Group; pure happiness.

For today was the Priory’s Christmas Welcome Day, an annual extravaganza of welcoming all … free tea, coffee, cake, music, children’s crafts and tower tours.

The Priory urn steamed merrily as teams of volunteers handed out hot drinks and slices of cake from what has to be the most comprehensive range in Malvern…coffee and pecan, lemon drizzle, toppling chocolate cake, rich fruit cake, iced Christmas cake, flapjack, brownies, cupcakes…the Benedictine Bakers were back in action. Cake tins, emptied of their delicious contents by grateful visitors, formed unsteady walls behind the serving tables. Each hour a new band of volunteers put on the blue Priory apron and seamlessly took over…groups of friends, new friends, three generations of one family… ‘would you like tea or coffee?…and some cake?' The stallholders at the Christmas Market in the churchyard, weren’t forgotten either, as hot drinks were carried on trays through the crowds of shoppers.

And the Priory was filled with the sound of music, from the youngsters of the Worcester String Orchestra to the Priory Handbells, a folk band, a choir. It wasn’t just little ones whose toes tapped. ‘It’s such a lovely atmosphere.’

At the north door the Welcomers were fully occupied all day. Loos? Behind you in the porch. There may be a queue.
Coffee? Yes, just behind the pillar over there.
Is this a church? Yes, it really is.
… because ‘church’ is all about people, from the children making stained glass windows, crowns and nativities, to the older folk enjoying the warmth, the company, and the level nave floor (that’s so good, no-one notices it any more!).

Candle-flames flickered in the prayer space. Prayers were tied to the Christmas tree, stuck onto a world map, posted into a prayer box and every hour the Priory stopped, to pray, together; remembering ‘why’ and ‘what’ will be celebrated this Advent and Christmas season.

Tables were cleared, chairs shifted, and the Priory Choir, accompanied by the organ, led carol singing. A sizable congregation, boosted by some well-behaved dogs enjoyed all the festive favourites ‘Once in Royal David’s City’, ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ and, as the grown-ups hummed the melody, the children sang the words to ‘Away in a Manger’. A spontaneous moment, when the real Christmas spoke once more.

All are welcome to celebrate Advent and Christmas at the Priory. See you soon!