We began our preparations for the festive season with a new look Christmas Market and Craft Fair at Pagham Village Hall. The combined efforts of stall holders, crafters, young singers and Santa Claus raised well over £2000 – our best ever total. Advent was a time for prayer and reflection, and also for music and celebration. Carols were sung throughout and beyond the parish – one highlight was enjoying mulled wine and sausage rolls while singing at The Bear, one of our great local pubs. We enjoyed many and varied services over Christmas itself. The collections taken during this time are always donated to charity – this year we raised nearly £700 for the British Red Cross. One triumph that must not escape mention is our award of Fourth Place in the Novelty Category in the annual Pagham Pram Race, held on Boxing Day. We were most deserving of this, due to our realistic portrayal of the Garden of Eden. The Christmas period continued with an Epiphany party at the home of The Four Kings (aka Rev’d Jo King and family), and on Sunday 10th we were treated to the Sunday School’s performance of the Baptism of Christ. You will still be able to see our beautiful crib in church for a week or so, a reminder of the joys of Christmas.