Hello everyone! You might have noticed the advent calendars and similar items are already on the supermarket shelves. It’s 93 days until Christmas!

Soon, but not yet, I’ll be publishing details of all that will be taking place during the end of November and through to the end of December. There’s lots of exciting things to share!

One of the exciting things is the Pantivity On the Bethlehem Beat. It’s about angels, shepherds and missing wallets! Big city cop Sgt. Barton has been reassigned to the sleepy town of Bethlehem – but with census crowds, a thief at large and a conspiracy surrounding a new king, it won’t be a silent night!

There will be much more to say about that in the coming weeks. For now, put the date in your diary: Monday 7th December at 6:30 PM.

In a rather unusual move, the main reason for this extra weekly news email, is to look beyond Christmas, to Easter next year! “What!” I hear you say. I know! It’s a loooooong way away yet. But…

I’m excited to announce a home-grown, specially written Easter production of…

Closed Case, Open Tomb will cause us to ponder just what did happen on that first Easter. Weren’t the soldiers supposed to be guarding the tomb? Were they not watching? How on earth are they going to explain this to their superiors?!

“It wasn’t our fault sir. We watched it all night sir – honest sir – we did sir!”

Taking place during the season of Easter, on Sunday 25th April at 10:00 AM, this unique and special production will be a huge collaboration involving many of the church family.

We are looking for ALL age groups to be involved. We need:

• Scenery makers and painters
• Costume designers and makers
• Dressers
• Prompts
• Scene shifters
• Backstage crew
• Sound and light technicians
• Front of house crew
• Musicians
• And of course…actors!

Apart from saving the date of Sunday 25th April in your diary, we’d love you to know how you can participate…

Starting on Monday 28th September at 6:30 PM, there will be a gathering for an hour each Monday in Church (or as many Mondays as possible) for anyone who would like to be involved. If you’d like to be involved and think you could help, no matter how small, you are most welcome to come along. Bring your skills, ideas, or bring an eagerness to learn.

The coordinators of Closed Case, Open Tomb are Sally Johnson (sally@christchurchthornton.uk) and Angela Roberts. Chat to them for more info (especially if you want to be involved but might find a Monday evening difficult to attend).

p.s. Children are most welcome – and needed – but must be accompanied by their parent or guardian. We always place their safety as our highest priority!

So, there’s lots to look forward to at both Christmas and Easter!

Is the case closed? We’ll soon see…