Broughton Baptist Chapel

Building relationships with the village through involvement in the village fete
Making an impact at Christmas through a live nativity scene and outdoor carol singing

Another year has passed, and our God remains faithful. As it is for most Churches, COVID has caused us several problems as well as some opportunities. Although we have been meeting in Chapel on a Sunday since Easter, there were those who have felt uncomfortable about coming back. Over the summer we held some barbeques, with limited success at enticing people to meet again.

In September we had the opportunity to help out at the village fete. Like many organisations, the fete organisers were finding it difficult to recruit helpers for the day. The Chapel were able to provide several volunteers to help run stands. This, along with some good weather, contributed to a very successful afternoon, and the building of good relationships with the village.

Broughton Christmas

At Christmas 2020, we set up a nativity scene on the lawn beside the Chapel. We went on to hold a live nativity scene, including sheep, one evening. It obviously made an impression with some of the villagers, as they encouraged us to set it up again. This we did, but instead of having the live nativity we held an evening of Carol singing. We liaised with the local Anglican Church as to where would be appropriate, and stopped in four places around the village. We used music recorded by our singing group, 'The Songsters' as well as carols from Worship Lyric Videos. These were played through someone’s phone connected to a portable speaker. This gave us the confidence to sing, and make a joyful noise. The evening ended at the Chapel with carol singing around our nativity scene, sharing hot drinks and mince pies. It was good to have some of the local Anglicans and villagers join in with us. (It is the first time I have been applauded for my singing!!)

Alistair Jones
Minister
January 2022