A massive ‘Thank you!” and “Well done!” to everyone who worked so hard to put on our 2 Carol Services at my home church, The Beacon Church, Camberley. We had more than 500 people attend at our normal Sunday venue, The Village Hotel, Farnborough, including an amazing 75 who served in some way or other. From the car park team out the front to the set down team at the very end, thank you all! We had some who started at 8am and didn’t finish til after 9pm. What a privilege to do church alongside these saints and warriors!
One of our four stated aims in our mission statement is to ‘make a difference’ and there’s no doubt that happened. I’ve copied some of the feedback from the comment cards below. Please know the comments below are from people who all left their name, all of whom ticked that they prayed the response prayer, and who all also told us they are not part of any church. Here’s a sample . . . “Brilliant, so glad I came;” “Very uplifting;” “What a truly beautiful service, I’ve never been before;” “Very, very good. Love it. Will be back next year;” “I don’t think it needs improving;” “Full of joy, hope & friends. Very well organized;” “I loved the service, there was a warm welcoming feeling. This was my first time attending and would love to come again;” “Beautiful service! My second time attending the Beacon Church. I wish I lived closer; “Such a wonderful event. Thank you so much!;” “Very moving;” “Very humbling;” “Interesting and eye-opening. Very well put together;” “It was fabulous! The choir singing was so amazing. This was our first visit. Thank you for having us;” “Really fun. Great carols;” “Amazing night;” “Beautiful Carol Service at a lovely venue;” “I really enjoyed being here. I’m thinking about joining;”
And now, here are some other comments from the 4pm, almost all of the comments below are from guests . . . “First time at the Village. The trio singing O Holy Night gave me goosebumps & tears in my eyes. Beautiful! Great provision for kids. Meant I could focus on the service;” “Beautiful ceremony tonight. Thank you;” “Very good, very enjoyable, very accessible;” “First time attending. Absolutely loved it!;” “Very positive service, thank you!;” “Brings back childhood memories. I absolutely loved the performance item;” “Beautiful carols and I really enjoyed the talks. Great service!;” “I enjoyed the carols, readings and talks. There was a lovely happy atmosphere. I will go home smiling;” “Loved the talk being mixed in through the carols;” “Great, very joyful & engaging, keep doing what you are doing; Happy to attend again;” “Very well presented;”
And now, here are some comments from the 6.30pm, mostly comments from guests . . .
“I was invited by a friend to join the carol service. I am of the Sikh faith, but enjoyed the service. Thank you for making me feel welcome;” “I thought the singing and music was amazing. I loved the message. It was so clear and inspiring;” “Great and funny;” “My first time here. Powerful and will bring someone with me next year;” “Thought provoking;” “A most enjoyable service. Frist time here;”
And finally I’d like to share my favourite comment card response this year . . . “First time I’ve attended a Carol Service at a church. Had really good time, made feel closer to believing in God.”