Determined to not let the coronavirus pandemic dampen festive spirits, the team at the Spire Church in Farnham has come up with a creative idea for the Christmas season.

From 1 December, the church – a local ecumenical partnership between the United Reformed and Methodist Churches – has organised ‘Follow the Star’: a community Advent trail.

A different star will appear in the window or gatepost of one of 24 private houses around Farnham for each day of Advent. The last, on 24 December, will appear at the church.

Explaining the reasons behind the trail, the Revd Michael Hopkins, one of the Ministers of the church, who also serves as Clerk of the URC General Assembly, said: “We had a very successful 'tie-a-ribbon-outside-the-church' [initiative] during the initial lockdown, which provided a helpful focus for the community, and engaged many people. 

“We cannot invite people to church this Christmas in the same numbers as we have done previously, and the church wanted to spread some positivity and happiness in the community because that is a significant part of the meaning of Christmas. This was a way to spread that, with a Christian symbol and message.”

More information on services at the Spire Church Farnham can be found here.