Read the latest from St Mary's Church in the heart of Hitchin - as A Churchwarden Writes - Advent is nearly here and an important visitor arrives. 

A very important visitor arrived in town yesterday, and has paused to enjoy the fine view of St Mary's from the riverside. Thanks to 'Walking with the Snowman' and 'Wild in Art' a dozen figures representing the verses of the song 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' in Snowman form have been distributed around our town.   

Don't forget to call in and visit the church on your trail, our preparations for Christmas begin very soon when the season of Advent starts with special services next weekend (link to what's on poster Christmas events at St Mary's)  

As we explained in a series of articles last year, Advent is the special season when we look forward to the birth of the Christ Child, but Christmas itself doesn't begin until his birthday. So the Twelve Days of Christmas come after the Feast Day of Christmas itself, which is why you will have until late January to enjoy the sculptures.  

This Sunday 20st November we celebrate, in the Anglican tradition, the Feast of 'Christ The King', which falls on the last Sunday of 'ordinary time' before Advent begins.

The Service will celebrate the true kingship of Christ. For more details of the Service see our public Facebook page  @StMarysChurchHitchin over the weekend and find timings on our Nub News What's on page here (link to what's on this week poster-new version sent) 

Of course, we at St Mary's are delighted to host 'The Snowman' every year, as the performance by Hitchin Band to accompany the famous film has become an annual sell-out treat on the first weekend in December in the Church.

There is a busy programme of concerts coming up in St Mary's every weekend until Christmas, and today, Saturday, (December 19) at 730pm, after the lights switch on in the square, you can enjoy a wonderful evening of music by British composers, including favourites Holst.  

A popular Concert Band, the Cambridge Wind Band, is performing and profits from the event will go towards supporting the church's every day costs.

Previous visits by the band to perform 'Last Night of the Proms' and 'Film music hits' have really raised the roof, so do join us to enjoy some fabulous music making under the baton of 'vivacious' Viv Halton. Refreshments and prize raffle at the interval.

Tickets in advance from Hitchin Information Office, online www.wegottickets.com/StMarysChurchEventsHitchin or on the door from 6.45 pm.   

During December, as well as hosting the Snowman film, there will be a special Christmas Concert in aid of St Mary's Preservation Trust, the charity which pays for major repairs, as part of it's 'Heart of Hitchin' appeal.

On the last Saturday before Christmas, December 17, St Mary's own superb Choir of all ages will hold their traditional Free lunchtime concert at 1pm. The mix of seasonal favourites is always a wonderful treat, and an excuse to pause last minute shopping for an hour of enjoyment, with a bit of a sing along too. 

You can find details of all our Services and events on the links below. Previous Services, including the Service of Remembrance held last week can be found on our public  Youtube channel.

For details of our services, opening times and events are found on our public Facebook page @StMarysChurchHitchin   

Further information is found on our website: 

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