| Real Christmas |
 Shepherds and angels aren’t usually to be spotted on the local high street. But Christmas shoppers got more than they bargained for when Churches Together in Mapperley got creative with the nativity story last year and invited their community to Meet the Cast – literally! Inspired by SGM Lifewords’ Christmas booklet, volunteers from local churches dressed as nativity characters for a Meet the Cast treasure trail, with children invited to search for everyone from Mary to the Magi. Local businesses were enthusiastic, allowing characters to take up residence in shop windows and doorways. Gabriel could be spotted in a lighting shop, Mary in a bed centre. The baby Jesus was sleeping peacefully in baby shop  Diddyland while the menacing Herod had taken over Headstrong Hairdressers. A Wetherspoons pub proved a home from home for the innkeeper. Meanwhile, Joseph was plying his trade at Creative Stone, the shepherds caused a stir in Farmfoods, and the wise men took a rest at Co-op Travel. Children were encouraged to write down the location of each character, and, treasure hunt completed, they each received a copy of Meet the Cast and an invitation to stay for a carol service in the central shopping precinct. Not only were families impacted, but setting up the event opened up some interesting conversations with shop managers and passers-by too. Revd Phil Williams, from St James Church, wrote: ‘This was such good fun and created quite a stir. I would gladly encourage others to have a go!’ As you look forward to Christmas this year, what new stories will you write in your community? See www.sgmlifewords.com/christmas for inspiration. |
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