The story of the first Christmas rolled through Gloucester on a festive lorry, expanding its much-loved tradition to Coopers Edge for the first time.
The mobile nativity was organised by the local churches working together across different dominations, including Coopers Edge Community Church, Upton St Leonards, St Philip and St James Hucclecote, and St Oswald Coney Hill with St Aldate.
For many, the lorry is a symbol that Christmas Day is on its way, with church members handing out sweets and fliers advertising the Christmas services. This is the first time that the route has expanded to include the newer development of Coopers Edge.
The Revd Jennifer Fellows, a curate at Coopers Edge Community Church said: “On Saturday evening, we filled the back of the flat bed lorry with members of our church all dressed as members of the nativity. We blasted out carols from the speakers and drove around Coopers Edge.
“This was followed by a happy following of dressed up pre-schoolers, who potentially ate more sweets than they handed out, and they invited people to our community carol service, which is happening on Saturday 20 December.
“We had lots of engagement from the local community, with many families coming out to wave and people hanging out of windows as we drove past.”
Coopers Edge Community Church does not currently have its own building, but meets weekly in a local community centre.
“We often have to find creative ways of engaging with our local community, and when we heard of this initiative we were so keen to be involved,” said Jennifer. “For us it was great fun and also a way to remind people of the first Christmas. It also provided a way to advertise our upcoming events.”
Coopers Edge Community Church will also be holding a Christmas Eve Pyjama Service: Wednesday 24 Dec, 5.30pm with carols and a short Christmas message at the Community Centre. Find out more →
News Hub
