A Shropshire church is insisting it is ‘business as usual’ after worshippers disturbed a burglary in progress.
The burglar was spotted as a worshipper arrived to prepare for the 8.00am service last Sunday. Police were called and the burglar fled. Despite media reports, Lichfield Diocese's press office said no hymn books or Bibles were thrown or brandished at the intruder.
The thief entered the church by breaking a leaded window above the door to the church. The burglar made off with a bottle of whisky, a left-over raffle prize, and a large glass jar in which parishioners had been collecting loose change. The money has since been recovered by West Mercia Police. Some £500 worth of damage was caused.
Church Warden Christine Lawlor laughed off some of the media reports and insisted that it’s ‘business as usual’ at the Church which is preparing for its Christmas service.
Mrs Lawlor said: “Everybody would be very welcome to come to our Christmas Tree Festival this weekend, and they come safe in the knowledge that we won’t throw hymn books or Bibles at them!”
The Christmas Tree Festival at the church takes place from 10.00am to 5.30pm on Saturday and from midday to 4.00pm on Sunday. Admission is £2.00, which includes admission to a Christmas Carol Concert by the Morningside Ladies Choir with guests at 7.30pm on Saturday night.
The church is also hosting the Telford Lions Carol Service at 6.00pm on Sunday evening.
On Christmas Eve the Bishop of Shrewsbury, the Rt Revd Mark Rylands, will preside at Midnight Mass, beginning at 11.30pm.
-
Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial
-
Christians protest LGBT nativity play where Jesus is 'King of the Gays'
-
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight
-
The mystery of the Wise Men
-
The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations
-
Pro-life campaigner who silently prayed in abortion clinic buffer zone criminally charged
Most Popular
News
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.