A Day of Generosity and Hope: Bergh Apton Church Hosts Special Family Service for Salvation Army Appeal
After the tumultuous weather brought by Storm Claudia, a serene Sunday blessed with sunshine provided the perfect setting for a heartwarming community gathering at Bergh Apton Church on November 16. The special Family Service, organized in support of the Salvation Army’s ‘Be a Star’ Christmas Present Appeal, brought together local schools, families, and community members in a celebration of generosity and compassion. This service, now in its third year, has become a meaningful tradition that connects the community through acts of kindness during the holiday season, demonstrating how small gestures can make a significant difference in the lives of others.
The atmosphere inside the historic church was one of joy and anticipation as gifts donated by parents from both Thurton Primary and Alpington & Bergh Apton Schools were displayed, ready to be blessed during the service. The young participants played central roles in the proceedings, bringing innocence and authenticity to the occasion. Four ‘Ambassadors’ from Thurton School, accompanied by teachers Amy Chittock and Laura Debenham, had thoughtfully prepared a prayer of thanksgiving, their young voices filling the church with sincerity and hope. These children, representing classes 1 and 2, embodied the spirit of gratitude that underscored the entire event, reminding everyone present of the true meaning behind the act of giving – not just offering material items, but sharing love, hope, and connection with those who might otherwise go without during the festive season.
The service took an energetic turn when a group of older pupils from Alpington & Bergh Apton School delivered a spirited performance of the Christian song ‘World on Fire’ by for King & Country. Under the guidance of Head Teacher Rosie Welch, these students brought the powerful lyrics to life through their enthusiastic enactment. The song, inspired by St. Catherine of Siena’s profound quote, “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire,” perfectly captured the essence of the gathering – that each individual, regardless of age or circumstance, has the potential to create positive change in the world. The children’s performance resonated throughout the church, their youthful energy and conviction serving as a reminder that even small flames of kindness can illuminate the darkest corners of our communities, especially during times when many families struggle with the financial and emotional pressures of the holiday season.
Building on this theme, Gary Watson, a youth leader with Norwich Youth for Christ, delivered an engaging talk that delighted both young and old. In a creative and memorable presentation, Gary enlisted the help of beloved Toy Story characters, Buzz Lightyear and Woody, to convey profound messages about self-worth and purpose. His talk emphasized that everyone is valued just as they are, with unique gifts and talents to offer. Gary encouraged the congregation to recognize that each person has an important role to play in spreading God’s message of love and compassion. Through his skillful use of familiar characters and accessible language, he connected with children while offering adults a meaningful reminder about the value of authenticity and service. The presentation bridged generations, creating a shared understanding that the simple act of giving a toy to a child in need is not just about the material gift, but about communicating worth, dignity, and belonging to every member of the community.
The culmination of the service saw the collection of toys and monetary donations, tangible expressions of the community’s generosity and commitment to supporting vulnerable families during the Christmas season. These gifts, representing countless acts of kindness from individual donors, were later delivered to the Salvation Army Norwich Citadel office on St. Giles Street, where they were gratefully received by Alison Gibson and Major Tracey Bale. The donated items will be distributed to children whose families are experiencing financial hardship, ensuring that more young people can experience the joy and excitement of unwrapping a present on Christmas morning. This practical outcome of the service highlights how community initiatives can directly address social needs, providing not just material support but also emotional comfort to those who might otherwise feel forgotten during what should be a season of celebration and inclusion for all. The Salvation Army’s ‘Be a Star’ Christmas Present Appeal harnesses these community contributions to bring light into situations of darkness and difficulty, embodying the true spirit of Christmas giving.
As the service concluded and attendees departed into the sunshine that had replaced the recent storm, there was a palpable sense of accomplishment and connection. Shirley Rimmer, who reported on the event, noted that this was the third consecutive year for this special service, with hopes of establishing it as a permanent fixture in the church calendar. This continuity speaks to the enduring value of traditions that bring communities together in service of others, particularly during the Christmas season when the contrasts between abundance and need can be most stark. The success of this event demonstrates how rural communities like Bergh Apton can mobilize their resources, especially their children, to make meaningful contributions to wider social causes. As participants left the church that day, they carried with them not just the warmth of the unexpected November sunshine, but also the glow that comes from participating in something larger than themselves – a community united in its desire to ensure that every child, regardless of circumstance, can experience the magic and wonder of Christmas through the simple joy of receiving a gift. Those interested in supporting this initiative or learning more about the Salvation Army appeal were encouraged to visit the organization’s website, extending the invitation for generosity beyond those who were physically present at this special service.
