A Heartwarming Holiday by the Sea: Lighthouse Community Church Spreads Christmas Joy
In a beautiful display of community spirit this December, Lighthouse Community Church orchestrated a series of festive events that brought warmth and joy to the residents of Sheringham. The highlight was an enchanting evening of seaside carols on Sheringham promenade, where the church collaborated with the talented Cromer and Sheringham Brass Band to create a magical experience for all who attended. Around 150 people gathered along the promenade and adjacent paths, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of lights as they joined together in song. The sound of traditional carols played by the town band, under Jane Bussey’s skilled direction, mingled with the rhythmic crashing of waves against the shore just feet away. Ian Savory from Lighthouse provided thoughtful introductions to each carol and shared reflections on the season’s deeper meaning. Adding to the evening’s charm, SALT café opened specially for the occasion, serving steaming cups of hot chocolate, fragrant mulled wine, and delicious homemade mince pies that warmed hands and hearts alike. “Singing carols on the prom, with the sea providing its own powerful background music, was not just enjoyable but a perfect reminder of why we celebrate—the world-changing birth of Jesus,” Ian reflected after the event.
Prior to this seaside gathering, the church had hosted “Messy Christmas” at their Cromer Road location, an interactive family celebration filled with games, creative craft activities, carol singing, and the making of Christingles—those symbolic oranges decorated with candles and ribbons that represent Christ’s light in the world. Children and adults alike participated enthusiastically, their laughter filling the church halls as they created holiday decorations and formed new friendships. This successful event marked the beginning of a “Messy Church” series planned for the coming year, designed to engage families in faith exploration through hands-on activities. The church leadership expressed particular delight at seeing both familiar faces and newcomers participating, noting how the casual, creative atmosphere helped break down barriers for those who might find traditional church services intimidating. Parents especially appreciated the opportunity for their children to learn about Christmas traditions in such an engaging way, with many commenting on how the crafts sparked meaningful conversations about the holiday’s religious significance on their journey home.
Beyond these larger gatherings, Lighthouse Church demonstrated tremendous community spirit through numerous small acts of kindness throughout December. Church volunteers braved chilly mornings to deliver hot drinks and freshly baked treats to local market traders who work outdoors in the winter weather. These simple gestures were met with surprised smiles and heartfelt thanks from vendors who often feel overlooked during the busy holiday season. Similarly, church members distributed chocolates to shops and businesses throughout Sheringham, accompanied by warm greetings and words of appreciation for their contributions to the community. These seemingly small interactions created ripples of goodwill throughout the town, strengthening connections between the church and local businesses. “We want everyone to know they’re valued,” explained one volunteer, “especially those working so hard during this hectic season.”
The church’s SALT café became a hub of holiday activity under the management of Maggie Rothe and her dedicated team. They hosted a festive “Family Fridays” evening that brought together households for affordable meals and entertainment, creating space for community building during a season that can sometimes feel isolating for some. Their Christmas Community Lunch was particularly well-attended, offering a delicious meal and companionship to residents from all walks of life. Perhaps most impactful was their initiative to distribute free food bags to families feeling the financial strain of the season. “We simply want to engage with our community and provide a bit of joy at this special time of year,” Maggie explained, “especially where families are hit by the rising cost of living.” Recipients expressed profound gratitude for these practical expressions of care, with several noting that the bags contained items that would have otherwise been unaffordable luxuries for their holiday celebrations.
Looking ahead to the culmination of the Christmas season, Lighthouse Church has planned a midnight communion service beginning at 11:15 PM on Christmas Eve. This contemplative gathering will offer residents a moment of peace and reflection amid the holiday bustle, creating space to connect with the spiritual heart of Christmas as the clock approaches midnight. The church has thoughtfully designed this service to be welcoming to everyone, regardless of their familiarity with church traditions. Soft lighting, meaningful readings, and gentle music will create an atmosphere of tranquility and wonder as participants welcome Christmas Day together. “There’s something profound about gathering as midnight approaches,” one church member reflected. “It connects us to Christians throughout the centuries who have paused at this threshold moment to consider the miracle of Christ’s birth.”
After this full calendar of community engagement, the Lighthouse Café, ThreadBear shop, and church office will close for a well-deserved break, reopening on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. This pause will allow the many volunteers and staff members who have worked tirelessly throughout the season to rest and spend time with their own families. As they reflect on their Christmas initiatives, church leaders express gratitude for the opportunity to serve their community in practical ways. “Christmas is fundamentally about love becoming tangible,” Ian Savory noted. “We’re simply trying to make that love visible through these events and outreach efforts.” The response from the Sheringham community suggests they’ve succeeded, with many residents commenting on how the church’s presence has enhanced their experience of the season. As they look toward the new year, Lighthouse Community Church remains committed to being a beacon of warmth, welcome, and practical support for all who call Sheringham home.
