Christmas in Wengen
As you can see I have been involved in a variety of activities, in the last three weeks.
I’ve helped behind the bar in the Downhill Only Ski Club( I’m a member!)
I’ve been SNOWLI the children’s fun creature as his (actually it’s a her, a friend of mine!)! “ helper” during a Gluhwein Evening festival attended by hundreds of people in the Main Street of Wengen ;
I had a lonely but totally delightful Christmas Day “lunch” break, with coffee and a celebratory glass of Prosecco accompanied by Alpine cheese, sitting outside my favourite café, watching the world go by!
I have enjoyed the usual after-service fellowship over coffee with members of the congregation.
I have witnessed, and led of course, the 'annual phenomenon' of a great turnout of an estimated 170 adults and 25 children at St Bernard’s Christmas Eve Carol service, in which I included little children reading the Christmas story (which I was reliably told was an innovation!)
I have visited the ice rink and watched a local curling competition, but not for long ,as I don’t understand the rules!
I have been surprised to have been presented with a huge hamper from the Tourist office, in respect of the part I played in an open-air ecumenical event on Christmas Day, in the woods set around an open fire, with Gluhwein served to over 120 people who attended!
I painted a picture to fill the space where the priceless Crib scene stands under the Communion table;
and finally, yesterday, I sat outside in the cold, and drew a picture of the Jungfrau, a dramatic Alpine scene, which constantly denies my ability to get it exactly right or to fit on the page correctly!!
Otherwise, I’ve had a quiet time, of total constant motion, leaving me very tired, but happy to have achieved something I have never done before …. The Christmas Chaplaincy in Wengen!
