The Nativity Journey 2020

I wondered if you might be interested in a project I have in mind.

I would like to create the complete story of the nativity to be displayed in gardens around the village
for families to look at and learn more about the reason we celebrate Christmas.
As we are unable to gather together to create the figures ourselves this year I wondered if you might
be interested in helping create one of the scenes.

The idea is that from 18th December until the day before Christmas Eve the story in
many forms will be told in gardens around the village. Much like the Scarecrow Trail we will produce
a map of where they are situated and then on 22nd December parts of the story will be moved to the
stable in the Church garden to create the completed nativity story and on Christmas Eve
Jesus will be placed at the centre of the scene.

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You probably saw the original version of the nativity scene (shown above) these have disintegrated
and need replacing and I felt that as a village we could recreate the Journey Mary and Joseph took,
what happens along the way and who were the other people that are so familiar but maybe not everyone
 knows the whole story.

At each location there will be a printed sign with the part of the story pertaining to the scene
depicted so the children can read it and there will also be a challenge involved too.

Would you be interested in helping me recreate the beginning of the most “amazing story ever
told”. If so please ring me on 07765027156 or email lindabeverton.cekmethodists@gmail.com

Many blessings and thank you for your time.
Linda Beverton for River Methodist Church.

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As we recall Christ's death and resurrection at Easter time, we have a number of events within our Circuit, starting with Palm Sunday and concluding on Easter Day:
  • Palm Sunday - Joint Procession around the village with St Peter's and St Paul's, leaving from the bus terminus at 1015am. There is also a joint service at River Methodist Church for any who are unable to process.
  • Ash Wednesday - Joint Ashing Service with St Peter's and St Paul's.
  • Good Friday - Churches together in Dover organises a 'Walk of Witness' through Dover High Street, concluding with the planting of three large crosses overlooking Dover. 
  • Easter Day - This packed day includes a Sunrise Service at Dover Castle, an early morning communion and breakfast and a morning and evening service - you would be very welcome to join us for some or all of these events!

Christmas Events and Services

Each year we have a number of special church events and services to mark Christmas and the coming again of God's Son. Each year we have:

  • Carol Singing around the village
  • An all-age Christmas Carol Service, the Sunday before Christmas
  • A family-orientated Christmas Eve Christingle Service, starting at 4pm

We are also very lucky to be able to host River Primary School and River Preschool's Christmas productions, as well as Christmas Concerts from Dover Choral or Dover Pharos Choirs. 


Celebration Weekend

In 2011 we hosted a Celebration Weekend in our church for the first time - this was a weekend of special services, a family-friendly meal, a flower festival, cream teas and much more.

Sue Boulden was able to capture a flavour of the weekend, with the pictures opposite, and our thanks go to Sue for allowing us to use these pictures.



Church Anniversary

Each year the Church family celebrates the anniversary of the church being in our village. The prime event is the Church Anniversary Meal, followed by entertainment from talent within the church, and then closed with an epilogue. 

We also invite a guest speaker to lead our two Sunday services - often this is somebody that has previously been involved in the life of our church family.