Our family arrived in the morning at John Wesley’s Chapel in the city of London. We were warmly greeted by Pastor Jennifer Potter and instructed to proceed to the kitchen. There John, veteran charity cook of seventeen years, got us started on sandwiches of tuna, egg salad, ham and cheese to be served at afternoon tea. We chatted away as we worked with others giving of their time and talents. We soon got onto lunch preparation of traditional turkey and gravy with trimmings of stuffing, roasted potatoes, parsnips, brussels sprouts, carrots, and bacon/sausage rolls. Some of us broke away briefly to enjoy Lord Lesley Griffith conduct the Christmas morning service and sing one of my favorite Christmas carols, Away In a Manager. After the service, about forty guests, made up mostly of shut-ins from the surrounding area, were helped down to the festively decorated dining room. We, the kitchen staff, loaded the warmed plates and served them to each seated guest. Most of us sat down ourselves to partake and get acquainted. Such interesting life stories to hear. One elderly chap had taught fencing to actors performing in films. After the Christmas pudding with custard, we continued with the clearing and washing up.
From the lunch room, we all made our way upstairs. People were seated and then entertainment began. We heard carols sung by members representing the South Korean community within the church decked out in traditional costumes. Elvis, a Ghanaian male member with a strong voice, sang a couple of tunes. Then a pre-recorded description of the past year of events at John Wesley’s Chapel narrated by Lord Lesley Griffith was played, followed by the Queen’s speech. John, our cook was a hit singing old British classics, like Daisy, Daisy, and then surprising us all with his drag queen act. Sandwiches, Christmas cake and mince pies were served with tea. Last, Adam my son, came in dressed as Father Christmas and made the rounds with Pastor Jennifer passing out oranges (see photo).
We mingled and chatted as we cleared up and then made our way home. It had been a very enjoyable Christmas Day giving of ourselves.
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