Nativity scarecrows take up residence in Thurso church garden
Seasonal scarecrows are playing their part in a nativity scene outside a Thurso church.
So far Joseph, Mary and a shepherd have made an appearance in the garden of St Peter and the Holy Rood in Sir George's Street, Thurso.
It follows on from the success of Thurso's scarecrow competition earlier in the year.
Assistant curate the Rev Ellie Charman explained: "St Peter and the Holy Rood decided this year, with the restraints around Christmas, to create a nativity in the garden. Building on the efforts earlier in the year with the scarecrow competition, the church decided to use the skills used and apply these to the nativity and engage with the community as best we could under the current restrictions.
Rev Ellie is inviting contributions from the community – whether people wish to add to the existing scene or create one in their own garden.
She is continuing to engage with the community by providing Sunday services over Zoom and Facebook as well as in church. There will be Christmas services as usual at both Episcopal churches St John the Evangelist in Moray Street, Wick, and St Peter and the Holy Rood – and those interested are invited to check https://northernepiscopalians.com and http://www.stjohnswick.org.uk for further information.
“This has been a difficult year for us all and I think many of us are struggling with the restrictions," Rev Ellie said. "It is my aim to bring the church into the community in a greater, more visible way.
"The nativity scene will continue to expand over the Christmas season, and will hopefully provide a place of wonder. I pray that the familiarity of this story of the first Christmas finds a place in all our hearts.”