Over a cup of coffee one day, Bob and Ruth talked about the possibility of having Carols at the Castle.

One small conversation evolved into what has now become an annual event in Longtown. Initially 20 people came along, and at the last count 120 turned up for the event, which was so enjoyed by many in the local community.

“That encapsulated what Christmas is all about. It was wonderful – the best event at Christmas” reported one local resident.

Like many other local chapels Longtown has no paid church leaders.

And they certainly don’t have a paid cleaner! So every first Monday of the month members of the congregation gather armed with cleaning materials, coffee, cakes, biscuits and a music collection to set about cleaning the building. Cleaning can be fun they say! Again something so simple, yet helping to build connections and community where so many in our rural areas are isolated and lonely.

Among the Longtown community are a number of experienced travellers. The chapel is filled for an event called Tales of Adventure as stories of exploits are retold, and donations are given towards those in need. Recently a cheque for £1000 was sent to a school in Uganda as a result of the varied events that are organised in the local community.

Songs, cleaning, tales of adventure – all so simple – yet all help to build a community that demonstrate how God longs for us to be family together to support one another on life’s journey with its joys and it less happy moments.