Candlemass

Of the various Christian holy days that take place throughout the year, Candlemass (or Candelaria), on February 2nd, may be one of the least well-known ceremonies in the Christian world. Evangelical Protestants do not count it as a major observance, while Anglican, Roman Catholic, and Greek Orthodox churches hold it in high esteem.
The celebration of Candlemass originated in the late fifth century as a tribute to the light of God's glory that was manifested in Christ Jesus. The earliest known observance within the Church was in the year AD 496, during the time of Pope Gelasius. In AD 542 the Emperor Justinian ordained that the Eastern Church celebrate the festival, which he called Hypapante, or "Meeting". The name was derived from the Gospel of Luke 2:22-40, wherein Simeon the priest and Anna the prophetess met the infant Jesus in the temple at the time of his consecration. Simeon's prophecy declared Jesus to be the Lord's salvation and "a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." This passage continues to be the focus of the celebration.
Here are some photos us residents and co-workers using candles to celebrate Candlemas at Camphill Milton Keynes on Monday 2nd February 2015.

Alex Fox

 

Hear My Voice

Here are some photographs of a conference called 'Hear My Voice'. It happened on Friday 30th January. It was all about how people with a learning disability have the right to vote. It was held in a place called MK SNAP. Established in 1991, MK SNAP is a charity built on achievement, team work and individual development whose purpose is to offer work and life skills training to individuals aged 16+ who have physical and learning difficulties.

Alex Fox

 

Camphill Milton Keynes Music Project

Here are a couple of photographs of residents in Camphill Milton Keynes having brass trumpet lessons in the residents social room. The name of the brass teacher is Melissa Sibbald. Learning to play the trumpet is not the only music lesson happening. There is also ukuleles and singing, world percussion and drums, rock school guitar and keyboard lessons.

Alex Fox

Donation to YMCA in Milton Keynes

On 23^rd January, a group of people from Camphill Milton Keynes made a donation of £60 .05p to the YMCA in Milton Keynes. The person we met there to give the donation to was called Cathy. The donations had been collected from residents and co-workers in Camphill Milton Keynes.
YMCA stands for Young Men's Christian Association. Milton Keynes YMCA provides supported housing for vulnerable and homeless young people and is a base for many activities either through its own programmes or with partner organisations.
You can contact Milton Keynes YMCA on 01908 295600.

Alex Fox