Congregation flocks back to Churches: I could not help but respond to this article, having felt an overwhelming need to feel the message of Christmas during the recent festive season. However, as a mother of two (17 and 11) with husband in tow, going to c

Congregation flocks back to Churches: I could not help but respond to this article, having felt an overwhelming need to feel the message of Christmas during the recent festive season.

However, as a mother of two (17 and 11) with husband in tow, going to church was not an option - this is relegated to christenings and weddings only - with the odd funeral thrown in - rarely thankfully.

I do get the feeling that Christmas is over commercialised. The original feeling of celebration, festivities and general Christmas spirit seems lost - or at least it did last Christmas.

I found it in London. Having decorated the house and obligatory tree, I felt that we were still missing that special something. It just did not feel Christmassy at all - despite having a few days off beforehand to prepare.

So, on Christmas Eve, I decided to make a trip to London in the hope of finding some festive feeling and was not disappointed. Heading for the Science Museum, my son, 11, skated for an hour on their outside ice rink then we all sampled local fair at the Christmas market nearby. Very Christmassy - smells, lights, atmosphere - that was what was missing from Baldock!

Following that we then headed to Leicester Square - a fun fair was in progress, all lit up. It was getting dark by this time, we treated ourselves to a few rides then went on to Covent Garden - what a treat!

Apart from the festive atmosphere there were street dancers and singers, outside bars and a grotto, we indulged ourselves and I have to admit to returning to Baldock feeling full of festive spirit. The point is that what is missing from Christmas - the feeling of festivity, community, Christianity - I found it in London. Others have found it in churches. I am an out-and-out atheist, I believe in what I can prove and what I can see, but somehow the idea of entering a church for the festive spirit really appealed this year. It is not an option I would rule out in the future.

LORRAINE MADLEY

I am writing in response to your article in The Comet on January 26 (Congregations flock back to churches). My family and I attend a church in Letchworth and our church recently had to move out of our existing building and purchase a new church building as the congregation was growing so rapidly!

I find that attending church helps me cope in our stressful world. It's a place for me to go and charge my batteries. It is a place where I can make friends and get support and encouragement from fellow Christians.

I love attending my church because I get a chance to mix with people who focus on the good in the world and that is not always easy to do!

I also find that my children ages 14 and 11 appear to be more settled within themselves. They are very aware of the importance of making a positive influence in their community and they seem to be growing up with good morals and a healthy outlook on life. I would recommend church to everyone.

MRS SPINAS