Everyone is welcome this Advent and Christmas at St Mary’s!
Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the wonderful message of God’s love for us all. Whether you’re full of festive excitement, looking for a moment of peace, or finding this time of year difficult, there’s a place for you at St Mary’s.
From beautiful choral music and traditional carol services to family celebrations, a Living Nativity and carols in the pub, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a regular churchgoer or visiting for the first time, we’d love you to join us!
Sunday 29th November, 6.30pm
Advent Carol Service
Begin the season of Advent with a beautiful, atmospheric service of readings, traditional carols and music from our choir. A peaceful opportunity to pause and prepare for Christmas.
Sunday 6th December, 4.00pm
The Lights of Love
Christmas can be especially difficult when we’re missing someone we love. This gentle, reflective service offers space to remember loved ones, add their names to our Christmas tree and switch on the Lights of Love, which will shine in the churchyard throughout the Christmas season.
To sponsor a light in memory of a loved one please pick up an envelope from the trolley in church and follow the instructions.
Saturday 12th December, 4.00pm
Community Carols
A joyful afternoon of favourite carols and Christmas music for the whole village, with hot dogs and a bar in the Transept hall. Bring family, friends and neighbours, and join in the festive fun. Christmas jumpers very welcome!
Sunday 13th December, 3.00pm
Living Nativity – St Mary’s at St Luke’s School
Experience the Christmas story brought to life among the animals at St Luke’s School! A wonderful opportunity for children and adults alike to discover the Nativity story together, with refreshments available.
Thursday 17th December, from 7.30pm
Beer & Carols at The Cricketers
Exactly what it says! Join us at The Cricketers for a relaxed evening of festive singing, good company and a drink or two. No singing experience required – just plenty of Christmas spirit. Christmas jumpers encouraged!
Sunday 20th December, 10.00am
Parish Eucharist with Children’s Nativity
Join us for our Sunday morning service, featuring a special retelling of the Christmas story by our young people. A lovely celebration for the whole church family, with children especially welcome.
Sunday 20th December, 6.30pm
A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols
One of the highlights of Christmas at St Mary’s. Enjoy beautiful music from our choir, much-loved congregational carols and traditional Bible readings telling the Christmas story, with readers representing our village community. A wonderful service to share with family, friends and neighbours.
Christmas Eve – Thursday 24th December, 3.30pm & 4.30pm
Children’s Crib Services
Two lively, fun-filled celebrations of the Christmas story, especially for children and families. Come dressed as your favourite Nativity character if you like – angels, shepherds, kings and even the odd unexpected visitor are all welcome!
Christmas Eve – Thursday 24th December, 11.30pm
First Eucharist of Christmas (Midnight Mass)
Welcome Christmas in the beautiful surroundings of St Mary’s. With traditional carols, Holy Communion and the blessing of the crib, this moving service is a special way to celebrate the birth of Jesus as Christmas Day begins.
Christmas Day – Friday 25th December
Celebrate Christmas at St Mary’s
8.00am – Holy Communion
A quiet, traditional service using the Book of Common Prayer, offering a peaceful start to Christmas Day.
10.00am – All-Age Eucharist
Come together to celebrate the joy of Christmas and the birth of Jesus. A warm, welcoming service for all ages, with favourite carols and the wonderful message of God’s love for everyone.
Sunday 24th January 2027, 4.00pm
Christingle
Our much-loved Christingle service returns in January! A joyful, family-friendly celebration of light and hope, with the lighting of Christingle oranges and an opportunity to support The Children’s Society’s vital work with vulnerable children and young people.
Join us this Christmas
Alongside our special services, regular worship continues throughout Advent, including Morning Prayer at 9.30am, Monday to Friday, and Holy Eucharist on Wednesdays at 7.30pm.
St Mary’s is also open daily for anyone who would like to visit, light a candle, say a prayer or simply enjoy a few moments of quiet.
At the heart of Christmas is the birth of Jesus and the message of hope, peace and love he brings to the world. However you’re feeling about Christmas this year, you’re warmly invited to share in that message with us.
We look forward to welcoming you to St Mary’s this Advent and Christmas.
