It was fantastic to be back in our church building for our first major festival since we left in March 2022! We welcomed hundreds of people in for a variety of services including our popular crib services and Nine Lessons and Carols on Christmas Eve. These three services alone saw over 800 people come into the church to celebrate Christmas and share together in their worship. Perhaps you came to church for the first time, or returned after a long absence? If so I pray that you felt welcomed and knew God’s blessing in that place. I warmly invite you to come back to church again, whether its on a Sunday or to one of our regular midweek services. This Sunday we celebrate the visit of the wise men to the infant Jesus and we have an extra service, our family communion which is at 11:15am in church. Suitable for all ages but especially aimed at those with young children. As well as seeing many new faces, we were also thankful for the many generous donations that we received from people over the Christmas period, which have really helped our 2023 shortfall!
As we move into the New Year there is plenty to look forward to and prepare for. Look out for information about our barn dance in February, held jointly with charity CLASP, and also about our new gathering in the café, exploring some of the big questions around faith. We are trailing a new newssheet which will be available both electronically and also as a handout on Sunday morning, so do let us have your feedback on that.
May I wish you every blessing for 2024, let us pray that it will be a year full of hope and peace and joy.
Hannah Higginson, Associate Priest
