No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.
John 1.18
Our Christmas theme this year is At the Heart of Christmas. The theme is an invitation to everyone to discover – or rediscover – the good news of God’s saving love as revealed in the birth of Jesus. It is also a challenge to each of us to ponder in our hearts – as Mary did – what the extraordinary events of the first Christmas might mean for us now and in the years ahead.
We are thankful to still be able to meet in person for our Christmas services and events.
Face coverings are a legal requirement in our buildings (unless you are exempt).
In line with government advice, even if you do not have symptoms, please take a lateral flow test before attending any of our services or events.
If you do test positive with a lateral flow or feel ill, please do not attend.
We look forward to worshipping Jesus together, in-person and online.
Christmas Services
for themes, readings and speakers for Sundays in December – see here
Christmas Eve
15.00 Crib Service – St Michael’s Centre – in-person only
23.15 Midnight Communion – St Michael’s Church BOOKING ESSENTIAL CLICK HERE TO BOOK
Christmas Day
10.00 All Age Christmas Celebration- St Michael’s Centre – in-person and online
Christmas is, at its heart, the celebration of God coming to earth in the person of Jesus Christ.
Christians believe that in Jesus, God entered humanity in a humble and vulnerable way — born in a stable, laid in a manger — to show His immense love for us. Through his birth, Jesus took on our human nature, so that he might live among us, share in our joys and sufferings, and ultimately bring reconciliation between God and people.
More than just a historical event, Christmas points Christians to the hope and forgiveness offered through Jesus. Because of his life, death, and resurrection, believers are offered grace and the possibility of new life; Christmas reminds us that this gift began in that Bethlehem stable.
In short, Christmas is the joyful celebration of “Emmanuel – God with us,” bringing light into our world and renewing hope in dark times.
Curious about Christianity? Come along to an Alpha Course — a friendly place to ask questions and discover more. Details here.
Advent Devotionals
As we enter the Advent season, many people find it helpful to take a few moments each day to pause, reflect, and prepare their hearts for Christmas. Following an Advent devotional can be a meaningful way to slow down amidst the busyness, reconnect with the hope and expectation of the season, and create space for spiritual renewal. If you’re looking for something to guide your reflections this year, there are several wonderful options you might enjoy—here are a few to consider.
Every year we take part in Operation Christmas Child – making up for shoeboxes of gifts for children worldwide. This is the world’s largest children’s Christmas project and is run by Samaritans Purse. It’s a great way to show God’s love in a tangible way to help needy children.
Click here for information on how to pack a shoebox. We also have leaflets/labels available in Church and St Michael’s Centre, or you can download one here
Our Christmas theme this year is The Great Invitation. It’s an invitation to last a lifetime: to follow our Lord Jesus Christ. Over the next few weeks, we will be exploring this in short video reflections. We’ll be led weekly in turn by Vicky Wicks, Tom Benyon, Julie Hobbs, and Simon Jones.
Week 4
For our final reflection, Simon shares how the wise men experienced the Great Invitation.
Week 3
Join Licensed Lay Minister Julie Hobbs for our reflection this week,as we think about the shepherds and how they reacted to their Great Invitation
Week 2
This week we join Tom for our Advent Reflection as he shares about the role of Joseph in the Christmas story
Week 1
For our first reflection, Vicky Wicks reflects on how Mary must have felt at her own invitation….
