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
Click here to download an easy to follow examen prayer.
Prayer Apps and websites
Everyday Faith is a free daily devotional app from the Church of England.
Lectio 365 This comes recommended by Tom. It’s a UK based daily devotional that helps you pray the Bible every day, written by leaders from the 24-7 prayer movement and produced in partnership with CWR. Inspired by Lectio Divina, a way of meditating on the Bible that’s being used by Christians for centuries
Daily prayer Complete services for morning, evening and night prayer from the Church of England
Pray As You Go This UK based outfit (produced by Jesuit Media initiatives) have been producing material long before the digital age – a daily prayer session combining music, scripture and questions for reflection, based on Ignation Spirituality.
Bible in One Year Fantastic Bible in a year, with Nicky Gumbel reflections, with audio if required. You Version The definitive Bible app, now with built in audio! A staple for many, including our very own rector, Si Jones
Going Deeper – Silence and Stillness
One Minute Pause A simple way to connect with God in the middle of this busy time. This app invites you into the simple practise of releasing everything to God, restoring your union with God and inviting him to fill you.
Centering prayer A well-constructed app that allows you to adjust timings for silent prayer – includes prayers, scriptures and reflections.
Soul Time Highly recommended by Archbishop Justin Welby – who also contributes. ‘Christian meditation made simple’ – ‘learn Christian meditation with insightful courses from experts like Danny silk (one of the senior pastors from Bethel Church). It has some really good Bible based meditations on combating anxiety/stress/anger.
Tom’s video sessions on Practising Silence can be found here
