Newsletter - January 2026

Happy New Year! In these quiet few days at the beginning of a New Year, it’s good to have the opportunity to pause and take stock of the past few busy weeks.

Advent got off to a great start with the Sunday School decorating their tree as part of the All-Age Eucharist. One of the Sunday School leaders explained the significance of all the different types of decorations they had made as the children hung them on the tree. It was very moving.

Inspired by their example we decided to have an alternative Christmas tree this year – a tree of hope. Constructed from the branches of a cherry tree, this was illuminated to surround the pulpit. Instead of conventional decorations, we had labels attached to ribbons and invited regulars and visitors alike to write their words and messages of hope at Christmas. Our thanks go to Annie and Ben for constructing the tree and to Michelle for the ribbons and labels. When I locked up the church each night, it was a real privilege to read the new wishes that had been added to the tree each day. We must also thank Sarah, Zanna and Monica for decorating the windowsills so beautifully with foliage, berries and ribbon.

We enjoyed a packed Carol Service, followed by mulled wine and mince pies. The excitement continued to grow until Christmas Eve, when we held our usual very busy Christingle and Crib services attended by over 360 in total, all of whom thoroughly enjoyed Ben’s retelling of the Nativity story, brought to life by Charles, Michelle, Alex and many of the children present. We are grateful to all those who took home our kits and returned them transformed into fully fledged Christingles. One of my favourite moments of the year is during the second service, when it’s dark outside and we turn the all lights off, to sing Away in a Manger by the light of the Christingle candles. It’s a really beautiful sight.

Don’t forget, if you’re looking for some company on Tuesday mornings, why not come along to our popular Coffee Morning, which resumes on 13th January at 10.30am?

Echoing the sentiments of hope on our tree, we wish you peace, love, health and happiness in the year ahead.