Advent and Christmas Services and Events
This Christmas, as lights sparkle in our windows and carols fill the air, we are reminded of the light that first shone in Bethlehem—the light of Jesus Christ. In a world that can sometimes feel uncertain or divided, the message of Christmas remains one of unchanging hope: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
God came to us in Jesus—born not in a palace but in a humble stable—to show us how deeply we are loved. His birth reminds us that no one is forgotten, no one beyond the reach of His care.
At Christmas we celebrate not just a story from long ago, but the living truth that God is still with us—Emmanuel—in every joy and every struggle.
May this season bring peace to your home, comfort to the lonely, and renewed hope to all.
You are warmly invited to join us at St Mary’s Church this Christmas as we celebrate together the good news of God’s love for the world.
Wishing you every blessing for Christmas and the New Year,
Fr David
During Advent
Advent Carol Service
6pm
Sunday 30th November
At this special service expect beautiful music, readings and reflections to start of our journey towards Christmas
Avon House Carol Service
Monday 15 December 4pm (refreshments to follow)
Please do join us as we sing favourite carols at Avon House - Please arrive from 3.45. Thank you.
Contact us to let us know you'll be there
Russettings Carol Service
3.30pm
Wednesday 17th December (refreshments to follow)
Please do join us as we sing favourite carols at Russettings. Please arrive from 3.15. Thank you.
Contact us to let us know you'll be there
Christmas "9 Lessons and Carols" Service
6pm
Sunday 21st December
This service is at the heart of our Christmas celebration.
A traditional service with nine bible lessons and nine carols to remind us that God came to us in the baby Jesus.
Christmas Eve
Christingle & Crib Service
5pm
24th December
This service is a joyful celebration of Christingle and the end of the “posada”
Christingle – the celebrations are named after the Christingles that are lit during the ceremony. Christingles are oranges wrapped in red tape, decorated with dried fruit or sweets, with a candle on the top.
Posada - Our statues of Mary and Joseph have been on a journey round the village seeking shelter during Advent and we look forward to welcoming them to the church.
At this service we take a collection in aid of the Children’s Society
Celebrate Christingle | The Children's Society
Midnight Eucharist
11pm
24th December
This is a special service held late on Christmas Eve, and as such is the first communion service of the Christmas season.
By having a service at this time we are sharing in the anticipation of the joy of Christmas and celebrating its message of good news by stepping outside our usual tradition of daytime services.
Christmas Day
Holy Communion
8.00
25th December
Christmas Morning starts with a celebration of Communion using Book of Common Prayer (BCP).
We welcome Revd Andy from Ardingly College to lead us
Christmas Family Service
10.00am
25th December
We are excited to welcome you all to this Christmas Day family service to give thanks amidst the joy and business of Christmas Day.
After Christmas
Epiphany Family Service
9.30am
Sunday 4th January
At Epiphany we celebrate the arrival of the wise men or “Magi” who brought gifts to the baby Jesus.
Please come dressed as a Magi as we will be adding our statues to our nativity scene during the service.