Silent night, holy night.
All is calm, all is bright,
round yon virgin mother and child;
holy infant, so tender and mild,
sleep in heavenly peace,
sleep in heavenly peace.
Joseph Mohr (1792-1848)
trans. John Freeman Young (1820-1885)
Across the benefice, we are getting ready to celebrate Christmas. We have a full programme of carol services, Christingles and Christmas communions, plus we have our Christmas Coffee Mornings. Do join us when you can to experience the light and love, the joy and peace of Christmas in our beautiful churches.
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
Here is what we have planned in each one of our parishes.
HARDWICK
Lessons and Carols
Tuesday 17 December 2024
7pm
Come and listen to our Christmas readings as we build up to the birth of Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem. Come and sing some of your favourite Christmas carols. Come and see your village church decorated for Christmas.
After the service, stay on to enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie (or two).
Christmas Communion
Christmas Day - Wednesday 25 December 2024
8.30am
Come and begin your Christmas Day with a short yet moving Communion service to celebrate our Saviour's birth. It is the perfect way to begin Christmas morning before going home to open presents and enjoy a hearty Christmas lunch.
MEARS ASHBY
Lessons and Carols
Sunday 22 December 2024
6pm
Come and listen to our Christmas readings as we build up to the birth of Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem. Come and sing some of your favourite Christmas carols. We'll have some singers to help us lift our voices heavenwards. Come and see our crib scene and Christmas tree.
After the service, stay on to enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie (or two)
Christmas Communion
Christmas Day - Wednesday 25 December 2024
10am
Come and begin your Christmas Day with a short yet moving Communion service to celebrate our Saviour's birth. It is the perfect way to begin your Christmas morning before going home to open your presents and tuck into your festive lunch.
SYWELL with OVERSTONE
Christmas Carol Service
with Sound Sensation
Sywell Church
Friday 20 December 2024
6pm
Come to our extra special carol service where our carol singing will be led by singers from Sound Sensation. Our carols and our readings will tell the story of the birth of Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem. Do come and sing some of your favourite carols. And... do stay on for a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie (or two).
Messy Christingles
Overstone Church
Christmas Eve -
Tuesday 24 December 2024
4pm
Come and join in our Christmas craft and prayer activities. Pause to listen to a fresh telling of the Christmas story as Christingles are lit and Away in a Manger is sung. Come and see our crib scene with the baby Jesus. And, when you are ready, go home with a Christingle inspired goody bag ready for Christmas morning.
Ideal for families with pre-school and primary school age children.
Midnight Mass
Sywell Church
Christmas Eve - Tuesday 24 December 2024
11.30pm
Come and celebrate the moment when Christmas Eve turns into Christmas morn. With darkness and stillness outside, and peace inside, Midnight Mass is a unique and special way to celebrate the coming of our Saviour into our world in a stable in Bethlehem. Join in the singing of some of your favourite carols as you enjoy this Holy Night. Christmas is here! Emmanuel - God is with us!
We wish you a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year!
For more details on our Christmas services, please contact our vicar - Revd Katrina.