This year's popular Christmas Tree Festival was the best yet! The Festival was officially opened by Mrs Lindsay Clough, Head Teacher of Westbury CofE Junior School on Friday 3 December. We welcomed over 1,500 people into All Saints' Church to view the 48 decorated Christmas Trees over the weekend. The event raised over £3,000 for church funds. The most popular tree was the 1st Westbury Scouts and the runner up the Friday Fun Youth Club. Thank you to all those who voted! We'd like to thank all those who helped meet and greet, serve refreshments and support the event - we couldn't have done it without you!We look forward to seeing you next year!
We were delighted to welcome Bishop Andrew, Bishop of Ramsbury, to All Saints church on Sunday 30th November for a special service of Baptism and Confirmation. One candidate was baptised and five were confirmed: (in order from left to right: Frank Lee, Florence Lee, Bishop Andrew, Helen Thomas, Sarah Wiseman and Michelle Coleman).It was wonderful to have such a full church with over 100 people including children, families and friends of the candidates, and our friends from across the WH Team. Each of our four churches were represented. It was also good to welcome some new people to this service, and we hope that any visitors or newcomers would like to get involved and find out more about faith in Christ. Three of the candidates spoke of their calling to be baptised and confirmed and shared something of their journey to faith. It was very encouraging to hear their stories of how God has been at work in their lives, each in a different and unique way. During the service, they were able to share in Holy Communion with us for the first time.After the service, about 60 people, including the candidates and their guests, gathered in the parish hall to enjoy a shared lunch together. It was a very memorable and special occasion.We continue to pray for our candidates, that they may grow in their faith and find their places within our church communities in the White Horse Team.If this has stirred any questions of faith and belief in you, or if you have not been baptised or confirmed and would be interested in finding out more, please contact me in the New Year. I would love to hear from you!Revd RebeccaYou can watch the service on our YouTube Channel White Horse Team Ministry Westbury - YouTube
This year, there will be a short prayer time with our sisters and brothers at Westbury Area Churches Together on the following days:Tuesday 20, Wednesday 21, Thursday 22 and Friday 23 at 2.30 pm for about 30 minutes. These will all be held at Westbury Methodist Church and will be led by people from our different churches. All are welcome.On Sunday 25 January we shall have a special service at 3.00 pm for the Week of Prayer. This will also be held at Westbury Methodist Church and the speaker will be David Downing who is the South West Moderator for the United Reformed Church. Again, all are welcome.For more information: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026 – One Body One Spirit – Churches Together in England
A big THANK You to all those who worked so hard in December on our Christmas events and services! The Christmas Tree Festival was a great success! Our Carol services went well and it has been very good to welcome so many new people and visitors to our churches over this time. Our carol singing in our local nursing homes was very much appreciated by the staff and residents.We would like to wish everyone a very happy New Year for 2026.
We have been advised of new dates for the advertising of the Pioneer Team Vicar role. This will now be advertised in the national church press on 9 and 16 January. Applications must be submitted by 17 February. The interview dates are: Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 March. This is good as it is a bit earlier than previously advised. Please continue to pray for a successful outcome this time. Please continue to use our revised vacancy prayer.Prayer during the vacancyGracious God, you are with us always. We thank you for guiding us by your Spirit through our life together as church. We thank you for all those who serve in our Ministry Team and those carrying extra responsibilities during this time.We pray that we may hear your voice in this time of vacancy; give us patience, vision and courage as we seek a new priest and as we seek to make Jesus known in our communities, so that all may flourish and grow, seeking God’s kingdom in the here and now.In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.Amen.Thank you.
We were delighted to welcome families to the Little Lights Stay and Play Christmas Party on Thursday 18th December. Many thanks to those who braved the atrocious weather to join in the fun. The children made Christmas cards and enjoyed the Christmas themed games and snacks. The festive decorations and Christmas music ensured a fun time was had by all! Many thanks to the volunteers who helped to make the party so enjoyable. We send our best wishes to all those who have supported the group throughout 2025 and we hope that Little Lights will continue to thrive in 2026.Little Lights returns on Thursday 8 January 2026