Application forms for children and adults are on the link attached. Please note parental consent is required for children (form attached). Preparations for young people will begin online in March 2026. Reverend Lesley will contact all applicants on receipt of completed forms. Forms must be received by Sunday 22nd February 2026 Please note that children / adults can be both baptised and confirmed in this service A word about Baptism In our Gospel readings this Sunday, we will hear of Jesus being baptised and he was thought to have been around the age of 30 years – an adult! There are many adults who are not baptised – if you are one, please don’t think because you were not baptised or christened as a baby, that you have missed out. If you are not baptised, please speak to Reverend Lesley. May each one of us start this year knowing the love of Jesus in our lives. Baptism marks the beginning of a journey with God which continues for the rest of our lives and is the first step in response to God’s love. It is traditionally done with babies and children, but age is no barrier – many adults nowadays wish to be baptised. The service paints many vivid pictures of what happens on the Christian way. There is the signing of the cross on the forehead, that invisible badge of faith worn in the Christian journey; there is the ‘drowning’ in the water where we believe we die to sin and are raised to new life; and there is the lighted candle symbolising the light of Christ conquering the darkness of evil. Everyone who is baptised walks in that light for the rest of their lives.
· 11am St Anne’s Fence We celebrate the arrival of the Wise Men, that have featured in all our Christmas Nativity stories. We also begin our year of Centenary Celebrations of Blackburn Diocese. Its going to be a great 2026, with something for everyone to be part of. Full details will appear in your Newsletters.
Here is a free booklet that looks at everyday things of the Christmas season (pudding, chocolates, chutney, pine needles, Christmas jumpers…..) and where we find joy Booklets are available on Christmas Eve at St John’s Midnight Communion and on Christmas Day in both churches, come and receive your free booklet.
This was a heartfelt gesture from Chef Tom, of the Swan in Fence. At £10 per head for a full Christmas dinner in the Refectory at St Anne’s church, tickets sold out within a few hours of going on sale. Chef Tom said ‘It’s an absolute joy and pleasure to support the village, the White Swan is a big part of the village and it’s always nice to give something back certainly around Christmas time’ Reverend Lesley, Vicar of St Anne’s, said ‘Wow! What church has a Michelin Star chef to cook for their people! We are truly blessed. All enjoyed a fabulous meal followed by Carol singing led by Matt Butler of the Inghamite church in Fence. This has been a wonderful collaboration with the Parish Council and wider community’ The White Swan is open all throughout Christmas apart from Boxing Day. For all information and to book look on the website at https://www.whiteswanatfence.co.uk/ Reverend Lesley is pictured with Howard Hartley, Parish Councillor, Jill Hartley, Chair of Fence Parish Council and Chef Tom Parker.For more pictures please click the link!
