All the traditional events for all ages will be happening this year, we trust; so think carols, communions, choirs, cribs and Christingles. The cribs and Christingles are being rolled into one on Christmas Eve, when there will be an hour of joy as we teeter on the edge of constructive child-like chaos and get into the mood – so put it in your child’s Christmas plan now: “Cribs and Christingles at 3pm, in the Church.”

Our regular early congregation will welcome people who want to share Communion to welcome the Christ-child on the 25th - on Christmas Day. So if you are an early riser (and many are on Christmas morning), or if you need to be back home to create a Christmas Dinner, or maybe you want a more reflective form of service (or for any reason, really) - simply turn up at the Church Cottage.

Lord Jesus, Light of light,
you have come among us.
Help us who live by your light
to shine as lights in your world.
Glory to God in the highest.
Amen.

Often a reflective service of Holy Communion in contemporary language, gathered around the Lord's Table in the nave of our beautiful church. We sometimes hold alternative services for special occasions, or simply to vary our worship. We meet together afterwards in the Church Cottage next door for coffee.

This is our main Communion service on Christmas morning, suitable for all ages.
Feel free to bring your presents along; free to wear your Christmas jumper; or free to dress formally. On this joyful morning, it's the welcome we give to one another, and to the Christ-child, that will count.

Lord Jesus, Light of light,
you have come among us.
Help us who live by your light
to shine as lights in your world.
Glory to God in the highest.
Amen.

A time of reflection led by different members of our congregations; ending with a short time of shared prayer using the Northumbria Community's version of Compline. Please check the current Parish Magazine to see whether we are online or in church. You can download the words from this website (click the link)

View attachment

A reflective, said service following the Church of England's traditional pattern, in contemporary language. A short talk is normally included in this service.

This is our main Sunday worship service. It may be a Service of the Word, or Holy Communion - please refer to our website Calendar page for the latest details.

We will start at 7.30pm, the better to accommodate those involved with family meals.

We come together in Riding Mill to listen, to pray and to sing reflectively, in the Taizé Community style.
The community in France includes people and traditions from around the world, with an emphasis on youth. The music and prayers are sung in many languages, and include chants from the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions. The music emphasizes simple phrases, usually lines from Psalms or other pieces of Scripture, repeated and sometimes also sung in canon. You can find out more about the ecumenical Taizé community and their style of worship at www.taize.fr/en.
Come early to help set up the candles...

(Image by Surfnico - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25243958)