Comfort and Joy holds together the hope that Christmas will bring joy and celebration to people everywhere after a uniquely difficult year. We have a full range of services planned across the Bowland Benefice. We encourage you to apply for a ticket for the services you would like to attend in case number restrictions apply:Sunday 13th December at 6pm Lessons and Carols at St Mary's, Gisburn Wednesday 16th December at 6pm Village Carol Service at St Ambrose, Grindleton Sunday 20th December 6pm Lessons and Carols at Ss Peter & Paul, Bolton By BowlandChristmas Eve ~ Thursday 24th December 4:30pm Crib service at St Ambrose, Grindleton6pm Carols on the green at Gisburn 11:30pm Midnight Eucharist at Gisburn Christmas Day ~ Friday 25th December9:15am Christmas Eucharist at St Ambrose, Grindleton10:30am Christmas Communion at Ss Peter & Paul, Bolton by Bowland Clearly any plans made are subject to any government restrictions applying at the time but we are hopeful that we will be able to worship to experience this time of Comfort and Joy together. For tickets please contact The Rector, Revd Mark Williams on 01200 441152 or email him: rector.mark.john.williams@gmail.com
Information posters with personal details from the Grindleton Roll of Honour have been put up around the village. On them you will see short histories of the men who died in the wars and a more detailed version is in St Ambrose Church by the War Memorial.St Ambrose Church has been beautifully decorated to honour those who died as a result of war. Thanks to Janette Ranson for the flower arrangements and to the members of Craft and Chat who have created a stunning poppy cascade.The church will be open to view and for private prayer and contemplation on Saturday and Sunday from 10 to 2pm and on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 to 4pm. Please wear masks, observe social distancing and use the hand gel to prevent spread of Covid. Our Rector Mark will lay the commemorative wreaths on Sunday 8th December in his evensong service at 4.30pm which you can watch via the YouTube link.On Wednesday for Remembrance Day 11th of the 11th month at 11am there will be a national two minutes silence and following this Dr Bill Turner has volunteered to play Abide with Me on his bagpipes at the cherry trees opposite the Buck. Again if you want to listen please spread out and wear masks as necessary.There are no parades or official gatherings this year but "We Will Remember Them"
There was a full church at St Peter And St Paul, Bolton By Bowland on Wednesday evening, 13th November when Rev Mark John Williams was installed as the Rector of the new Bowland Benefice by the Bishop Of Burnley. The new Bowland Benefice comprises of St Ambrose, Grindleton, Ss Peter And Paul, Bolton By Bowland and St Mary The Virgin, Gisburn.
