On Christmas Eve afternoon, we host two Christingle services at St Andrew’s, at 3.30 and 5pm. (The services are essentially the same: it’s just that it’s so popular, we need to do it twice to fit people in).
Join us for an informal service that includes carols, the Nativity readings, candle light and Christingles. Lasts about 40 minutes. Popular for everyone but notably accessible even for families with wriggly toddlers or grumpy teenagers; it’s a sort of happy chaos at that service. It’s also really popular so if it’s possible for you, come early to get a seat. Our children’s and youth choir will be singing at the 3.30pm service; the 5pm service is similar, but without the extra choral number.
Later that night, also at St Andrew’s, there’s Midnight Mass. For many, this is the most memorable service of the year. It’s candle-lit with incense, sermon, choral music and some of the greatest Christmas carols that there are. The main service starts at 11.30pm, but from 11pm join for organ Christmas music as people gather in the semi-darkness. The whole service will be over by about half past midnight.
On Christmas morning, we have two services at St Mark’s. The first is at 8am, a traditional said service according to the Book of Common Prayer.
The main service is at St Mark’s at 10am, with a eucharist service suitable for all ages. The choir are there, but there’s an interactive sermon, and more informal atmosphere than at Midnight Mass. It’s a proper eucharist, but we do finish with a ‘Who’s wearing the best Christmas jumper?’ competition, so you can probably gauge the flavour of the atmosphere from that.