Our churches are open every day from 9-5, during the holiday period, as always.
Sunday 17th December
4.00 pm – A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by candlelight – Ross
This is the first of St Mary’s Christmas services. The structure of the service is the traditional service from King’s College Cambridge. The choir features prominently in this service and there are plenty of well know carols to join in with.
The service takes place by candlelight and there is mulled wine after the service. It’s usually standing room only by the time the service starts so come early. The service usually last for about an hour.
Tuesday 19th December
2.30 – A Quiet Carol Service (JustB) – St Mary’s
A quiet carol service for anyone experiencing loss or having a difficult time this year. Run by our “JustB” bereavement support group. Just drop in, all are welcome, refreshments afterwards. Please call the Parish Office (01989 562175) for more information.
Friday 22nd & Saturday 23rd December
5.30 pm – Carols under the Spire
We’re organising refreshments for this family focussed Christmas based sing-song in the church yard, outside the main door. Wrap up warm and come and enjoy the fun.
Christmas Eve
4.00 pm – Crib Service – Ross
This service is for young children and their families and is another “standing room only” event. As the service progresses the nativity scene is built at the front of the church as the travelling crib figures, which have been out around the parish in people’s homes during Advent, are brought to the manger by the children. This service lasts about 45 minutes.
4.00 pm – Crib Service – Walford
Another very popular service. A major feature of this is the scratch band that rehearses during the afternoon and a band leads the music. A very user friendly service for all, especially those with young children. The service will finish about 5.00 pm.
- Children are invited to dress as stars, angels, shepherds, sheep, cows, oxen…
- There will be a cash collection at the service for the work of St Michael’s church
- Overflow parking at Walford Village Hall
11.30 pm – “Midnight Mass” – Ross & Walford
The first service at St Mary’s of the Christmas Season proper. Midnight usually strikes just about as we sing “Ye Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning” and there is a great atmosphere. As its name suggests this is a Communion service during which “full” members of the Church of England receive bread and wine at the altar.
The service is a great celebration with plenty of well known carols. The choir sings the sung parts of the service so there is no need to feel uncomfortable by being expected to sing tunes you might not know. This is a busy service which will last about an hour and a quarter.
Christmas Day
8.00 am – Book of Common Prayer Service – Ross
A quiet service with no music, it lasts about 30 minutes
9.30 am – Live streamed Sung Eucharist – Ross
Another service with Communion. Music also features and is led by the choir. A strong feeling of celebration. The service will last about an hour.
9.30 am – Christmas Day Service- Walford
As above without a choir.
Sunday 31st December
8.00 am – Holy Communion – Ross
A quiet service with no music, it lasts about 40 minutes
9.30 am – Live streamed Eucharist – Ross
The service will last about an hour. With hymns. The choir is on holiday.
The Ross Parishes: Ross-on-Wye, Walford & Brampton Abbotts 