Our churches are open every day from 9-5, during the holiday period, as always.

Sunday 18th December

6.00 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, 102 years old, 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 and mince pies 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.

Monday 19th December

11.30 – 1pm – Messy Christmas Drop-in – St Mary’s

For all families and young people. We’ll make some great Messy Christmas Hand Print pictures, put up our giant Messy Stable, and make some fun Messy decorations.  

You can drop in between 11.30 and 1 on Monday 19th – and you’re very welcome to bring snacks / lunch with you – and we’ll have drinks on the go. 

At 12.30 we will remember what happened the first Christmas and pray for peace and joy in our hearts and homes this Christmas. 

6.00 pm – Brampton Abbotts Carol Singing – Brampton Abbotts Car Park

Carol singing around the village. Starting at 5.30pm in the church car park and finishing at 7pm with refreshments in the church.

Tuesday 20th December

2.00 – A Quieter 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.

3.30 pm – Carols 2 – St Mary’s Garden Village

Wednesday 21st December

10 – 11.30 am – Toast & Toddle Christmas Special – St Mary’s Church

Toast & Toddle is our weekly drop-in for Mums, Dads and toddlers on their way back from the school run. In the school holidays it happens a little later; this is our Christmas Special. Toddlers, parents, grandparents, carers and friends are all very welcome.

Thursday 22nd & Friday 23rd December

5.30 pm – Carols by the Tower

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 – Holy Communion – Ross

A quiet service with no music, it lasts about 40 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 – Parish Communion- Walford

As above without a choir.

Sunday 1st January

8.00 am – Holy Communion – Ross

A quiet service with no music, it lasts about 40 minutes

9.30 am – Live streamed Benefice Eucharist – Ross

The service will last about an hour. The choir is on holiday. There is no service at Walford today.

Thursday 5th January

3.30 pm – Big Messy Epiphany – St Mary’s

Join us for snacks, family fun activities, kings crowns and a story and songs.

Sunday 8th January (Epiphany)

8.00 am – Prayer Book Said Communion – St Mary’s
9.30 am – All Age Sung Eucharist – St Mary’s
9.30 am – Celtic Prayer – Walford
6.00 pm – Choral Evensong and Supper (Come & Sing) full details