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

Sunday 29th November

6.00 – Advent Carol Service

Saturday 19th December

12.00 Noon – Carol Service – Brampton Abbotts Church

Sunday 20th December

4.00 pm – A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by candlelight – Ross

One of the main highlights of Christmas at St Mary’s. 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. It’s usually standing room only by the time the service starts so come early. The service usually last for about an hour.

4.00pm – Carol Service with mince pies – Walford Church

Tuesday 22nd December

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.

2.00 – Blue Christmas Carol Service (JustB) – St Mary’s

Wednesday 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. Join us in church afterwards (before on Saturday) for seasonal drinks.

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… Overflow parking at Walford Village Hall.

11.30 pm – “Midnight Mass” – St Mary’s

The first service at St Mary’s of the Christmas Season proper. Midnight usually strikes just about as we sing “Yea Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning” and there is a great atmosphere. As its name suggests this is a Communion service. All are welcome to receive that.

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 – Family Service – Ross
9.30 am – Christmas Day Service – Walford
As above without a choir.

Sunday 27th December

8.00 am – Holy Communion – Ross
A quiet service with no music, it lasts about 40 minutes
9.30 am – Said Eucharist with hymns for all the Ross Parishes – St Mary’s, Ross
The service will last about an hour. With hymns. The choir is on holiday.

Sunday 3rd 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 – Parish Communion – Walford

Sunday 31st January (Candlemas)

9.30 – Sung Eucharist for Candlemas – St Mary’s
6.00 – Special Candlemas service – St Mary’s

It might seem something of a stretch to call this “Christmas” but the the feast of Candlemas – 40 days after Christmas Day – was in times past and by some today, regarded as the real end to the Christmas season. This special evening service will be lit by candles, contain some wonderful music from two choirs and we’ll trace the story of Candlemas, around the building.