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Christmas in the Watling Valley
IMPORTANT UPDATE FOLLOWING MOVE TO TIER 4
As events happen we will be adding pictures to our Christmas 2020 Gallery. Please check it out.
If you would like to make a donation to the life and work of the church you can do so here. Any gift is very gratefully received.
Advent Calendar
Share the Light at St Giles'
Christmas Eve -
an invitation to call by anytime between 4 – 5 pm.
You’re welcome to come up to St Giles’ – though we’re sorry we can’t stand and gather in the usual way this year.
Listen to Christmas Carols being played from inside church and enjoy the churchyard lanterns.
Have a look at ‘Christmas through the Window’ - we’ll have holly, ivy and candles as usual and the Advent Crown and Nativity Scene will be easy to see.
‘Share the Light’ as you collect the gift of a ‘candle in a bag’ to take home and enjoy.
Please remember social distancing!
Nativity Trail & Community Christmas Tree at Servant King
You are invited to explore the story of the first Christmas by following a nativity trail around the grounds of the church. A series of stations will each tell a different part of the Christmas story as well as having a QR code to a carol for you to either sing along with or just listen to. The trail is available from 13 December until 6 January.
Our Christmas celebrations this year include a Community Christmas Tree which we invite you to decorate by adding a bauble or ribbon to remember someone you love or as a symbol of your prayer for the future. The tree will be lit from 13 December to 6 January and we are grateful for the donations from our ward councilors and church members that have made this possible.
Please do remember social distancing when following the trail or placing things on the tree. This is all free but if you would like to make a contribution to the life and work of the church you can do so here.
If you would can't make it to Servant King but would still like to experience the Nativity Trail you can click here and be taken to a virtual trail.
Shenley Sparkle at St Mary's
A Christmas walk with a destination!
From Sunday 20th December right up to Christmas Eve, St Mary’s churchyard will be transformed into a fun Christmas trail for all the family. Between 4pm and 7pm come and discover the story of the first Christmas, with nativity scenes, sparkling lights to brighten the night. Bring a bauble for the Christmas tree to represent your family, your hopes, your prayers, or even a loved one no longer here.
The trail is completely free, although donations can be made here or using a contactless card machine on site. Please wear sensible shoes and bring a torch. Covid safety will be required – please wear a mask and keep your distance.
If you would can't make it to St Mary's but would still like to experience something of Shenley Sparkly you can click here and be taken to an audio tour.
Christmas Services
Christmas Videos 2020
If you would like make a donation to the life and work of the
Watling Valley Churches please click here.
All Together for Christmas
from 9am Christmas Day
Christmas Eve from St Mary's
from 8pm Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve Reflection
from 4.30pm Christmas Eve
Christingle Service
If you would like to do some further wondering around the Christingle then these activities from Muddy Church are fun.
Click here!
Preparing for Christmas
The Longest Night
This reflective meditation aims to provide comfort and hope to those who are finding Christmas hard, and joy in short supply. Using images and music, we are reminded of God's presence with us in even the longest darkest night.
Carol Service
Christmas 2020
Car Park Carols - Sunday 13 December at 6pm
You’ve heard of drive-in cinema – now for a drive-in carol service!
Come and hear the story of the first Christmas, with some thoughts for today’s world, plus plenty of opportunity to sing carols from the Covid-safety of your own car.
With music from local band TesTamenT and the Salvation Army, this should kick off your Christmas with gusto. The event is FREE although donations to the work of the Watling Valley Churches, who are the organisers, can be made by visiting our website or by contactless card on the night. We’ll also be supporting the Salvation Army Toy Appeal, and there’s even a small prize for the best decorated car.
You can download a children's activity pack here.
The event takes place in the car park of Niftylift, Chalkdell Drive, Shenley Wood. Pre-booking is required. We are sorry that this is now fully booked.
The service will be relayed live on our Facebook page so all can join in the celebrations.
This is now fully booked!
But don't worry you will be able to join in from your own home
by following our live stream on our Facebook page.
You can download the carol sheet here so you can sing along wherever you are!
