We would like to wish you all a happy, peaceful and above all safe Christmas. We know it is a very different Christmas to the one we were hoping to have – particularly in our churches.
The churchwardens of Aldworth and Ashampstead have felt that in the light of the danger of the mutating virus and Tier 4 restrictions that they should close St Mary’s and St Clement’s for services over Christmas but we are so fortunate in the benefice in having a modern church at Basildon which is more flexible and safe.
So we are delighted that, as well as the many virtual services on offer, we are able to have two 'in-person' services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Please make sure you contact 01491 672442 if you would like to come to these as numbers regrettably have to be restricted.
We do hope we shall see you, either virtually, or in person over the Christmas season – all services and links are listed below –
Christmas Eve: two Children’s events:
St Mary’s Aldworth, 3pm: Decorating the Tree (outside)
St Stephen’s Basildon: Children’s Service (Nativity costumes), 5pm (in the church).
Benefice Holy Communion, 11pm on Facebook or the Benefice YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXLfBukWFQBTV9y3p-whgcQ
Christmas Day:
Benefice Holy Communion, 9am on Zoom. Link to join Zoom Meeting:
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/78126573106?pwd=TGZOckx5MUZlenlaZUYySmF1bWVMdz09
(Meeting ID: 781 2657 3106 Passcode: z84t0v)
Benefice Family Service with Communion for Christmas, 10am (in St Stephen's church)
Diocese of Oxford Church at Home service, 10 am Right Revd Dr Steven Croft, presiding and preaching here: https://www.oxford.anglican.org/coronavirus-covid-19-2/livestream/#tab-id-3
SERVICES in the benefice
St Mary's
A short said service of Holy Communion using the tradition Book of Common Prayer format. We enjoy a said service this week, with scriptures, prayers and a sermon. A perfect way to begin a Sunday morning in worship.
St Clement’s
Join us as together we retell the pure message of Christmas using the wonderful Christingles. Everybody welcome as we build our Christingles together as part of the service and enjoy some wonderful singing. A brilliant way to begin Christmas.
Enjoy some Christmas carols while you wait for your fish and chips! This year we shall sing hymns, enjoy mulled wine in the beautiful surroundings with festive outdoor lighting - it promises to be really special.
Join us at The Bell Pub in Aldworth at 5pm as we sing some classic Christmas Carols as well as enjoy some refreshments! Everybody welcome for a fun filled afternoon!
We gather for a service of prayer, readings, wonderful hymns and communion. We have activities and toys for children and are passionate about seeing all ages and stages engage in worship together. We have gluten free communion wafers available and share in delicious refreshments in the church centre after the service - it’s a great way to chat and catch up with people.
Breakfast & Christingle Service! Food for body, mind and soul ! Join us at 9:30 am for breakfast followed by a short, informal, family friendly Christingle service. A great opportunity to meet friends and share a breakfast of bacon rolls, fresh brewed coffee or tea, fresh fruit, croissants; then worship together.
Join us for a wonderful service of carols and readings as we re-tell (and sing) the Christmas story. Everybody welcome for this beautiful service!
St Clement’s
We gather at 8.30am for a short said communion service using the words of the wonderful Book of Common Prayer. The service will include a short sermon, and plenty of time to pray, reflect and encounter God in this wonderful place. What a brilliant way to begin a Sunday - especially as there is coffee and biscuits served afterwards.
Join us at 10am as we host our Christingle Service with special performances from Basildon Primary School. We will build the Christingles as part of our service and enjoy some delicious refreshments afterwards. Absolutely everybody welcome.
A beautiful service full of favourite carols and the beautiful words of the traditional readings. With candles, good voices and festive cheer its a service not to be missed.
We’re all invited to begin the Jubilee weekend by lighting an official jubilee beacon on Thursday 2nd June.
Join us as we welcome our new Curate to the Benefice for a garden party at The Vicarage, Upper Basildon. Jen’s first services across the Benefice will be on the 3rd July 2022, so join us in the afternoon as we properly welcome her to Basildon, Ashampstead and Aldworth.
Join us for a wonderful evening concert in the company of the Aldworth Giant’s. Saturday 30th July 7pm.
