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
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.
The Christmas Story for all the Family. Everybody is encouraged to come dressed as a Nativity character (or anything else!). There will be cracking carols, lots of celebration and lots to eat and drink! Come and join us as we celebrate Christmas in style.
In our new style crib service we will gather together and re-tell the greatest story every told! We will sing some wonderful carols and encourage full family participation. Come dressed as a bible character. Yes tea-towels are mandatory! - or come as any of your favourite superhero’s - perhaps there will be a Batman instead of a shepherd this year? Who knows? Bring your friends and family and neighbours for what promises to be a fantastic way to enter into Christmas!
All are welcome to join us for our Midnight Communion at St Mary’s, Aldworth. We will start Christmas Day thanking the Lord, and contemplating the enormity of the miracle of Christmas.
We celebrate Christmas together at 11am for a whole family communion service with a collection of wonderful hymns and readings followed by a fabulous Christmas message for all ages.
We celebrate Christmas together at 9.30am with communion for the whole family. This is a communion service with a collection of wonderful hymns and readings followed by a fabulous Christmas message for all ages. A joyful way to worship together on Christmas Day!
A short family service of songs and readings with a fun Christmas message designed for the whole family to come to church and worship. ‘Come and adore him’ at 10am Christmas Day - St. Stephen’s Church Upper Basildon.
On the fifth Sunday of the month we join as one big family. This week we gather at 10am for a communion service using the words of the wonderful Book of Common Prayer at St. Clement’s. The service will include beautiful hymns, 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. Everybody is welcome.
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.