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St Peter's: the ancient parish church of Birstall, West Yorkshire
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This year has flown by and Christmas season has well and truly started at St Peter's - see below for a full list of the services and events we've got planned for the next few weeks. There's a lot going on!
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On the 23rd November we had our annual Christmas Fair, and it was brilliant to see so many families browsing the stalls, winning prizes, enjoying delicious home-made treats, and (best of all) seeing Santa. I hope you've been good this year :)
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It was especially brilliant to meet people who had come to the Fair - perhaps come into church at all - for the very first time. A huge thanks to everyone who worked so hard decorating the church, manning stalls, baking and serving, doing advertising, and a million other jobs which make days like this so special.
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Giving people a friendly welcome in church is hugely important, especially at Christmas when we have so many visitors. For some it may be the first time in a long time they've been in our building, perhaps the first time ever. They might be nervous, perhaps not too sure what to expect, and a friendly smile and chat will help put them at their ease. I guess many of us have been in that position, where we're in a new and unfamiliar place and someone's warm welcome has made all the difference in the world!
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It seems to me that the Christmas story isn't really for people in here; it's for people out there. After all, the angels went to find the shepherd on the hillside, the star shone for the wise men in their palaces, the visions and dreams happened to people where they were. Not in a church but in their homes, when they were out and about, and where they worked.
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The Christmas story - the Good News that God knows about us, cares about us, and wants to be close to us - is news that we can and should share with people who visit the church. But it's even more important that we share it with the people we meet in our everyday lives. The person on the checkout, the person in the queue, the person delivering parcels.
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We all have opportunities to show the love of God to people around us. A friendly smile and chat can be the key that opens a door to an opportunity to share the Good News. And that might make all the difference in the world.
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Christingle - 4pm, Sunday 1st December
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Start the festive season right at this family-friendly service in support of the Children's Society. All are welcome! We'll also be serving refreshments after the service, we'd love you to stay around and enjoy our beautiful church trimmed up for Christmas.
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Festive Afternoon Tea - Saturday 7th December
Join us for Afternoon Tea in our beautiful ancient church. Enjoy a selection of sandwiches, savouries and sweet treats with a festive twist. Tables are still available at 2.30pm and 3pm.
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Tickets are £10 per person and must be purchased in advance. Please contact: tickets@stpetersbirstall.co.uk
This is the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends or family during the Christmas period.
You could even gift it as an early festive treat!
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Carols by Candlelight - 4pm Sunday 15th December
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Enjoy traditional carols by candlelight in our beautiful ancient church. We'll also be serving refreshments after the service, we'd love you to stay around and enjoy our beautiful church trimmed up for Christmas.
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Beer and Carols - 7pm, Friday 20th December
This year we're doing something brand new - community carol singing in the Black Bull pub next door to the church. We're calling it 'Beer and Carols', but of course other drinks are available!
You don't have to be a great singer to join in, all are welcome. We're looking forward to having a great time singing carols, and a couple of well-known Christmas songs, with the regulars in the pub. And because this is the Friday before Christmas, you can expect it to be pretty busy - and hopefully loud!
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Crib Service - 4pm, Tuesday 24th December (Christmas Eve)
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Bring all the family to church in preparation for Christmas, where we'll be learning what it's all about. Expect to sing carols and festive songs, and come wearing your best Christmas jumper (or Santa hat, or reindeer antlers, or anything else Christmassy!)
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Midnight Communion - 11:30pm, Tuesday 24th December (Christmas Eve)
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Welcome Christmas Day at this traditional late-night service. We'll be singing some traditional hymns and sharing communion together.
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Christmas Day Celebration - 10am, Wednesday 25th December
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Join with us as we celebrate Christmas 2024 with the whole church family. Come dressed in your best festive wear!
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Alpha course starting January 2025
Do you have questions? Questions about faith, hope, evil, life, death, the Bible, God, Jesus? Maybe you’ve carried these questions for a long time.
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We’d like to invite you to a series of group conversations that explore the basics of the Christian faith in an open, friendly environment. Everyone’s welcome. No matter your background or beliefs, you’re invited. This is the place where you can ask questions.
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Sessions will be held on Thursday evenings from the 9th January, you can find full details and an enquiry form here: stpetersbirstall.co.uk/alpha
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Services and groups
Sunday: 9am - traditional service (communion on 8th and 22nd December)
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Sunday: 10:30am - contemporary service (communion on 8th and 22nd December)
Monday: 7pm - Ignite prayer meeting (alternate weeks: we are meeting on the 2nd and 16th December, then from the 6th January).
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Wednesday: 10am - mid-week service (communion on 4th and 18th December)
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Wednesday: 11:30am - Welcome Space (friendship and food for all) - no group on the 18th or 25th December, or the 1st January, back as usual on the 9th January.
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Thursday: 12:45pm - Playtime (parents and toddlers group) - no group on the 19th or 26th December, or the 2nd January, back as usual on the 9th January.
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Getting in touch
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And finally
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We hope you enjoyed this newsletter. If you have suggestions for things we can put in it please do get in touch.
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Thanks for reading. God bless you all.
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St Peter's Church, Birstall
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