Christmas 2020
Unfortunately Christmas won’t be ‘as usual’ this year
While things are still uncertain in regards to what local restrictions will look like as we approach Christmas one thing is for certain … things aren’t going to be ‘as usual’ this year.
Its highly likely
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we won’t be able to see and spend time with all those we love and have missed through the year.
Also
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we won’t be able to join in with the normal Christmas community activities and celebrations including the very popular annual Christmas tree lights switch on at the Victoria Walshaw, pre-Christmas meals with friends, and school Christmas celebrations including parents and family.
In addition​
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we won’t be able to have our annual community Carol Service in our parish church this year, and we are very disappointed that we won’t be able to have our Christingle Service on Christmas Eve which usually attracts around 300 people … many of them young families.
However we are still hoping to celebrate the birth of Jesus with our community and remember what a fantastic community we are part of in various ways while at the same time staying safe .... including during Advent with our Star Festival and nativity Trail and on Christmas Day with our church services.
Walshaw & Lowercroft Star Festival 2020
Through Advent Christ Church Walshaw has invited individuals, families, schools and local businesses to cover our community with stars to remind us that we are part of a great community, to remember those we have loved and lost, to help us to express the things are are thankful for and of course to remind us that #JesusIsTheStarOfChristmas.
We have also invited folk to share their stars on FaceBook and Twitter too using the hash tag #JesusIsTheStarOfChristmas.
You are very warmly invited to join us.
For more information about our Star Festival click here.
Christ Church Nativity Trail 2020
Starting Saturday 12th December, through to the twelfth day of Christmas, why not join us as we travel through the Nativity Story through eight story points in and around the village of Walshaw ... each with a picture, part of the Christmas Story and even a QR code so that you can listen to a Christmas carol as you travel to the next story point.
Great for the children to enter into the story which changed the world but also a great chance for all of us to remember this very special story.
For more information about the trail and how to meet with Mary, Joseph, the Angels, Magi and Shepherds ... and of course Baby Jesus click here.
The Diocese of Manchester Online Carol Service: Wednesday 23rd December at 7pm
We are unable to have annual Walshaw Community Carol Service this year due to the corona virus situation ... it is just too popular to be able to manage an event safely in church or outside.
However, we are still able to join a carol service online involving folk from across our diocese and produced by the diocese.
This Nine Lessons and Carols service provides an opportunity for us to come together to share worship, music, and some much-needed comfort and joy.
To join the service click here for a FaceBook link, or here for a YouTube link.
Christmas Day Services in church and online
8.30am Christmas Day Service of Holy Communion
As usual we will be starting Christmas day with a service of Holy Communion in church at 8.30pm.
This is a very simple 'said' half and hour service.
This service is a lovely intimate time when together we celebrate the birth of our Saviour.
All are welcome to join us
Holy Communion will be conducted in keeping with Church of England guidance to ensure we are Covid secure.
This service will be broadcast live on our FaceBook page and will be available to join in with later too here.
10.30am Christmas day family Celebration
Don't forget to bring a present you have already opened to show us and to put on your Christmas jumper for this usually very popular Christmas service.
We will be very informal as we have some fun and thank God for the great gift of His Son on this very special day.
As usual all welcome.
We would ask that no-one comes to church if they are feeling unwell or shielding and that those who do come wear a face covering. We will be keeping a record of who has attended for track and trace purposes and social distancing will be maintained to keep us all safe.