Throughout December we have joined in worship preparing for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to Father Shaun Conlon, Reverand Muriel Peters and our church wardens Jean Hutchinson and Doris Binks who have led our Advent services and inspired us with their sermons, words and prayers.

Throughout the month community has been at the heart of everything we do at Holy Trinity. Our Christmas Fayre, held in Wingate Community Centre demonstrated the strong links between the church and the parish, we really do appreciate all of the support shown to us and thank everyone who came along. Wellfield School demonstrated this support with their generous donation to our food bank; it was wonderful to welcome the students to church, and they were an absolute credit to their school and to their families. Our food bank operates on a Saturday morning at Holy Trinity and anyone who needs to can access this.

The glad tidings and great joy of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ were celebrated in our Christmas services. We began with our Carols around the village Christmas tree which was our whole community service.  Our family service of shepherds and angels on Christmas Eve allowed for the blessing of the crib by Father Shaun who also led our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services of Holy Communion as we gave thanks for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ and reaffirmed the light of faith in our hearts and minds.

During December we have remembered in our prayers all those who find Christmas time to be difficult or challenging, whatever the reason. We pray that the light of our Lord shines upon all those who need his love and that his presence brings peace and solace in the new year.

May the New Year bring joy, peace and God’s blessing to you and to those you hold dear. Amen