Christingle Service

for 1 hour, 15 mins
St James the Great
Church Lane Chapelthorpe Wakefield, WF4 3JG, United Kingdom

A service for children and the young at heart, all are welcome. This service has become a family favourite in the parish and for many it's become a family tradition.

The History of a Christingle began in 1747 with Bishop Johannes de Watteville of the Moravian Church in Germany, who created a simple candle with a red ribbon to explain the happiness Jesus brings to children. The modern Christingle, featuring an orange, candle, and sweets on sticks, was popularised in the UK by John Pensom in 1968 during a fundraising event for The Children's Society. This modern version incorporates the original symbolism but uses additional elements to represent the world, God's love, and the fruits of the earth. All donations given in this service is given to The Children's Society.

St James the Great

Effective from April 2026, the Benefice will enter a period of Interregnum. 
During this time, church leadership and services will be supported by covering clergy and lay members of the church until a new appointment is made.
To arrange Baptisms, The Calling of Banns, Weddings, Funerals and/or general enquiries, please contact:

St James the Great Chapelthorpe - Lynn Clews on 07587 992514 or [email protected]

St Peter’s Woolley – David Slater on 07770 937511 (please do not leave a voicemail message) or [email protected]

Please keep checking this website for all the latest news, services and events.

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Christingle Service

for 1 hour, 15 mins
St James the Great
Church Lane Chapelthorpe Wakefield, WF4 3JG, United Kingdom

A service for children and the young at heart, all are welcome. This service has become a family favourite in the parish and for many it's become a family tradition.

The History of a Christingle began in 1747 with Bishop Johannes de Watteville of the Moravian Church in Germany, who created a simple candle with a red ribbon to explain the happiness Jesus brings to children. The modern Christingle, featuring an orange, candle, and sweets on sticks, was popularised in the UK by John Pensom in 1968 during a fundraising event for The Children's Society. This modern version incorporates the original symbolism but uses additional elements to represent the world, God's love, and the fruits of the earth. All donations given in this service is given to The Children's Society.

Safeguarding

"Our parish of St James the Great Chapelthorpe: is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults from harm. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies. Our Diocese of Leeds’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor who advises our church trustees .

If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact our Church Warden Lynn Clews on 07587 992514 or the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority’s children or adult social care services."

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