Hixon Christingle took place on Tuesday 23rd December 2025.
It is the third year in a row that we have been able to provide this service and the number attending has grown each year. The Church looked beautiful with the Christmas tree lit up and every window dressed in holly, mistletoe, and ivy. The smell of oranges and pine-cones filled the air along with the wonderful music coming from the organ played by Maureen Siddal. It provided a warm and very welcoming atmosphere to the many that attended. It was heartwarming to see the church come alive with so many children and adults. The Reverend Viv Starkie gave the address and thanked everyone for coming to celebrate and support the Christingle Service. Viv was ably supported by her Christmas Angel with many of the children interacting enthusiastically with the service.
The Christmas hymns were sung loudly, and we were not short of volunteers to take the crib figures to the front of the Church.
The highlight obviously came when the Christingles were lit and the lights dimmed. It all looked so magical and was a wonderful way to start the Christmas holidays.
Many many thanks, to everyone who came and the army of volunteers that ensured the whole thing went smoothly.
A total of £188 was raised for the Children’s Society.
Here’s to Christingle 2026!
Sonia Burgess

OUR NEXT SERVICE IS:
15th February Breakfast Service at 9-30am, in the Guide Hall, led by Rose Rae.

OUR OTHER SERVICES:
18th February Praise Together Holy Communion for Ash Wednesday, led by Rev'd Vivienne Starkie.
22nd February Holy Communion at 11-15am, St. John the Baptist Church, Stowe by Chartley, led by Rev'd Vivienne Starkie.

For services in other churches please click on "Church Services Across Mid-Trent Team" to see our service rotas.
We try to make our church services as friendly as possible. Please don’t worry about getting things ‘wrong’. Even if they notice, people won’t mind. At Communion services, everyone is equally welcome, whether you feel able to share the bread and wine or prefer just to stay seated for a time of quiet. Finally, we are interested in you, not what you are wearing.

Lent is a special time in the Christian Year when people get ready for Easter. It lasts for 40 days - not counting Sundays - and begins on Ash Wednesday, the 18th February. This season reminds Christians of the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, praying and preparing for his ministry.
During Lent, many people choose to give up something they enjoy, like sweets or screen time. Perhaps they try to do something kind, such as helping others. Some people read the Bible more, join church activities, or give to charity as a way of showing love and care. This is because Lent is a season of reflection, self‑discipline, and learning to be more like Jesus.
Lent is a time to think about how we can grow to be more like the people God made us to be. Just as spring brings new life to the world, Lent helps Christians prepare for the joy of Easter - the celebration of Jesus rising again and bringing forgiveness and new beginnings to us.
Lent can feel serious, but it is full of hope. Lent reminds us that everyone can make a fresh start, and that acts of kindness and thoughtfulness can make a big difference. By the time Easter arrives, we can be ready to celebrate the new life and love that Jesus brings.

This Lent, journey with us through the Book of Acts and reflect on the attitudes and acts of the disciples that can encourage us to be bringers of hope through Holy Spirit-led attitudes and actions in our own age.
Each Wednesday, 7-30pm at 3 Old School Close, Weston, ST18 0HF.
Starting on 25th February then throughout Lent to the 25th March.
The course book costs £6-99 and is available from this link: https://shop.embraceme.org/all-lent-easter/lent-study-guide-2026-edition
If you have difficulty ordering this, or are not on the internet, please contact the Rev'd Vivienne on 01889 - 271046 who will order it for you.

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