Celtic Christmas Eve

for 1 hour
St. James the Less Church, Fradswell, Staffordshire.
off Church Lane Fradswell Stafford, ST18 0EY, United Kingdom
Join us for a gentle, lay-led Celtic Christmas Eve service of stillness, candlelight and holy anticipation.
Through story, poem and quiet carols, we pause together in the hush before Christmas — to watch, to listen, and to wait for the coming of Christ.
The church will glow with warmth and welcome, and refreshments of mulled wine and Christmas cake will follow.

St. James the Less Church, Fradswell, Staffordshire.


Fradswell – Rooted in Tradition, Flourishing in Spirit

Tucked away in rolling countryside, the small church of St James the Less is a Grade II listed gem, with a chancel arch dating back to the 13th century. While the chancel survives from that time, the main part of the church was rebuilt in 1764 and enlarged in 1852. It stands at the heart of the fairly isolated village of Fradswell, where agriculture and a deep connection to the land continue to shape daily life.

Fradswell is a small but vibrant rural parish—fewer than 200 residents—with a strong sense of identity and an open-hearted approach to worship. In recent years, we have embraced a Celtic-themed, Lay Led service, which has deepened our connection to the rhythms of the land, the seasons, and the Spirit. This quiet evolution has brought new life and joyful energy to our worship and our community.

We gather for worship on the first Sunday of each month at 10am, led by a local farmer. Everyone is welcome—including dogs! Our services reflect the beauty of the changing seasons, with soul-stirring music and liturgy rooted in Celtic prayer. We often take worship out into fields and farm buildings for Rogation, Clypping and Lambing Sunday celebrations.

We are flourishing—not only in numbers, but in creativity, faith, and community connection. Our worship is reflective and inclusive, often involving the wider village in meaningful ways, and always offered in a spirit of warmth and welcome. Afterwards, we enjoy home-baked refreshments and joyful conversation—an essential part of our fellowship.

Our outreach includes:

Supporting the Quiet Café and Lunch Club at the village hall

A well-loved 5½-mile Rogation Walk, now a local tradition

Monthly Communion by Extension at the residential care home

Joyful seasonal events, including The Miss Eld Vintage Afternoon Tea and pub carol singing.

Whether you’re just passing through, exploring faith, or seeking a spiritual home, you’ll find a heartfelt welcome at St James the Less.

Fradswell may be small, but we are full of hope.

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Get in touch

Our Vicar is The Rev'd Vivienne Starkie

Associate Miniser The Rev'd Vivienne Starkie
01889 - 271046

Our website

What's on

Celtic Christmas Eve

for 1 hour
St. James the Less Church, Fradswell, Staffordshire.
off Church Lane Fradswell Stafford, ST18 0EY, United Kingdom

Join us for a gentle, lay-led Celtic Christmas Eve service of stillness, candlelight and holy anticipation.
Through story, poem and quiet carols, we pause together in the hush before Christmas — to watch, to listen, and to wait for the coming of Christ.
The church will glow with warmth and welcome, and refreshments of mulled wine and Christmas cake will follow.

Our Team Ministry

Safeguarding

Our parish of St James the Less, Fradswell, is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults from harm. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO). Our Diocese of Lichfield’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor who advises our PSO. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the PSO, Mrs Laura McTaggart who can be contacted by phone on 07834 388140 or by email at [email protected], or alternatively, the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor whose details can be found by clicking on the button below. 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.

Click on this button for more usefeul information from the Diocese of Lichfield

St. James the Less Church, Fradswell, Staffordshire. Charity No. 620366