The Feast of EpiphanyThe Feast of Epiphany celebrates the revealing of God in human form, recalling the visit of the Magi (or wise men) who brought gifts to the infant Jesus.The word ‘epiphany’ comes from the Greek word ‘epiphaneia’ which means ‘appearing’.This is celebrated on 6th January, 12 days after Christmas Day.The season of Epiphany continues until 2nd February.Epiphany BlessingIt is a tradition that dates to the Middle Ages, bringing God’s blessing on homes for the year ahead. Chalking a symbolic blessing onto houses at Epiphany. The blessing to chalk this year is:-20 + C + M + B + 2424 stands for the year.C, M and B stand for the wise men – Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar – who we remember coming to worship Jesus at this time.These letters also stand for: Christus Mansion Benedicat – Latin for ‘May Christ bless this house’.In recent years and with the ongoing uncertainty of the year to come, it seems more pertinent than ever to ask for God’s blessing on our homes this year.If you would like to join this tradition, you can use chalk to write the symbolic blessing round the front door of your house (as it is chalk it will wear away over time, but the sentiment remains), and you might like to say the prayer.With every blessing to you and your household in 2024.Dear GodThe three wise menCaspar, Melchior and Balthasarfollowed the star to Bethlehem and tothe child Jesus, 2024 years ago,bringing gifts of blessing.I ask for your blessing on this homeAnd all who live here, in this year.May your peace fill this home and this heart,May you keep us safe and healthy.May all who visit hereKnow your warmth and loveAmen
A big shout out to everyone who worked so hard to deliver Let there be light in High Wych and our Carol Service at St James the Great Church - High Wych It was well worth it - taking in to account a range of very committed fundraisings including cake baking, mice sales, children’s service and general donations etc we have together raised a whopping £587 (😯) for the Night Shelter at https://www.facebook.com/HolyTrinityNightShelterCommunityOutreachWill update shortly on our separate benefice wide fundraising at our Christingles for the amazing Childrens Society charity
Due to various operations and amazing festive holidays, the St James choir is going to be a bit depleted for this years christingle and midnight mass services, so …… Do you love Christmas? Do you love to sing a carol? If the answer is yes to either of those questions and you would be willing to come and be part of our community choir at either of the services, we would be truly grateful! Service details/arrival times are below, you don’t need to read music, just be willing to be part of the chorus! Christingle - 24th at 17:00 (arrive 16:40 and ask for Janet or Gemma) Christmas jumper/Christmas hat or wear anything Christmasy Midnight Mass - 24th at 23:00 (arrive 22:40 and ask for Janet) this will be in choir robes so please arrive in plenty of time to be issued with oneThank you in advance!!!
This is just a great big thank you to everyone who helped organise and who took part in the Christmas Carols at the church this afternoon and for everyone who’s taken the time to decorate their traffic cone to take part in Let there be light in High Wych! Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus were in attendance, the shepherds, wise men and angels too. The mice made a return visit from the fields to join us and we even had Father Christmas make a surprise drop in ahead of the big day.Mince pies, mulled wine and chocolates were enjoyed by all, our community is truly amazing!Looking forward to seeing you all at the rest of our Benefice events over this advent time!
