Around the Ã山ǿ¼é at Christmas

A round-up of news from across the United Reformed Church in the run-up to Christmas.

Mersey Synod

West Kirby Ã山ǿ¼é enjoyed remembering the reason for the season with its children’s church during a Nativity service. Inspired by Luke 2:10, the church also invited members of the community to have fun taking photos by the angel wings in its window.

Wessex Synod

Woking Ã山ǿ¼é held a packed and joyful Christingle service.

Thames North Synod

Kensington Ã山ǿ¼é hosted a happy candlelit carol service. Afterwards, the congregation and friends enjoyed delicious Ukrainian savouries, Ghanaian dough balls, and traditional mince pies.

The Offices of General Assembly held a joint carol service with Methodist colleagues at Lumen Ã山ǿ¼é. Very special puppet guests entertained the congregation with a rendition of We Three Kings Of Orient Are.

East Midlands Synod

With festive light trails and immersive attractions often proving an expensive treat for families, Castle Hill Ã山ǿ¼é in Northampton decided to create its own magical seasonal light trail for the local community.

The Grade II listed church in Spring Boroughs has been transformed into a winter wonderland for 14 nights from 11 December, featuring indoor and outdoor lights, a light show set to music, interactive quizzes, and plenty of festive activities. Visitors can meet the elves in their workshop, stroll down Candy Cane Lane, enjoying free, high-quality refreshments and an indoor snowball fight, or become a character within the Nativity story, or take photos on Santa’s sleigh.

Amid the festive fun and celebration, visitors are reminded that Jesus is the light of the world. Children also receive goody bags to take home, including Ã山ǿ¼é Advent packs and a leaflet explaining the true meaning of Christmas.

Across the synod, the Dales Ã山ǿ¼é drama group led the congregation in a Nativity service.

West Midlands Synod

Some extra-special visitors — minus their three wise men — paid a visit to Baginton Road Ã山ǿ¼é during the church’s children’s activity morning.

Southern Synod

Christ Church Petts Wood’s orchestra delighted the congregation and friends with a wonderful array of music at its Christmas concert.

Yorkshire Synod

An impressive number of gifts were brought to Otley Bridge Ã山ǿ¼é’s gift service and donated to RETAS Leeds, a charity supporting refugees and asylum seekers to integrate socially, culturally, and economically into the local community.

Elsewhere in the synod, St Andrew’s Roundhay hosted a wreath-making workshop, with participants taking their creations home. All profits were donated to Leeds Children’s Charity at Lineham Farm and Christian Aid as part of the church’s 2025 Charity Appeal.

South Western Synod

Members of Zion United Church gathered at nearby Blackberry Park for carol singing. Despite the cold, much fun was had by all.